As an educational and cultural institution, the Urbandale Public Library welcomes exhibits and postings of interest to the community, and as such, will provide bulletin board space to notify the public of special local programs, events, and activities that cater to educational, cultural, recreational, and occupational needs; will arrange for and publicize displays that are in keeping with its mission and will allow the authorized independent exhibit and distribution of materials as space and time permit.  The use of the Library’s display spaces is subject to review by the Library Director.

The foundation upon which all access is built is the Library Bill of Rights, first adopted by the American Library Association (ALA) in June of 1948. The interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights relating to Exhibit Spaces and Meeting Rooms was adopted by the ALA Council in February 1981.

Materials which constitute advertising for an individual business will not be accepted for any of the spaces.  Items with advertising may be accepted if, in the judgment of the library staff, the item contains information of interest to library customers. 

The posting or display of materials in the Library does not imply endorsement by the Library of the groups represented.  Informational materials which advocate a position on issues such as candidates for public office, advocating an affirmative or negative vote on any proposition, or advocating one belief over another will not be accepted.

General Guidelines for Brochure and Announcements

1. Posters, notices and materials for distribution or display should be submitted to the Library staff. Nothing may be posted or removed from posting except by authorized Library staff. Items will be posted or offered for distribution subject to space limitations and general guidelines.
2. No organization or individual will be permitted to place in the Library any box or receptacle which solicits donations, unless approved by the Library Board. 
   

Brochure Distribution
First consideration for placement will be given to the Library, the Library Foundation and City of Urbandale materials. Educational and/or informational materials from non-profit organizations receive next priority. Brochures which provide information about the area or promote tourism may also be displayed provided there is space available.  Public brochures are limited to the bins in the library’s lobby.

Bulletin Board Announcements
Posters announcing events or programs sponsored by any local educational, cultural, religious, or fraternal association may be displayed provided there is room for such displays in the public posting area and they are of reasonable size. Announcements of courses offered by educational institutions or sponsored by recognized community groups may be submitted

No commercial notices, garage or other sale signs, services for which fees are charged, or signs soliciting donations will be posted.  Postings are limited to the public bulletin boards. 

Displays
A display will be defined as items such as handiwork, historical material, nature study, or any other material deemed of general interest may be exhibited in the Library’s display cases located in the lobby and in the Children/Teen areas.  

General Guidelines for Displays

1. Library staff has priority use of all exhibit areas. Non-Library groups may request exhibit space following the above stated purpose.
2. Contact the Audio Visual Librarian for availability of display spaces.  The Library Director will have final authority over all displays scheduled and reserves the right to reschedule or cancel non-library displays due to Library needs. Use of the display and exhibit space may be denied or cancelled if any Library regulation or applicable law is violated.
3. The Library reserves the right to locate and position displays and to change the arrangement in any way necessary.
4. No display or exhibit will be of a purely commercial nature.
5. Display and exhibit items must be removed from the Library within one week after the agreed end of the scheduled display or the Library will dispose of the materials.

Security for Displays and Exhibits
The Library cannot furnish insurance on loaned display items and equipment. Items put on display will be at the owner’s risk. Evidence of damage to items or theft of items on display will be reported immediately to the lender.

Promotion of Displays and Exhibits
The Library will promote displays on the Library’s web page. Name and contact information for the group or individual shall be part of the display.  The individual responsible for the display or exhibit should coordinate promotional efforts with Library staff.

Approved Urbandale Public Library Board of Trustees 4/25/2005