Approved by the Petersburg Public Library Advisory Board, February 24, 2026

Purpose

To establish equitable, viewpoint-neutral guidelines for library displays and exhibits that support the Library's mission and intellectual freedom principles.

Scope

This policy applies to all library-controlled display and exhibit spaces, including cases, tables, shelving, walls/windows, bulletin boards, and similar areas. It covers both library-initiated and community (user-initiated) displays and exhibits.

General Guidelines

  1. Library-initiated displays take priority.
  2. Display spaces are a limited public forum administered in a viewpoint-neutral manner, consistent with the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights (Articles I, II, and VI).
  3. Displays and exhibits, including art, will not be excluded or removed based on the origin, background, or views of the creator, or due to partisan, political, doctrinal, or aesthetic disapproval.
  4. Restrictions on displays will be based only on time, place, and manner considerations such as space limitations, safety, or operational needs, and not on viewpoint.
  5. Inclusion of a display or exhibit does not imply Library or Borough endorsement.
  6. Written concerns will be reviewed through the Library's reconsideration process.
  7. The Library Director or designee enforces this policy.
  8. The Library, Borough, and staff/Board are not responsible for loss, theft, or damage and do not provide insurance.
  9. The Library may photograph displays for publicity or documentation unless stated otherwise in writing.

Library-Initiated Displays and Art Exhibits

Displays and exhibits are curated by Library staff to promote collections, programs, services, community learning, or library-initiated art exhibits, including themed or invitational shows and Library-selected partnerships. These exhibits represent library programming and are not subject to a public application process.

All art exhibits are initiated, hosted, and curated by the Library. Prices are set by the artist and approved by the Library. The Library handles all sales transactions in accordance with Borough financial procedures. Sold artwork remains on display for the full exhibit period.

An application and waiver are required. Proceeds are distributed 70% to the artist / 30% to the Petersburg Public Library.