Columbia County Public Library

Display Case and Exhibit Policy

     Priority use of the display cases and other exhibit areas are reserved for use first by the Columbia County Public Library, secondly by other Columbia County Departments and Agencies and thirdly by Columbia County residents or organizations. When not in use by the Library, the display cases and exhibit areas are available for non-profit, non-commercial exhibits. Individuals and community organizations may use the display cases and exhibit areas for presentations of an educational, civic, cultural or artistic nature. Displays do not constitute endorsement of the content by the Columbia County Public Library. The display cases and exhibit areas are not available for partisan political displays urging support for or opposition to candidates for office or  issues on the ballot.

1. Application for displays will be made through the Library’s Administration Office. Display cases or exhibits are generally scheduled for a one-month period and scheduling is on a first-come first-serve basis and only once in a calendar year. The Library reserves the right to direct the exhibitor to remove the display at any time.
2. The Library has the right to review the materials before the display or exhibit is set up. The Library will not accept displays, exhibits, posters, etc. which are judged illegal, offensive or inappropriate for a public library setting (i.e. one that is free and open to persons of all ages), obscene, defamatory, invades a particular person’s privacy, or directly incites violence. Displays/exhibits that promote discrimination against persons or groups will be refused.
3. The Library reserves the right to enhance displays with library books and materials that will contribute to the presentation.
4. The Library does not have space for storage of the property of exhibitors in the library buildings, therefore no display materials may be left anywhere at the Library in preparation for the setting up or removal of a display. Set up and removal must take place in as concise a time period as possible. The Library reserves the right to remove and dispose of displays that are left past the reservation period.
5. Placement and removal of exhibits will be the responsibility of the exhibitors and may be conducted only during regular library hours. Entrances and aisles may not be obstructed.
6. The Library assumes no responsibility or liability for the preservation, protection, loss of or damage to any part of the exhibit. All items placed in the Library are done so at the owner’s risk. Insurance covering the value of the display or exhibit will be the responsibility of the exhibitor. All exhibitors will sign an agreement statement that releases the Library from any responsibility for theft or damage.
7. Each approved exhibitor will supply a complete inventory of the display or exhibit and the reasonable estimated value of each item. Items on display or exhibit in the Library enjoy the same security as the Library’s collections and equipment, but irreplaceable items or items of great value should not be included in a display.
8. Display of items or posting of notices does not constitute an endorsement by the Library.
9. Determination of the appropriateness of the display or material for posting is the sole decision of the Library Director or delegated representative.
10. The Library is not in any way involved in the sale of any exhibit item. No prices or price lists are to appear with the exhibit, nor will library staff give any indication of an item’s value. Artists displaying their work may give their contact information in the display.
11. Exhibits may not include fund raising. Exceptions may be made for library-sponsored displays and displays presented by groups affiliated with the Library, such as the Friends of the Columbia County Public Library.
12. All exhibits must conform to the space restrictions of the display case or exhibit areas.
13. The exhibitor will furnish all supplies, tools and other materials for the displays. Adhesives may not be applied to the display cases or exhibit areas.
14. Damage to the premises, equipment or furnishings as a result of exhibitor use will be charged to the individual or group responsible. Exhibitors may not mount their artworks in a manner that defaces the space provided.
15. The Library Director or delegated representative reserves the right to cancel any display or exhibit should conditions or situations, such as a unique exhibit opportunity or unforeseen need, warrant such action. If a display or exhibit is canceled, the exhibitor will have the right to display his or her exhibit again, for the full duration of the exhibit time originally scheduled, at the earliest convenience of the exhibitor and the Library.

The Columbia County Public Library is committed to the following guidelines for display set out in Article I of the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights: “Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.” Article II adds: “Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.” And Article VI maintains that exhibit space should be make available “on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.”

Approved by the Board of County Commissioners on 08/06/2009