San Mateo County Libraries welcome exhibits and displays that strengthen our mission and facilitate connections within our community.
Libraries with dedicated exhibit or display spaces may showcase content prepared by the Library, Friends of the Library, Foundation for San Mateo County Libraries, or other partner organizations. When exhibits are not being used by the Library or other partner organizations, the space may be temporarily offered to members of the public based on the terms outlined below:
- All displays in the Library will be open to the public for viewing, free of charge, and free of commercial advertising and direct solicitation. No restrictions will be made by the Library to prevent members of the public from photographing an exhibit.
- The Library will not exhibit information or art about political candidates or issues that are currently on the ballot or being heard in the Legislature, or are otherwise not within the mission of the Library. It is the intent of the Library that occasionally making its unused exhibit space open to members of the public will not create an open forum for public discussion and debate but should be limited to exhibitions which are consistent with the mission of the Library.
- All exhibits will clearly identify the individual or group responsible for the exhibit.
- The provision of exhibit spaces for public use does not constitute or imply Library endorsement of the beliefs or viewpoints of topics advocated by the exhibits or the individuals or groups responsible for an exhibit.
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The Library has final authority over the review, selection and arrangement of all exhibitions and will base selection of exhibitions using the following criteria:
-Connection to Library mission, vision and goals
-Relevance to local communities and priorities
-Suitability of artwork to the available space - The Library does not provide insurance coverage for displays and cannot assume responsibility for loss of or damage to exhibited materials. Exhibitors will assume all such responsibility.
- Artwork remains the property of the exhibitor.
- Each exhibitor is responsible for the timely installation and removal of the exhibit during regular Library hours as arranged with the Library. Exhibit materials that are not removed by the agreed upon date may be considered abandoned. Exhibitions must remain within pre-designated display spaces.
- Exhibitors assume responsibility for any damage to Library property resulting from their use of Library facilities. The Library or the City which owns the building may assess charges for damage.
- Library staff cannot facilitate sales. Contact information for the exhibitor may be provided as part of the exhibit for interested parties to inquire about purchases.
- Items on display may be photographed and reproduced in library publications and/or for publicity purposes connected with the exhibit. The Library may promote exhibits as staff capacity allows, but exhibitors are not entitled to Library promotional efforts.
- The Library reserves the right to cancel an exhibit space reservation for any reason.
- The Library retains the right to deny the space to any user whose planned use of the space does not comply with these terms. Violation of these terms may result in denial of future access to the space.
For consideration, exhibitors must complete a Library Exhibit and Display Agreement and agree to waive any right or cause of action, of any kind whatsoever, arising as a result of damage or theft from which any liability may or could accrue to the Library or their agents individually.
Approved by the Library JPA Governing Board on November 4, 2024.
