Policy Title: Exhibits, Displays, and Artwork

The St. Johns County Public Library System (the “Library”) provides educational and cultural enrichment to the community through exhibits and displays that promote literacy, learning, creativity, and an appreciation for diverse ideas and perspectives while allowing patrons to “Connect, Learn, Enjoy @ Your Library”.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the selection, installation, management, and deaccessioning of permanent and rotating exhibits, displays, and donated artwork in the Library’s public spaces. It outlines procedures for proposals, applications, and agreements related to exhibiting privileges and artwork donations that align with the Library’s mission and community interests.

Scope

This policy applies to all exhibits and artwork in the Library’s public areas on both permanent and rotating display, including but not limited to wall-mounted artwork, free-standing display units, and other designated spaces.

Guidelines

Exhibits, displays and artwork will be selected on their ability to further the Library’s mission, their relevance to the community, and their educational, cultural, or aesthetic value. All exhibits, displays and artwork within the Library will follow basic guidelines:

The Library appreciates the desire of individuals and organizations to donate works of art for public display in branch libraries. Persons who wish to donate artwork shall complete an Artwork Donation Agreement Form.
Once artwork is donated to the Library, it becomes the sole property of the Library. The Library reserves the right to display, store, sell, donate, or otherwise dispose of the artwork at its discretion, without notifying or seeking approval from the original donor. The Library is under no obligation to permanently display or retain any donated artwork.
The Library’s spaces for exhibit or display are open to organizations engaged in educational, cultural, intellectual or charitable activities.
Priority will be given to exhibits and displays that promote literacy, learning, and creativity; explore topics of current interest or importance; highlight diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences; and showcase local artists, organizations, and community groups.
Exhibits and displays must be appropriate for all ages and audiences. Content that is discriminatory, hateful, or obscene will not be accepted. The Library reserves the right to reject or remove any exhibit, display or artwork that violates this policy or local, state, or federal laws.
All exhibits must be free of charge and open to the public.
Exhibits may not support the election or defeat of a political candidate, or be of a partisan nature, or promote a specific religion in an exclusionary manner.

Liability

Prior to the approval of exhibit/display items, exhibitors must first complete an Application for Exhibit and Display Space Privileges. Persons who wish to donate artwork to the Library shall submit a completed Artwork Donation Agreement Form. The Library is not responsible for any damage, loss, or theft of exhibited items. Exhibitors are encouraged to obtain appropriate insurance for valuable items.

Reconsideration

The Library welcomes expressions of opinion from patrons concerning exhibits, displays and artwork. If a patron questions a library exhibit, display, or work of art, they should first address the concern with a Library staff member. Patrons who wish to continue their request for review of Library exhibits, displays, or artwork may review the Request for Reconsideration policy. The exhibit will remain in place until a decision has been made.