River Falls Public Library

Display Policy

Date Approved: 2/2/1998
Approved by: Library Board of Trustees
Amended: 5/1/2000, 6/6/2006

The development of this statement of policy by the River Falls Public Library Board is in recognition of the need for guiding rules or principles. The rules, regulations, statements and procedures set forth in this policy are not final answers to every or any given problem and must be studied and interpreted in terms of the changing needs of the River Falls Public Library service area.

The River Falls Public Library subscribes to the principles for exhibit spaces set forth in the ALA Library Bill of Rights, Article VI:

• "Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use." (Adopted January 23, 1980 by ALA Council).

As an educational and cultural institution, the River Falls Public Library welcomes exhibits and displays of interest, information and enlightenment to the community. Displays of art, handiwork, historical material, nature study, or any other material deemed of general interest may be exhibited. The Library Board reserves the right to reject any display or item.

An Exhibit Selection Committee shall be appointed by the Library Board, consisting of the following members who will serve for a two-year term: 1) a Library Board member, 2) the Library Director, 3) the Library Event Coordinator, 4) two [2] members from the art community, and 5) one [1] member from the community at-large. The Exhibit Selection Committee will make decisions regarding acceptability and appropriateness of exhibits.

The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection, or possible damage or theft of any item displayed or exhibited. All items placed in the Library are done so at the owner's risk.

Areas available to the public for displays and exhibits are: the glass display cases in the lobby and the area history room, the walls forming the perimeters of the main library reading area, the glass display cases in the Collins Community Room, the Kleinpell Gallery space on the west end of the lower level, and on certain occasions, the Community Room itself.

Displays Proposed by Groups & Individuals

1. The exhibit areas may be reserved for use by educational, cultural, civic, and governmental groups when no admission charge is made. Organizations or individuals sponsoring an educational program of a non-profit nature will be permitted to use the exhibit areas, provided such exhibits are open freely to the general public.
2. Exhibits and displays are planned for a 12-month period, typically June to May. Proposals will be considered depending on the basis of space availability. If necessary, proposals will be juried by the Exhibit Committee or their appointees. Decisions may be appealed to the Library Board.
3. Purely commercial use of the exhibit space is prohibited.
4. Acceptance of a proposal by any group or individual shall not imply endorsement or approval by the River Falls Public Library. A disclaimer so stating shall appear in the display area. Each display will have a card indicating who prepared it and who to contact for information.
5. All items for display shall be submitted ready for exhibit. The Library will not furnish construction paper, letters, or other supplies. Adhesives may not be applied to the walls.
6.  The Library staff will not provide assistance in setting up or taking down displays. People and organizations using the facilities shall leave it neat, clean, and in orderly condition.
7. Groups will remove displays at the agreed time.
8. Artwork not picked up within 30 days following the conclusion of a display or exhibit will be considered to be a donation to the River Falls Public Library.

Displays Solicited by the River Falls Public Library

1. As part of a themed gallery exhibit or other displays throughout the building, items may be solicited by library staff. There is no stated or implied guarantee that items submitted in response to such a request will be displayed. Final decisions on which submission to use are to be made by library staff.
2. Artwork or other items submitted for display are done so at the owner's risk. The library accepts no liability for damage or theft, although great care will be taken when handling them and every effort will be made to keep them safe.
3. Artwork or other items will be picked up in timely manner following the conclusion of the display or exhibit. If, after two contacts by library staff, items are not picked up, or if arrangements to do so have not been made by the owner, the library shall consider items to be a donation, and may keep or dispose of item as meets the needs of the library, or as is dictated by available storage space.

Donations to the Permanent Collection & Display of those Items
The primary purpose of the exhibit spaces in the library is to showcase displays that are temporary in nature. The Library has limited storage for art and other pieces that patrons may wish to donate to the permanent collection. The Library cannot guarantee that items will be displayed on a regular basis. Thus, the following conditions apply:

1. Materials to be added to the permanent collection of the River Falls Public Library shall be approved by the Exhibit Committee. Decisions may be appealed to the Library Board.
2. Materials to be added to the permanent collection of the River Falls Public Library may not be displayed, except as prescribed by the Exhibit Selection Committee.
3. Donated items become the property of the River Falls Public Library, and may be sold, distributed, or disposed of as is deemed necessary to meet the library's needs.
4. The Library Board reserves the right to reject any or all donations.

REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION:
Materials will not be proscribed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval. The Library will not censor or remove a display, exhibit, or item because some members of the community may disagree with its content. Individuals who object to a particular display, exhibit, or item should complete a "Request for Reconsideration" form. Requests for reconsideration will be answered in writing by the River Falls Public Library administrative staff. Should a complainant wish to pursue the complaint, he/she may request a hearing by the Exhibit Selection committee. If the complainant wishes to appeal the decision of this committee, he/she may address the full Library Board at its regular meeting. All correspondence regarding a reconsideration request should be addressed to the Library Director, River Falls Public Library, 140 Union Street, River Falls, WI 54022.