Goodnow trustees defer photography policy after First Amendment training

SUDBURY — November 7, 2023 — Goodnow Library Trustees take a First Amendment crash course before December photography-policy vote. KP Law attorney Michael Dortensio told trustees Nov. 7 that libraries are a "designated public forum" where rules must be "reasonable and viewpoint-neutral" and limited to conduct outside the three protected activities: "reading, writing and quiet contemplation." He warned that First Amendment "auditors" who film in public buildings to provoke confrontations have begun reaching Massachusetts libraries, citing the Supreme Court's 9-0 Shurtleff ruling that cost Boston roughly $16 million in fees. Chair Katina Fontes directed staff to recirculate the draft photography policy alongside the existing behavior policy for the Dec. 5 meeting. Library Director Esme separately reported the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners doubled audiobook aid to the Minuteman network and that her FY25 budget meeting with the town manager is Nov. 13.