Statement of Purpose:

The Ann Arbor District Library is an information center for the community and encourages the free expression of ideas essential to an informed citizenry. To accomplish this role, a primary objective of the Library is to serve as an active resource for learning, studying and contemplating ideas. In an effort to increase the visual education and artistic experience of all visitors, the Library’s exhibition program features local, regional and national artists as well as traveling exhibitions.

Requirements for the Use of Exhibit Space:

Potential exhibitors should submit an exhibit proposal, which will be examined by the Library Exhibits Committee. Artists must submit slides, photographs, color copies, prints or actual works for review. Artists are scheduled according to their presented work. New work may be incorporated into the exhibition, upon approval of the committee.

The committee will consider a wide range of artistic expression in deciding on potential exhibitors. However, in deciding on the suitability of any work, the committee is mindful that the areas of display are used for normal library activity and will be viewed by all segments of the community and all age groups.

The Library does not endorse the beliefs or viewpoints of topics that may be the subject of library exhibits, whether library-initiated or sponsored by an individual or group from within the community. The following disclaimer will be placed on each exhibit case – “The acceptance of any exhibit by the library does not imply endorsement of the content of the exhibit.”

Exhibit space may not be used for advertising or for commercial enterprises or political candidates.

The Library reserves the right to decline any application for artistic, cultural or educational reasons. The Library Director and/or the Manager of Community Relations reserve final approval over any recommendations of the Library Exhibits Committee. The Library Director and/or Manager of Community Relations reserve the right to request the exhibitor to make changes to the exhibit as required by the Library.

Once approved, all exhibit scheduling and placement will be coordinated by the Library’s Community Relations Department, and approved by the Manager of Community Relations. Each exhibitor will supply for his/her display, descriptive information to describe the purpose, title and ownership of the exhibit before it can be mounted.

Policy Adopted: December 12, 1995
Revisions Adopted: July 16, 2001