Purpose:
The purpose of displays and exhibits in the library is to fulfill the library’s mission of promoting the educational, informational, and cultural enrichment of the community, and to increase public awareness of the library’s resources.
Use of display case:
The library’s display case is for library, not public, use. Preparation of exhibits using the library’s display case shall be the responsibility of the library staff and shall further one or more of these purposes:
- To promote a theme related to library services, collections, or programs.
- To bring together library materials which relate to a theme of current interest.
- To explain the activities of a civic, nonprofit, government, school, social or other group engaged in community events or activities, and not for the purpose of commercial gain.
- To display collections or hobbies of local residents as these relate to a.
Exhibits in main library reading room:
Groups requesting exhibit space in the main library reading room should make their request to the Library Director on a form provided by the library. Specifications regarding the name and contact information for the organization, nature of the exhibit, space requirements, and requested length of time for the exhibit should be provided.
The Library Director shall determine the length of time for display of the exhibit and the applicability of any other regulations for display of the exhibit. The Director shall have the discretion to refer any request for an exhibit to the Library Board for its approval.
Exhibit space is provided to the public on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of the individuals or groups requesting its use. Allowing a display to be exhibited does not constitute an endorsement of its contents or points of view by the library. Those who object or disagree with the content of any exhibit are entitled to submit a request to display their own exhibit, which will be judged according to the policies established by the library.
The library does not accept commercial exhibits unless they have a special educational, informational, or cultural value to the community. The library does not accept any materials being offered for sale to the public unless the proceeds are intended to directly benefit the library. No non-library affiliated organization shall be permitted to place any box or receptacle in the library which solicits donations.
Review:
The library has the right to review materials before any exhibit is set up. The library will not accept exhibits which are judged either illegal or inappropriate for a public library setting (i.e., one that is free and open to persons of all ages). The decision of the Library Director may be appealed to the Library Board.
The sponsoring group is responsible for creating the exhibit, and for setting up and removing it according to schedule. The name and contact information for the group or individual preparing the exhibit must be a part of the exhibit.
Responsibility for loss or damage:
Insurance covering the value of items displayed or exhibited will be the responsibility of the displayer. The library accepts no responsibility for the preservation or protection of items displayed or exhibited, or for damage or theft of any item displayed or exhibited. All items placed on display are done so at the owner’s risk. The displayer will be responsible for any damage to library property.
Bulletin board and pamphlet case:
No poster, brochure, or other item shall be displayed or placed in the library for distribution without permission from the Library Director or staff designee. Staff monitors the bulletin board on a weekly basis and publications are routinely pulled when they are out of date, inappropriate to the mission of the library, or when there is not enough space for adequate display.
Political information:
Informational materials advocating a position on political issues such as support for a candidate for public office or advocating an affirmative or negative vote on any proposition may only be displayed in the pamphlet case due to space limitations.
Cancellation of display or exhibit:
The library reserves the right to cancel any display or exhibit should any condition or situation, such as a unique exhibit opportunity or unforeseen need, warrant such action.
Adopted by Wasco County Board of Commissioners