FARMINGTON LIBRARIES
LIBRARY DISPLAY and EXHIBIT POLICY
Updated and Approved October 22, 2025
Policy
To guide Library staff in selecting, developing, and maintaining displays and exhibits of library materials that meet the community's needs.
Purpose
The Farmington Libraries partner with the community to empower people to learn, connect and grow. The Libraries provide free access to services, experiences, and resources that offer opportunities to explore, create, and share ideas. To achieve this end, the following procedures outline the guidelines and process by which library staff select and maintain library displays and exhibits.
Scope
This policy applies to all displays or exhibits created by the Libraries.
Roles & Responsibilities
The Library Board delegates development, presentation, and oversight of displays to the Library Executive Director and staff. The Info Services, Youth Services, and Barney Branch Manager are accountable for planning, scheduling, and implementing displays. Designated Library staff are responsible for the development, coordination, and supervision of Library displays. The final responsibility for library displays is held by the Library Executive Director, but day-to-day responsibility is shared by professionally trained library employees throughout the library to curate and maintain displays and exhibits.
Definition
A display or exhibit, for this policy is defined as a collection of items curated by library staff and on view in the library. Displays or exhibits created by individuals who do not work at the library are excluded from this policy. See the Libraries’ Art Exhibit policy for information on non-library exhibits and the Libraries’ Community Board policy for information on our public bulletin board.
Procedures
Display and Exhibit Selection criteria
Library displays and exhibits provide content that is relevant to the research, independent interests and educational needs of community members. Displays and exhibits are also curated for the general interest and enlightenment of all residents, aiming to represent a wide range of diverse viewpoints and interests. They may also serve as a resource for voluntary inquiry and the dissemination of information and ideas, thereby serving to promote free expression and free access to ideas within the library’s collection
A library display or exhibit is a curated arrangement of materials, such as books, movies, or magazines, presented in a visually appealing way to highlight specific topics or events, promote circulation, and make the library's collection more accessible and engaging for patrons. Library displays are designed to educate, inform, and engage patrons by showcasing materials or collections.
Library staff are professionally trained to develop displays and exhibits and use the following criteria in making decisions about display topics, exhibits, and bulletin boards:
- Community needs and interest
- Historical, cultural, or educational significance
- Appeal to a wide range of ages, interests, and information needs
- Relevance to the interest, entertainment, and educational needs of our community
- Connection to other community or national programs, exhibitions, or events
- Relation to library collections, resources, exhibits, and programs
- The Libraries may partner with other community agencies, organizations, educational institutions, or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored displays and exhibits
- Availability of display space
The Libraries strive to include a wide spectrum of opinions and viewpoints in library-initiated displays and exhibits. Library-initiated displays and exhibits should not exclude topics, books, media, and other resources solely because they may be considered controversial.
All library display/exhibit materials are evaluated and made accessible in accordance with the protections against discrimination set forth in section 46a-64 of the general statutes.
Intellectual Freedom and Censorship
The choice of library materials by patrons is an individual matter. The library recognizes that some materials may be controversial or offensive to an individual, and maintains that individuals can apply their values only to themselves. The selection of library materials is predicated on the customer’s right of access to information and freedom from censorship.
The Farmington Libraries supports intellectual freedom and endorses the American Library Association (ALA) Freedom to Read Statement, Freedom to View Statement, the Library Bill of Rights, and all relevant interpretations.
Selection of materials included in displays or exhibits will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may inadvertently come into the possession of or be seen by minors. No one can exercise censorship to restrict access to library materials by others. It is the parents' or guardians' responsibility to determine which library materials are appropriate for their children.
Request for Review and Reconsideration
The Farmington Libraries recognize the importance of hearing from the public. Farmington and Unionville residents may request reconsideration of library materials, displays or programs. See the Farmington Libraries Material Review and Reconsideration Policy for more information on how to request a review and reconsideration.
Location
This policy is housed on the Farmington Libraries’ website: https://www.farmingtonlibraries.org/about-us/policies. A copy is maintained in the Libraries’ Administration Office.
This policy conforms with CT Public Act 25-168 Sec. 322,323