Art Display Policy
Date Revised: January 21, 2026
Library Mission Statement
We build community by creating opportunities and providing resources for connection, learning, exploration, and innovation.
Purpose of the Policy
The Library Art Display Policy provides a framework for the presentation of displays and collections in support of the Library’s mission. It is the library’s goal to provide our community with artwork and displays that reflect a wide range of views, expressions, opinions and interests.
Providing display space for public use does not constitute Library endorsement of the content, beliefs, or viewpoints or statements made by the exhibitors, or by the organization responsible for the displays.
The Library reserves the right to determine the scheduling, duration and assignment of display spaces. Displays may not be publicized in a manner which suggests library sponsorship or endorsement.
The Library adheres to the principles of intellectual freedom, adopted by the American Library Association, as expressed in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read and Freedom to View Statements. Residents concerned about display content are welcome to fill out a Materials Reconsideration Form.
Liability
The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection, or possible damage, theft, or loss of any item on display. Individuals and organizations setting up displays are required to sign a form releasing the Library from responsibility. The exhibiting individual or organization will be held liable for any damage to Library property from mounting or removing a display. Items left beyond the agreed-upon removal date will be considered abandoned property and may be disposed of.
Sales
The Library will not be involved in the sale of displayed items or act as an agent for the artist. Pricing may not be posted on the artwork, but artists may provide contact information for interested individuals. Items that are sold must remain on display until the exhibition concludes.
Criteria for Selection
General criteria for selecting library displays are listed below. An item need not meet all the criteria to be acceptable.
- Suitability for a public space where visitors of all ages are welcome
- Artistic merit
- Contemporary significance, popular interest or permanent value
- Prominence, authority and/or competence of artist
- Attention of critics and reviewers
- Potential for public interest
- Timeliness of material
- Relation to existing Library collections and exhibitions
- Authenticity of historical, regional or social setting
Display Cases
Stanislaus County Library makes display cases available to the public. These cases are open to individuals or non-profit organizations engaged in educational, cultural, intellectual, or charitable pursuits. The library may designate display cases for children’s displays only.
The exhibiting individual or organization is responsible for removing the display at the time specified.
Individuals or organizations may be limited to one display per twelve-month period depending upon availability of display space. The duration of the display will be determined by the library staff in charge of the display case or space.
Individuals or organizations are wholly responsible for the installation and removal of their displays. Displays should be removed on or before the last day specified. Items left beyond the agreed-upon removal date will be considered abandoned property and will be removed; they may be disposed of.
Photographs and videos may be taken in the library for Library promotional and educational purposes. By exhibiting in the Library, you consent to images of the exhibit be for these purposes.
Gallery Exhibits and Temporary Displays of Art
The Modesto Library includes a gallery wall intended for the display of art. Other spaces in library branches may be made available for displays on occasion.
Library-produced exhibits and displays take precedence over external exhibits. The Library may partner with individuals or community organizations to produce exhibits. When gallery space is available for community use, exhibits should complement the mission of the Library. The Library reserves the right to reclaim and use the gallery or any temporary display space at any time for its own display needs. The County Librarian or designee is responsible for approving exhibit and display requests based on the library’s needs and appropriateness to the display space available. The Library has sole discretion on location and duration for displays and collections.
Exhibits and displays vary in duration depending on the space and number of requests. Requests for display space are accepted throughout the year and can be submitted to the Library Administration Office. The County Librarian may use their discretion to address the Library’s scheduling needs.
Policy for Gifts of Artwork
The Library does not generally accept gifts of artwork. Occasionally, the County Librarian will consider prospective gifts and/or purchases of artwork to determine the appropriateness for display at the library.
Work will be considered based on the following criteria:
- Artwork acquired by the Library should be of sufficiently high artistic merit to warrant acquisition in the Library collection. This generally requires that the works be unique pieces created by artists of established reputation or recognized potential.
- Artwork should be compatible with the character of the Library.
- Artwork must be durable, sound, non-hazardous, and maintainable in terms of the nature of the materials.
- An exception to this could be made in the case of works that are specifically time-based or of a temporary nature when it is understood that their installation would be of limited duration.
The County Librarian will consider all artwork offered as a gift to the library. In addition to the criteria above, the library will consider the significance of artwork as it relates to the Library’s presence within the community.
The Library is under no obligation to preserve or display any artwork permanently, to provide advance notice prior to alteration or removal, or to replace an artwork once removed. The Library may document artworks photographically or otherwise for archival or recognition purposes.
Donors and artists will be acknowledged in accordance with the Library’s recognition practices, but such recognition does not confer any rights of control, approval, or ongoing display of the artwork.
The Library will provide recognition to all individuals, groups and/or corporations who donate services, financial support or gifts of art to the Library. Appropriate recognition will be determined through consultation with the donor and will generally be consistent with the recognition given to Library donors. Display of accepted artwork is at the discretion of the Library. There is no obligation for display.
Murals and Wall-Mounted Artwork
Murals, wall-mounted artwork, and other site-specific or permanently installed works are considered a subset of gifts of artwork and are governed by this policy.
All murals installed in or on Library property, whether donated, commissioned, or created by volunteers, community groups, or artists, become the property of the Library upon acceptance and installation. Acceptance of a mural constitutes a full and unrestricted gift of the artwork to the Library, including all rights necessary for the Library to manage, maintain, relocate, cover, alter, or remove the work.
The Library retains sole discretion over the placement, display, maintenance, and duration of display of any mural. Murals may be relocated, covered, altered, or removed at any time and for any reason, including but not limited to:
- Facility maintenance, renovation, or repair
- Changes in building use, layout, or safety requirements
- Deterioration or damage to the artwork
- Evolving community standards or Library priorities
- Space needs or aesthetic considerations
De-Acquisition of Artwork
The Library will strive to retain all works accepted as gifts but does retain the right to de-acquisition any items if it is seen to be in the best interest of the Library.
Request for Removal of Artwork
The Library welcomes citizens’ expressions of opinion concerning artwork displayed at the Library. Requests to remove materials will be considered within the context of the policies set forth in this document. Anyone who wishes to request that a specific item be reconsidered for inclusion in the collection of materials is asked to complete a Materials Reconsideration Form, available at the Library Service Desk. The form will be forwarded to the County Librarian, who will consider the request in a timely fashion. The questioned material will be reviewed, in its entirety, and once a decision has been made regarding the retention or removal of the material, a letter will be sent to the person, explaining the decision.
