Display of Library and Museum Materials Policy

Policy for the Display of Library and Museum Materials

Purpose

Library mission

The mission of the East Hartford Public Library is to provide all members of the community with opportunities to pursue life-long learning and literacy, to connect with their community, and to share information and ideas freely.

In keeping with the Library’s mission, The East Hartford Public Library recognizes the importance of displays and exhibits as resources for the promotion of voluntary inquiry, dissemination of information and ideas, promotion of free expression, and free access to ideas by residents.

These displays serve as a tangible expression of our dedication to the community and exemplify our belief that a vibrant library contributes to a strong community. Displays are provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all residents, represent a wide range of varied and diverging viewpoints, and provide access to content that is relevant to the research, independent interests, and educational needs of residents.

Scope

The East Hartford Public Library’s Display of Library and Museum Materials policy provides a basis for the display of library materials and museum items by library staff and informs the public about the principles and criteria upon which these decisions are made.

Policy Statement
Principles and Criteria

The final responsibility for the display of library and museum items is held by the Library Director, but day-to-day responsibility is shared by library employees professionally trained to curate and develop displays and exhibits.

Library staff use the following criteria in making decisions about display and exhibit topics, materials, and accompanying resources:

· Community needs and interests

· Availability of display space

· Historical, cultural, or educational significance

· Connection to other community or national programs, exhibitions, or events

· Relation to library collections, resources, exhibits, and programs

The Library will strive to include a whole 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.

The Library may also partner with community agencies, organizations, educational institutions, expert individuals, and/or artists to develop and present co-sponsored displays of library materials and/or museum exhibits. The library may also serve as host to displays or exhibits curated by such external entities without co-sponsorship.

Library-initiated displays and exhibits should not exclude topics, books, media, and other resources solely because they may be considered controversial.

The library provides displays created or curated by librarians or staff members of the public library as well as allowing displays created by members of the public or community groups to be exhibited in the public library.

Acceptance of a display topic or exhibit by the Library does not constitute an endorsement by the East Hartford Public Library of the content of the display or exhibit, or of the views expressed in the materials or items on display.

All library materials are evaluated and made accessible in accordance with the protections against discrimination set forth in section 46a-64 of the general statutes.

Intellectual Freedom and Censorship

The choice of library materials by patrons is an individual matter. The library recognizes that some materials may be controversial or offensive to an individual but maintains that individuals can apply their values only to themselves. The selection of library materials is predicated on the individual’s right of access to information and freedom from censorship. Materials considered for inclusion in displays will not be excluded on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, but on the merits of the material itself.

Selection of materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may inadvertently come into the possession of or be seen by minors. No one can exercise censorship to restrict access to library materials by others. It is the parents’ or guardians’ responsibility to determine which library materials are appropriate for their children. The East Hartford Public Library supports intellectual freedom and endorses the American Library Association (ALA) Freedom to Read Statement, Freedom to View Statement, the Library Bill of Rights, and all relevant interpretations.

Feedback mechanisms

The Library limits consideration of requests to reconsider materials, displays, or programs to East Hartford residents via a Request for Reconsideration Form.

Effective date: October 9, 2025