Date Approved: 2/2/98
Approved by: Library Board Date
Amended: 5/1/00
The development of this statement of policy by the River
Falls Public Library Exhibit Committee is in recognition of the need for
guiding rules or principles which can be followed in deciding actions to
be taken when various problems are made known to it. 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. This policy will be in support of article six of the
American Library Association Bill of Rights:
"Libraries should make exhibit spaces available to
the public they serve and 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).
The utilization of exhibit space 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.
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 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, which in the judgment of the library administration
is illegal or which may interfere with the normal operation of the
library.
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
meeting room and the walls forming the perimeters of the main library
reading area.
The following conditions will apply:
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.
Purely commercial use of the exhibit space is
prohibited.
The River Falls Public Library Exhibit Committee
encourages visits by young children and it is our desire to make this
important visit both memorable and enjoyable for the child. All children
under 6 years of age, attending exhibits, shall be accompanied by an
adult.
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. This committee appointed by the Library
Board shall consist of the following members who will serve for a two year
term: 1) a Library Board member, 2) the Library Director, 3) 2 members
from the art community, and 4) one member from the community at-large. The
Exhibit Selection Committee will also make decisions regarding
acceptability and appropriateness of exhibits when necessary. The Library
Board reserves the right to reject any or all donations.
Each individual or group will be required to complete a
release form, kept at the Reference Desk. Reservations may be taken up to
12 months in advance, and are booked at a first-come, first serve basis.
No exhibit may be on display for a period exceeding 60 days and no group
may reserve exhibit space more than twice in one calendar year without
prior approval by the library administration. Cancellations must be
received in writing one week in advance. The Library Director may restrict
viewing hours for special exhibits.
All handiwork 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.
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.
Groups will remove displays at the agreed time.
Art work on display at the library may be sold under the
following conditions:
All sales are to be handled directly by the artist or
the artist’s agent off library grounds. It is suggested that a
percentage of all sales be donated by the artist back to the Library
Foundation for the express purpose of helping to fund the completion of
the exhibit hall space in the basement of the library. The work of art
that is purchased will remain on display until showing period is passed.
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 a 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.
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