RUSSELL LIBRARY DISPLAY POLICY
PURPOSE
Russell Library’s display area provides a central location for patrons to access community information. Depending on available space, the Library may offer bulletin boards, tables and/or racks upon which materials may be affixed or disseminated.
The Display Policy is an extension of Russell Library’s mission, vision, and strategic goals. We empower people to grow, connect, strive and thrive. Everyone feels welcomed and included. We strengthen community, create a safe and welcoming destination, foster a thriving economic ecosystem, and promote a lifelong love of learning.
PRINCIPLES AND CRITERIA
Displays are provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all Middletown residents. They provide access to content that is relevant to the research, independent interests, and educational needs of residents. Displays are important as a resource for voluntary inquiry, the dissemination of information and ideas, to promote free expression and free access to ideas, and the educational needs of residents. They should represent a wide range of varied and diverging viewpoints.
Display space is limited. In general, Russell Library intends to prioritize its use of available space as
follows:
1. Materials concerning Russell Library
2. Materials concerning Library-affiliated organizations
3. Materials concerning the City of Middletown
4. Materials concerning other official government postings
5. Materials concerning not-for-profit organizations
6. Materials that originate from Middletown organizations
7. Materials that are timely and relevant
8. Materials that fit the available space.
There is a difference between library displays that are created or curated by librarians and those created by members of the public or community. Librarians are professionally trained to curate and develop displays.
Opportunities for displays by members of the public or community are limited. All materials meant for display must be submitted to the Russell Library in advance for approval. The Library undertakes no duty to keep, protect, preserve, or return submitted materials, approved or unapproved. Placement (location) of approved materials within the display area will be at the Library’s discretion. Unsolicited items which do not meet the above criteria will be discarded. Materials posted without approval will be removed and discarded.
Removed materials will be discarded.
No materials will be accepted for permanent continuous display.
Display of submitted materials does not constitute the Library’s endorsement of the materials, their content, or their submitters. The Library will post the following disclaimer for any display which includes externally submitted materials:
“The Russell Library makes this space available as a service for the public. Display of these materials does not constitute Russell Library’s endorsement of the materials contained herein.”
Because display space is limited, Russell Library will in its discretion limit the size and number of materials, the duration of their display, and the frequency with which a group or organization may display their materials. Materials will be displayed for a limited period of time and removed by Library staff in order to make room for newer materials.
INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM AND CENSORSHIP
Russell Library displays are evaluated and made accessible in accordance with the protections against discrimination set forth in Section 46a-64 of the Connecticut General Statutes. The Russell Library supports the “Library Bill of Rights,” the “Freedom to Read,” and the “Freedom to View” statements adopted by the American Library Association.
In the event that a Middletown resident cardholder desires to request reconsideration of a Library display, Russell Library’s Review and Reconsideration Policy details the procedure for submission of such requests.
Last revised 2025-09-16