Library Information
Policy on Displays and Exhibits
Revised and Adopted by Rochester Public Library Board on November 19, 2008
Because the Rochester Public Library is a community center, it invites local organizations to submit exhibits of cultural, artistic and educational interest for temporary placement in the library building. In addition, the display cases are also available for the use of community groups and organizations to mount educational displays about holiday and seasonal celebrations. Display space is not available for the sale or promotion of business products or services; nor is it available for political purposes or religious proselytizing. However, religious displays are accepted and encouraged if they are educational.
Appropriate exhibits are accepted regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of groups sponsoring them. Acceptance of an exhibit does not imply library endorsement. The name of the sponsoring group and a contact telephone number must be visible, but no prices or sales advertising is permitted.
Exhibits may be scheduled for up to one month. Reservations for display space may be made up to 90 days in advance of the reservation date. Exceptions for the 90 day reservation time limit may be made for traveling exhibits because they often require a longer lead time to secure. Reservations are accepted on a first come, first-served basis; however, organizations may be limited to one exhibit per calendar year. In addition, a theme may be limited to one display case at a time. Arrangements for scheduling, mounting, and removing an exhibit are to be made through the Administration Office on second floor or by calling 507.328.2310.
Library staff can select books from the library’s collection for use in the display. A minimum of one work week (Monday - Friday) advance notice is required for this service. Please indicate your interest in this service at the time your display is scheduled.
The setting up and removing of display materials must be done at the time agreed upon when the space is reserved. Items not removed from the displays at the scheduled time will be boxed by library staff and stored at the library. Neither the Rochester Public Library nor the City of Rochester is responsible for any damage or theft that may occur to an exhibit placed in the library.
DISPLAY CASE
The libraray's glass display case is appropriate for exhibits that can be placed on shelves behind glass, and do not a include table or wall space. The display case is located on first floor between the Public Services Desk and the Children’s Desk. Priority is given to holiday and seasonal celebration displays.
TABLE EXHIBITS
NOTE: Table exhibit space will not be available this summer during the RACE exhibit from May 17 - Sept 4.
Table space is available on the second floor near the elevator. This table exhibit is especially useful for displays which include the distribution of educational flyers and brochures. The name of the sponsoring group and a contact telephone number must be displayed with the table exhibits on a sign no smaller than 8-1/2” by 11”. If this information is not displayed, the library will post a sign with the contact name and phone number provided with the display booking.
A very limited space is available for a display in the Children’s area. The display area is on top of a book shelf and would be particularly suited for displays targeted to families of preschool age children.
WALL-MOUNTED EXHIBITS
Attractive, wall-mounted exhibits with a "professional" appearance may be placed on the walls in the hallway leading to the auditorium.
last updated: 3/22/10