2019 NLA Conference

There are possible conflicts for libraries that allow the public to use their meeting rooms between the right of free speech and the prohibition against hate speech. The balance of the 1st Amendment and public forum can be difficult and professionals have to consider a variety of topics.

This talk will discuss relevant court cases, legal fundamentals, policy fundamentals, how to formulate policies for the use of meeting rooms, and what to do if your library is challenged over a meeting room issue.

Legal advocacy groups have sued public libraries that refuse to give meeting space to religious groups. Discussion about defining a religious group, a meeting versus worship gathering, topics of restriction of speech, and other hot-button subjects are on our agenda! Come join us!