Policy on Exhibits and Displays

As an educational and cultural institution, the West Milford Township Public Library welcomes exhibits and displays deemed to be of interest to the general public. The library encourages exhibitions of paintings, photography, sculpture, crafts and other artistic or civic endeavors. Preference shall be given to local artists and exhibitors but all artists are encouraged to apply.

Application for exhibits or displays must be made by completing an Exhibit and Display Application available via the link below. The Library Director, as a designee of the Library Board of Trustees, has the authority for approving the use of exhibit space. The Library Director or his/her designee shall have the final decision on the content, arrangement and location of all exhibits and displays. Additionally, the Library Director or his/her designee reserves the right, without prior notice, to cancel the use of any display area for exhibits if the Director or Board of Trustees determines that the display space is needed for library purposes.

Acceptability of an exhibit or display is at the discretion of the Library Director whose decisions may be appealed to the Library Board of Trustees. In exercising such discretion, decisions to accept or deny will be based on artistic merit, degree of general public interest and appropriateness of subject matter. Because exhibits in the library may be viewed by everyone including children, they must adhere to what is generally known as “a standard acceptable to the community.” Every item must meet the library’s standard of value and quality, and the library reserves the right to reject any part of an exhibit or display. Partisan political, religious and overtly offensive material will not be displayed. Items of large monetary value or extreme delicacy are normally not accepted for exhibition.

The length of an exhibit or display shall be determined by the Director in consultation with the exhibitor and library staff. Generally, exhibits are limited to no more than 2 months excluding permanent displays. Exceptions may be made if agreed to by the Director. Due to space limitations, the library cannot provide storage for the property of groups or individuals displaying in the library.

Upon notification of exhibition dates, exhibitors will be required to arrange with the Director or a designated Staff member for a specific date and time for installation. Installation and dismantling of exhibits can only take place at times arranged with the Director or his/her designee. The Library will provide the hanging system to display items, as well as an 8 ½” x 11” acrylic display holder for information on the exhibitor and exhibited items. Artwork must be able to be displayed with the Library’s system. Absolutely no additional signage or display will be allowed beyond what the Library provides and approves. Artwork and exhibits may not be posted for sale while on display at the library.

The library is not responsible for theft or damage to items on display nor does it provide insurance to protect any displays. With library approval to exhibit or display, exhibitors agree to Indemnify and Hold Harmless the Township of West Milford, New Jersey and the West Milford Township Library, West Milford, New Jersey and their administrators, agents, board of trustees, directors, supervisors, employees, officials and patrons from and against all claims for damages, losses and/or associated expenses, included but not limited to attorney’s fees, arising out of or resulting from any liability claim or damage, loss or expense attributable to bodily injury, sickness, disease, death or injury to or destruction of tangible property including the loss of use resulting therefrom, and is caused in whole or in part by any negligent act of anyone directly or indirectly for whose acts they may be liable regardless of whether it is caused in part by a party indemnified hereunder.

Any artistic expression is the artist’s own, and is not represented by or indicative of any belief held by the West Milford Township Library and the Township of West Milford.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees {11/8/16}
Amended {12/11/18}

I have read the policy, agree to its terms and would like to fill out an application.

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