Display, Exhibit and Bulletin Board Policy
The Portsmouth Public Library provides displays and exhibits throughout all library locations to highlight new materials, reintroduce existing collections and stimulate interest in library resources, services or programs.
Selection of Displays or Exhibits
Library displays and exhibits are planned, organized, and/or implemented by a designated committee. The committee is composed of the following members: Adult Services Coordinator, Outreach Services Coordinator, Youth Services Coordinator and Branch Supervisors. The committee uses the following criteria in making decisions about display topics, materials, and accompanying resources:
- Community needs and interest
- Format and style are suitable for intended audience (all materials will be reviewed for age appropriateness as determined by the publisher of the materials)
- Availability of display or exhibit space
- Historical or educational significance
- Appropriateness to seasonal events and holidays
- Relation to current events
- Connection to other community or national programs, exhibitions, or events
- Relation to library collections, resources, exhibits, and programs
In addition, the Library draws upon other community resources in developing displays and exhibits, and may partner with other community agencies, organizations, educational institutions, or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored displays and exhibits.
The Library will strive to include a wide spectrum of opinions and viewpoints in Library-initiated displays and exhibits, as well as offer displays and exhibits that appeal to a range of ages, interests, and information needs. Library-initiated displays and exhibits should not exclude topics, books, media, and other resources solely because they may be considered to be controversial. Acceptance of a display or exhibit topic by the Library does not constitute an endorsement by the Portsmouth Public Library of the content of the display or exhibit, or of the views expressed in materials on display.
Responsibility
While Library staff may accept suggestions for display and exhibit topics, the topics and materials selected shall be at the discretion of the Committee with final approval granted by the Library Director. The Library Board of Trustees will review the schedule of upcoming displays and exhibits to be displayed at any library location on a quarterly basis. The Library Director has the discretion to permit displays or exhibits that may be quick notice events that do not go through the quarterly scheduling process (e.g. Author signings).
Bulletin Boards
Within the library proper, only library-related signs, posters, or notices will be posted. In the lobby at all locations, a bulletin board is provided for posting activities and events of interest to the community sponsored by non-profit community groups. The bulletin board is not intended as a public forum or for items of a personal or commercial nature. All notices will require a date to determine when they should be removed. No material will be posted for more than 30 days. The library will post materials appropriate to the bulletin board’s purpose on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of the individuals or groups requesting the posting. Permitting the posting of any notices shall not be considered an endorsement by the Portsmouth Public Library of the activities being promoted or the group organizing them.
Questions and Concerns
The Library welcomes expressions of opinion from patrons concerning library exhibits and displays. Questions or concerns should first be addressed with a Library staff member. Patrons who wish to continue their request for review may submit a Request for Reconsideration form, which can be obtained at the Library or on the Library’s website. Requests for review of library displays and exhibits will be considered in the same manner as requests for reconsideration of materials, as outlined in the Request for Reconsideration Policy.
Effective July 19, 2022
