The mission of the Bettendorf Public Library Information Center is to provide free and equal access to information and ideas for all. In keeping with this mission and as a public service, the library provides limited spaces for the exhibit of art; the distribution of leaflets and other printed material not generated by the library itself, the posting of announcements of meetings and cultural events that are open to the public and the display of materials or collections. The existence of a particular viewpoint in any of these spaces is an expression of the library's policy of intellectual freedom, not an endorsement of the particular point of view.

All spaces described in this policy are limited to individuals or non-profit organizations located within a 60-mile radius of the Quad Cities.

Materials which constitute advertising for a business will not be accepted for any of the spaces.

Exhibit Walls

The library has four exhibit walls, located on the second floor, which may be reserved for a one-month interval by members of the public for the exhibit of art. Reservations must be made in person in the business office on the second floor of the library. At that time an application form must be filled out and signed.

Because of the demand for these spaces, only Bettendorf area schools are allowed to exhibit annually. All others may exhibit once in a twenty-four month period.

Because the second floor is not staffed, the library does not accept responsibility for materials on display. Any loss or damage to materials displayed remains with the person displaying the material.

The library provides only wall space. The exhibit owner supplies materials necessary to hang an exhibit. Only small, fine nails or pins may be used.

Normally, exhibits are hung on the first of the month and removed by the owner on the last of the month. Nails or other materials used to hang the exhibit must be removed with the exhibit.

Leaflet Distribution

The library accepts a maximum of 20 copies of informational leaflets for distribution to the public. The maximum size for leaflets is 8½ by 11 inches.

Leaflets must be left at the Reception Desk and will be placed in distribution by library staff. The library shall remove and discard out of date materials.

Displays

The library has one built-in display case near the front entrance and one or more free standing display cases(s) that may be used for exhibiting library or patron's collections. These may be reserved for one-month intervals when not needed by the library. Reservations are taken in the business office on the second floor. A form must be filled in.

Community Announcements/Events

The lobby of the library contains a bulletin board for posting of community meeting announcements and community cultural events.

No commercial notices, garage or other sale signs, services such as baby sitting for which fees are charged, signs soliciting donations, or signs larger than 18" by 22" will be posted.

Persons wanting a sign posted should bring it to the Reception Desk and leave it for the library staff to post. All signs will be stamped, dated and initialed.

The library shall remove all outdated signs, any sign found to be posted in violation of the procedure outlined herein, and any sign not in compliance with the above.

Adopted by Board of Trustees
Revised February 15, 2001

See also:
Sale of Merchandise or Services on Library Property Policy