It is the policy of the Library to make public forums available to the community for purposes that enhance the Library’s educational, cultural, and civic mission.  While the Library would like to accommodate all requests of local organizations and businesses for such space, the volume of requests and the small amount of space available makes this impossible.  The term “display” is used collectively to include handouts, flyers, posters, and exhibit items.  The Library does not advocate or endorse the viewpoints of exhibits or exhibitors using public forum locations.  The Display policy applies to all locations of the Santa Clarita Public Library.

SUBJECTS/CONTENTS

Displays are for information about civic, cultural, educational and recreational programs of likely interest to the local community.  The displays may include such forms as:

• Presentation of books, visual arts, crafts, paintings, and drawings, sculpture, and a variety of media.
• Promotion of interest in the use of books and other library resources.
• Information about community affairs, organizations, services and activities.

Civic groups, service clubs, nonprofit organizations, and governmental units promoting free or nominal charge events are typical sponsors of these activities.

No political candidate or proposition materials, commercial promotions or private events, such as yard sales, and “services provided,” are eligible for display.

SIZE AND LOCATION

The Library reserves the right to refuse display materials that are awkward to display or take up disproportionate space.  Displays are only allowed in designated areas; generally, these are counters and kiosks in the lobbies or reference area.  Other areas, such as service desks, study tables, walls, windows, doors, and shelving end panels are reserved for the Library’s own displays.  Library mounted displays shall have priority of use of available space.
REQUIREMENTS FOR POSTING/DISTRIBUTING ITEMS

1. Handouts, flyers, and posters are displayed no more than one month prior to the event and will be placed in the appropriate public forum location by Library staff.
2. All items must identify the group or person responsible for distribution, and provide a contact address or telephone number.
3. Items may remain posted or be distributed for a period of 60 days.  Posters, flyers, and pamphlets may be discarded by the Library staff after 60 days.  The library will relocate, rearrange, and remove materials as it chooses.
4. The library does not store materials.  Any items brought early must be redelivered within the display period.
5. Active distribution, in which a person on site hands out materials, canvasses, solicits or petitions, is not allowed in the library.
6. Items to be posted/distributed must not be in violation of any federal, state or local laws.

REQUIREMENTS FOR LOANED EXHIBIT ITEMS

1. Oral or written requests must be made to the Library branch manager for approval.  Requests will be processed on a first-come/first-served basis, with scheduling priority given to Santa Clarita City organizations and exhibitors who have not previously presented an exhibit.
2. The exhibitor/lender will complete the Receipt for Display Items Loaned to the Library.  Individual items will be listed on the back of the receipt.
3. Neither the Library nor the City assumes responsibility for materials, equipment or any other article left by the organization, group or individual in the library and will not be liable for loss, theft or damage thereto.
4. The Library manager, or librarian-in-charge, will sign and date the receipt, retaining a copy for the library and providing the original to the lender or exhibitor.
5. The exhibitor is responsible for the installation and dismantling of the exhibit as scheduled.  If the Library must dismantle an exhibit because it is not removed as scheduled, the Library is not responsible for any damages.
6. Exhibitors using exhibit cases or exhibits space assume liability and shall be liable for any damage resulting from said usage, as assessed by the City.
7. When items are returned to their owner, on or before the agreed pickup date, the owner shall sign and date the original form, noting that all materials have been returned.
8. If items are not picked up at the agreed time, the Library will attempt to contact the owner twice in writing within sixty (60) days.  If the owner does not respond after 60 days, the items will become property of the Library to dispose of as it sees fit.  In doing so, the Library will follow its established practices for disposal for surplus property.  No employee of the Library may take possession of the items.