The purpose of the Library’s display spaces is to increase public awareness of the Library’s resources and to fulfill its mission: Northland Public Library enables, empowers and encourages lifelong learning and discovery in a safe, welcoming space for all; and vision: Northland will serve as a positive influence on society by ensuring our library is welcoming and inclusive to all.
Library-Created Displays
- Library staff create displays of books and other library materials in order to serve one or more of the following purposes:
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- To call attention to a theme related to the Library’s services, collections or programs;
- To highlight current issues, events or other subjects of public interest;
- To showcase items from the collection about which patrons may be unaware;
- To make patrons aware of new books and other materials;
- To aid patrons in choosing their next read.
- All points of view are not necessarily included in a single display.
- Patrons who would like to voice their objection to a particular Library display are welcome to speak with a department manager or a director.
Non-Library-Created Displays
- Displays created by an outside individual or group must serve one of the following purposes:
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- To display original art, crafts, photographs or writings created by local artists;
- To explain the activities of local organizations and agencies engaged in educational, recreational, cultural, intellectual or charitable activities;
- To display interesting collections or hobbies of local residents.
- Use of display space(s) by an outside individual/organization does not constitute an endorsement by the Library of the individual’s/organization’s beliefs, policies or programs.
- The individual/organization will issue no publicity indicating Library sponsorship and the Library reserves the right to post disclaimers concerning displays.
- The Executive Director or designated staff member shall be provided a copy of handout literature, materials, and press releases associated with displays.
- The Library assumes no responsibility for loss, damage or destruction of items left for display. All displays must meet existing state and federal laws on obscenity, libel, defamation of character and invasion of privacy.
- The Library reserves the right to refuse display space to exhibits which, in the Library’s opinion, do not further the Display Space Policy purpose.
- Exhibitors may not actively solicit or conduct sales of any items/services on the Library grounds. However, contact information may be available with the display.
- Library-produced or solicited displays have priority over displays proposed by non-Library groups or individuals.
- All displays must be approved by designated Library staff.
Display space includes but is not limited to:
- Various areas throughout the children’s, teen and adult areas specifically designated for Library-staff-curated displays that feature items from the Library’s collection;
- Walls surrounding the adult nonfiction collection;
- Community bulletin boards on the lower level elevator area;
- Pamphlet display case in the lower lobby;
- NPL may occasionally partner with other art or educational organizations to host a display in various other areas of the Library.
Guidelines for Displaying on The Adult Nonfiction Walls
- The wall space will be utilized by a non-profit group/organization or their members, or an educational institution to showcase and educate the community about their offerings.
- Groups and individuals that are part of the groups displaying are prohibited from selling their pieces on the premises.
- Groups and individuals agree to lend their works for a predetermined amount of time.
- Groups and individuals are responsible for hanging, arranging and then retrieving their pieces.
Community Bulletin Board and Pamphlet Display Case Posting Guidelines
- All posts and pamphlets must be approved by designated Library staff and are not necessarily endorsed by Northland Public Library.
- Items accepted for posting:
- Community event;
- Instructional offering;
- Information about a community service;
- Events/programs that reflect the Library’s mission or vision statements.
- Posting criteria include:
- One poster per event/organization;
- Posters larger than 8 ½ x 11” may be excluded due to space limitation;
- Dated material is generally posted no more than three weeks prior to the event;
- Ongoing items of interest may stay posted as long as space permits.
- Items not acceptable for posting:
- Business advertisements;
- Child care organizations;
- Employment solicitation;
- For-profit endeavors;
- Flyers advertising fundraisers.
Failure to abide by this policy will result in the forfeiture of display privileges at Northland Public Library.
Approved 7/11/2013
Rev 1/23/2024