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It
is the policy of the Whatcom County Library System to provide space in its
facilities for educational and cultural exhibits and for the posting of
public notices and announcements. Such
exhibits and postings are subject to the library’s position of impartiality
and to the limitations of space and staff time.
Every
effort will be made to protect all materials placed in library facilities.
Postings (includes leaflets, brochures, etc.)
I. All
postings must be approved by authorized library staff before being placed
in the library. Notices must be dated. They will be posted only if space
is available and only for a fixed period determined by the Branch Manager.
II. The library
must maintain its position of impartiality. Therefore, it will accept postings
without discrimination on the basis of political or religious content subject
to the following guidelines.
A. The library will
not display petitions for the public to sign.
B. The library
will not put out leaflets for the public to take if the leaflets present
only one side of political issues or only one religious viewpoint.
C. Where there are
space limitations, notices will be accepted for posting in the following
priority order.
1. Whatcom
County Library System postings.
2. Friends
of the Library postings.
3. Notices
of non-commercial events and notices of general local or community interest.
Notices may not promote only one political position or candidate or any
one religious faith. For example, a poster advertising a political candidate
forum would be OK while a poster advertising one political candidate would
not be OK.
4. Commercial
notices of educational or cultural value to the community.
5. Want
ads -- e.g., babysitting ads, etc.
Exhibits
I. All
exhibits must be arranged through the Branch Manager. Placement and scheduling
are at the discretion of the Branch Manager.
II. The library
will not exhibit materials promoting only one side of campaign and election
issues, only one side of matters of public debate, or only one religious
viewpoint.
III.
Requests for exhibit space by artists and artisans may be referred to local
arts commissions or other art professionals for assistance in determining
such factors as originality and creativity.
IV.
The purpose of exhibits is educational and cultural. Exhibits arranged by
commercial organizations must emphasize their educational and cultural aspects.
Prices will not be displayed on exhibits, nor will price lists be made available
in the library.
V. Owners of exhibits
are advised to carry their own insurance. The library will not be responsible
for uninsured loss or damage.
VI.
An Exhibit form, clearly stating the duration of the loan and its terms,
will be completed and signed in every case (see attached form.)
Approved by the Whatcom County Rural
Library Board of Trustees, February
16, 1993.
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