The library’s display case is made available to Delafield area non-profit community groups, as well as to individuals with collections of community-wide interest. Exhibits and displays mounted by the library and the Friends of Delafield Public Library to promote their activities, have priority in reserving space. Non-library groups or individuals are not allowed to mount displays or exhibits in other areas of the library unless specifically invited by the library as part of a joint venture.
The Board of Trustees of the Delafield Public Library affirms its support for the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, which states in part, “Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use … Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.”
Guidelines for display materials:
- The material is non-partisan.
- The material is of an education, cultural, recreational, or philanthropic nature and related to the local community.
- The material cannot be used to further private business interests by for-profit organizations or individuals.
Religious and political exhibits and displays are permissible for informational purposes; displays which proselytize or attempt to evangelize for a single point of view will not be permitted.
All displays must meet existing State and Federal laws on obscenity, libel, defamation of character or invasion of privacy. The Library Director reserves the right to determine the acceptability of the content and appearance or a display.
Applicants will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Reservations will be accepted up to one year in advance of the date requested. Scheduling by library staff will take into account the library’s desire to provide a variety of subject matter and media.
Displays may not involve the sale, advertisement, solicitation, or promotion of commercial products. The Library Director is authorized to make exceptions for sale of art display items where a portion of the proceeds is donated to the Delafield Public Library or the Friends of the Delafield Public Library.
Each display case exhibit will include a statement indicating that the display does not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the Delafield Public Library Board of Trustees and staff. The library will provide a small sign with this statement.
Exhibitor’s responsibilities
The person mounting a display is responsible for setting up his or her own display, arranging, and dismantling the exhibit. The library staff is not available to assist the exhibitor with setting up or taking down the exhibit. No display materials may be left anywhere in the library in preparation for setting up or removal of a display.
All advertisements, announcements, press releases, flyers, etc. relating to displays and exhibits must clearly state, “This display is not sponsored by the Delafield Public Library.”
The library may, but is not obligated to, publicize a display case exhibit as part of its routine public relations. The artist, group, or individual are encouraged publicize an exhibit externally.
Library responsibility and rights
The library does not attempt to ensure that all points of view are represented in any single display. Granting of permission to display materials does not imply library endorsement of content, nor will the library accept responsibility for the accuracy of statements made in any displays.
The library is not responsible for any loss, damage, destruction or theft of artworks or other object in an exhibit. Any person or group using the library’s display or exhibit spaces hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Delafield Public Library from any and all actions or suits relating to its use of such spaces.
Approved by the Delafield Public Library Board of Trustees on April 8, 2025.