Harmony Public Library
Display/Traveling Exhibit Policy
Mission Statement:
The Harmony Public Library will provide access to various types of materials as well as programs and services that meet the educational and recreational needs of the community
Goals:
The limited space available at the Harmony Public Library makes it impractical to accommodate all requests of all local organizations and businesses, for display space. The term “display” is used collectively to include handouts, flyers, posters, and exhibit items. The Harmony Public Library will rely on this policy to determine which displays best meet the library’s mission. The Harmony Public Library, its staff, its board, or SELCO, (Southeastern Libraries Cooperating) does not advocate or endorse the viewpoints of exhibits or exhibitors using public forum locations, such as the library.
General Guidelines:
The Harmony Public Library provides display and exhibit space to support educational, cultural, and informational enrichment for the community. Displays should align with the mission of the library and the standards of SELCO.
Authority and SELCO alignment:
As a SELCO member library, Harmony follows SELCO standards for public programming and exhibits. The Harmony Public Library may independently approve community educational displays, while advocacy adjacent or potentially political displays will be referred to SELCO for review.
Tier 1: Community Educational Displays
The library board may approve displays that are:
- Suitable for All Ages
- Local, Educational, or Cultural in Nature
- Non-Political
Tier 2: Advocacy Adjacent or Potentially Political Displays
The library board will refer to SELCO for vetting displays that:
- Political, or Could Be Interpreted as Political
- Ideological or Social Movement Related
- Likely to Generate Community Controversy
Approval Standard
Displays in Tier 2, will not be approved locally unless SELCO has vetted and endorsed the content. This protects the library from appearing to endorse any viewpoint and ensures consistent, consortium aligned decision making. The library board is not required to approve and host a display that is endorsed by SELCO if it does not otherwise meet the general content standards below or further the mission and goals of the Harmony Public Library.
Those who are concerned about any exhibit or display held at the Harmony Public Library are encouraged to submit a “Suggestions and Concerns” form, available at the library.
General Content Standards
These Apply to both tiers.
All displays must be:
- Educational, Cultural, Artistic, or Informational
- Non-Commercial
- Appropriate for All Ages
- Aligned with the libraries mission and SELCO standards
The library does not accept displays that:
- Promote or Oppose Political Movements, Governments, or Legislation
- Commercial Promotions or Private Events
- Are Intended to Persuade Public Opinion
- Promote or Oppose Religious Doctrine
- Advocate for or Against Social or Ideological Causes
- Contains Divisive Content
Submission & Review Process
- Requests must be submitted in writing at least 30 days in advance.
- Library Administration will determine whether if falls under Tier 1 or 2.
Right of Refusal
The library reserves the right to decline any display that:
- Does not Meet Policy Criteria
- Falls Under Tier 2 without SELCO Vetting
- Could Disrupt Library Operations Ex. Too Large
- Is Unsuitable for the Library Environment
Requirements for Posting or Displaying Items
- Approved Displays, Handouts, Flyers, and Posters may be Exhibited for 30 Days.
- Posters, Flyers, and Pamphlets may be Discarded by the Library staff after the end of the event.
- If an exhibit becomes disruptive at any point, the Library will relocate, rearrange, and remove materials.
- Active distribution, in which a person on site hands out materials, canvasses, solicits, or petitions, is not allowed in the library.
- Items to be posted/distributed must not be in violation of any Federal. State, or Local Laws.
Harmony Public Library Board Approved 08/03/2026