Community Display and Exhibit Policy

Issued: 10/2009
Updated: 8/2024

Mission:

The mission of Monterey County Free Libraries is to bring ideas, inspiration, information and enjoyment to our community.

The Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) encourages the artistic and cultural interests in our diverse communities. Some of the branch libraries in the MCFL system have areas that can be used for displaying art and other exhibits of an educational, cultural, civic, or recreational nature. MCFL makes these spaces available as a service to the public. These spaces are not intended for commercial enterprises, nor for exhibits designed to serve specific political or religious groups or parties.

Members of the public that want to use the designated display area must complete the MCFL Display Request and Release of Liability Form. Displays will be approved and scheduled by the Branch Manager at each library location. MCFL endeavors to present a broad spectrum of opinions and viewpoints. The display of materials in the libraries does not constitute the endorsement by MCFL of the artists, organizations, or sentiments expressed. Displays should be designed with the understanding that they will be viewed by people of all ages and in keeping with community standards.

MCFL facilities are community resources that are used for a variety of functions including meetings, cultural and educational programs, children’s story times, and arts and crafts programs. Thus, library display areas are open to the public and not secured or constantly monitored by library staff. MCFL does not have insurance to cover public displays. Artists or exhibiting organizations should make their own insurance arrangements if desired. All risk of loss and responsibility for damage to the artist’s work shall be assumed by the artist or displaying organization. The person responsible for the exhibit must sign the MCFL Display Request and Release of Liability Form.

The individual submitting a display request is required to have a valid MCFL library card, be eighteen years of age or older, and assume all responsibility for following the MCFL Community Display and Exhibit Policy.

MCFL will attempt to give as many artists or organizations the opportunity to display as is reasonably possible. Displays will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and will be exhibited for one calendar month (including installation and dismantling), unless otherwise approved by the branch manager.

The library reserves the right to have the final decision on the arrangement and content of all exhibits and displays. Displays must not interfere with normal library operations. Exhibitors are responsible for hanging or displaying the materials in the designated areas without damaging or making any permanent changes to the display areas. They are also responsible for returning the display area to its original condition when their exhibits are finished. Library staff may remove displays if they remain past the agreed-upon exhibition dates. MCFL is not responsible for any damage that may accidentally occur as a result of such actions.

No fees are charged by MCFL for use of the display space in its libraries. Artists or groups using library display spaces may not charge an admission fee, request donations, or solicit funds with their displays. No sale price may be advertised/displayed for any of the items on view.

MCFL Branch managers may make additional rules for the use of exhibit spaces in their libraries based on specific library facilities and conditions.