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Display Case Policy
The Fountaindale Public Library District (hereinafter the “Library” or the “District”) provides limited display cases to non-profit organizations and individuals for the display of artistic, civil, cultural, educational, community service and public information exhibits to share with members of the Library and the Fountaindale community. Use of the Library’s display cases is governed by this Display Case Policy and any applicable rules or regulations adopted by the Library. The Library Board of Trustees may modify, amend or supplement this policy, as it deems necessary and appropriate.
Use of the Library’s display cases is subject to the following rules and regulations:
Priority for Use
The primary purpose of the Library’s display case areas is to promote and supplement the services, activities, and programs of the Library. As such, the Library shall have first priority to the use of all display cases.
Organizations and individuals based in the District shall be given priority.
Two display cases are available in the Children’s Services Department.
All other display cases are exclusively for the Library’s use.
Limits of Use
The display cases are designed and intended to provide information to the Library’s patrons or showcase to the Library’s patrons information about local events or services of an artistic, civic, cultural, educational, or community service.
The following types of items shall not be displayed in the Library’s display cases:
- Items regarding paid services;
- Items for sale;
- Items that advertise or sell personal or commercial items or services (e.g. autos, used furniture, day care, house cleaning, tutoring, etc.) or for personal or commercial solicitation, fundraising, or recruitment. Note: Promotions of fundraising by Fountaindale area non-profit organizations may be permitted.
- Items promoting political parties or candidates, or those advocating any other issue on the election ballot;
- Items that advocate a position on a public issue;
- Items that violate any local, state, or federal law, including, but not limited to, those concerning copyright, fraud, privacy, or obscenity;
- Items that are not suitable for viewing by minors;
- Items that incite violence or that promote hatred toward or discrimination against any individuals or groups of individuals.
Procedures
A Display Case License Agreement must be completed and signed prior to any public use of the Library’s display cases.
Display items must be of a reasonable size in relation to the space available and will not be accepted if they detract from the effective use of the space. No hardware, equipment, or objects that may cause damage to the Library’s display cases or any of the Library’s facilities will be allowed in the display or setting up of the display. If such damage occurs, the organization/individual/group shall be responsible for all costs incurred by the Library to restore, replace or fix the damaged property. The potential for any such damage may be considered grounds for denial of an organization/individual/group’s display case application.
The Library’s display cases are kept locked at all times except during setup and removal.
No display materials may be left 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. If the setting up of the display would interfere with normal library activities and work, the display will not be permitted.
The display case must be restored to its original clean condition by the organization/individual/group.
The Library reserves the right to enhance displays with library books and materials that will contribute to the presentation.
No group may reassign its use of the display case and the display must appear as described in the approved application.
A short description with or without photograph(s) of the display may be included in the library website, newsletter, eNews, local newspapers, or community newsletters, at the Library’s sole and absolute discretion.
Endorsement
The Library’s license to an organization/individual/group to use the Library’s display cases does not constitute the Library’s endorsement of any product, service, activity, policy, belief, event, or viewpoint set forth in the group/individual’s display.
Failure to Comply
Violation of this Display Case Policy may result in the loss of display case privileges.
Damages and Liability
The Library assumes no responsibility or liability for the preservation, protection, loss of or damage to any part of a display at any time. All items brought to and placed in the Library are done so at the owner’s own risk.
Any individual, group or organization using the Library’s display cases shall be held responsible for willful or accidental damage to the Library’s display case(s), facilities or building.
Appeal and Review
The Executive Director or his/her designee shall exercise reasonable discretion in determining what use is “in the best interest of the Library” and is authorized to act accordingly, including limiting the use of the Library’s display cases by individuals whose activities interfere with Library operations, adversely affect public safety, or cause public disturbances.
Any appeals for changes to, or exceptions to, any portion of this Display Case Policy will be considered by the Library. An individual wishing to file an appeal shall submit it to the Executive Director in writing. The Executive Director will respond in writing.