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EXHIBITS & DISPLAYS

The Main Library makes space available to individuals and organizations for exhibits and displays. Those interested in using exhibit or display space may submit an online application form or call the library's administrative office at 617-376-1312.

Exhibit & Display Policy

Policy Statement
Definitions
Content of Exhibits/Displays
Selection & Scheduling of Exhibits/Displays
Installation of Exhibits/Displays
Publicity
Other
Exhibit Space Available
Display Space Available
Application Procedure

Policy Statement
In keeping with its mission to meet the educational and recreational needs of the community and its role as a community cultural center, the Thomas Crane Public Library makes library exhibit and display spaces available without charge to community groups, organizations, and individuals. The Library presents exhibits and displays of paintings, photography, sculpture and other art works, as well as documents, artifacts and other ephemera, with the purpose of providing educational and cultural enrichment and lifelong learning, promoting library resources, and reaching out to the community.

Definitions
Exhibits
Exhibits generally include paintings, photography, sculpture and other art works, presented using the Library's exhibit panels. Exhibits may also include technology and educational presentations with textual information.

Displays
Displays generally include documents, photographs, artifacts, and ephemera, presented using the Library's locking glass display cases.

Regulations

    Content of Exhibits/Displays
  1. Exhibits and displays must be of an educational, cultural or civic nature. Exhibit/display space will be granted to qualified individuals or groups, with preference given to Quincy residents and organizations, regardless of their beliefs or affiliations, provided the content of the exhibit/display is within the broad standards of community acceptability and is appropriate for all age groups, including children.
  2. Exhibits and displays may not be for entrepreneurial or commercial purposes, for the solicitation of business, for profit or for fundraising. Religious proselytizing and partisan political recruitment are similarly prohibited; educational exhibits or displays on these subjects are allowed.
  3. The Library reserves the right to refuse or remove any material judged unsuitable or to rescind an exhibit/display for violation of this policy.
  4. In presenting exhibits and displays, the Library does not imply endorsement of the beliefs or viewpoints of their subject matter. The Library endeavors to present a broad spectrum of opinions and a variety of viewpoints.

    5. Selection & Scheduling of Exhibits/Displays
  5. The Library Director, in consultation with the Library Exhibit Committee, shall have the authority to consider requests and to grant permission to set up exhibits and displays. The Committee, composed of selected Library staff, will review exhibit/display applications no less than twice a year. In the event of a negative decision regarding a proposed exhibit/display, the Board of Trustees will hear an appeal for reconsideration.
  6. All exhibits and displays will be considered in terms of the Library's mission to provide educational and cultural enrichment. The following will also be considered when selecting and approving exhibits and displays:
    • Suitability of subject matter and physical presentation
    • Quality of the presentation
    • Local or regional interest
    • Space requirements
    • Timeliness
  7. Applications for use of exhibit/display space will be considered on a first come first served basis and limited to four weeks per calendar year per group or organization. The exhibit/display period is generally between two and four weeks. The Library reserves the right to determine the schedule of exhibits/displays, including the length and location of exhibits/displays.
  8. Use of exhibit and display spaces for Library purposes takes precedence over other uses. On the rare occasion that the Library finds it must use its space unexpectedly for its own purposes, even though a non-Library exhibit/display has been previously scheduled, the Library will make every effort to schedule an alternate time for the exhibit/display. Potential exhibitors assume the risk that the Library may need to preempt an exhibit/display for its own purposes.

    9. Installation of Exhibits/Displays
  9. Exhibitors are responsible for installing and removing exhibits/displays on the dates agreed upon by the Library and the exhibitor, and for all measures necessary for installation and removal of exhibits/displays, including but not limited to shipping, packaging, storage, signage, labels, framing, and any equipment/supplies needed for same. Assistance will not be provided by library staff; however, if Library-owned portable exhibit panels are used, Library staff will set up panels in a configuration that does not obstruct Library services or activities, and will remove the panels at the end of the display period. All exhibits/displays must be set up and removed with as little interference as possible to the daily operations of the Library. If the Library must remove an exhibit/display because it is not removed as scheduled by the exhibitor, the Library is not responsible for any damages. The Library will not provide storage for the property of organizations or individuals displaying in the Library.
  10. Exhibitors are responsible for providing any necessary attendants for their exhibits. The Library does not provide staff to serve as attendants during an exhibit.
  11. Exhibitors agree to be responsible for and to pay for any and all damages to Library property including exhibit/display spaces, walls, floors, grounds, furniture and fixtures resulting from the installation or removal of an exhibit/display.
  12. Exhibit photos, artworks, etc., must be framed, mounted or packaged and displayed in a safe and attractive manner. No heavy items may be placed over entrance, exit or elevator doors. Any electrical connections are to be hidden from public view as far as possible and may not be placed so as to cause or create a safety hazard.
  13. Each exhibit/display must contain an informative explanation to assist the general public in discerning the subject or purpose of the exhibit/display. This information may be provided by explanatory labels on individual items, in poster or sign form, or be contained within the exhibit/display itself. Exhibitors are encouraged to provide a contact phone number as part of the exhibit/display for members of the general public who may wish more information.

    14. Publicity
  14. The Library will list exhibits and displays in its online calendar of events and its monthly newsletter. Additional publicity is the responsibility of the exhibitor except when the exhibit/display is co-sponsored by the Library. Press releases or other promotion of the exhibit/display shall not imply endorsement of the viewpoints put forth in the exhibit/display.
  15. Video taping, cameras set up on tripods, television filming or interviewing arranged or accomplished by the exhibitor is not allowed within the Library proper without the express advance written permission of the Library Director.
  16. Exhibitors may not schedule special opening or other events without the permission of the Library Director. All arrangements must be approved by the Library Director at least two weeks prior to the planned event. No alcoholic beverages may be served. The event must be open to the general public.

    17. Other
  17. No prices may be posted on items in an exhibit/display, except by approval of the Library Director, nor may an admission fee be charged. A price list may be placed in the exhibit/display. Transactions for the purchase of exhibit/display items shall be directly between the purchaser and the exhibitor. No sales may be made on the premises. No exhibit/display material which is sold during its display in the Library may be removed before the end of the exhibition period.
  18. The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection or possible damage or theft of any item displayed or exhibited. All items placed in the library for exhibit/display are so placed at the owner's risk.
  19. The Library Director shall have the final decision on the content and arrangement of all exhibits/displays and reserves the right to reject any part of an exhibit/display or to change the manner of display, subject to appeal to the Board of Trustees.
  20. Complaints about this Exhibit & Display Policy or about the content of a particular exhibit/display should be addressed to the Library Director.

Exhibit Space Available

Display Space Available

  • Display cases in the Richardson Building
  • Display case in the Main Library near the Circulation Desk
  • Other areas by special arrangement

Application Procedure

  • Applications may be made up to one year in advance and no less than one month in advance.
  • Applicants should familiarize themselves with the Library's exhibit/display spaces, exhibit panels, and display cases.
  • •Applicants must provide at least ten examples of material to be exhibited. Color photographs, color copies or actual works must be submitted for review with an itemized list of the artworks to be exhibited, an artist’s biography, and an artist’s statement. Applicants are responsible for arranging the return of their review materials.
  • Applicants must fill out and sign an application form, which includes a waiver of liability, and be familiar with the Library's Exhibit & Display Policy.

Adopted by Vote of the Library Board of Trustees, January 12, 2004
Revised January 10, 2005



Last Modified: July 9, 2009
©Thomas Crane Public Library, Quincy, Mass. 02169