LIBRARY DISPLAYS POLICY

Section 22   
LIBRARY DISPLAYS 
PURPOSE 
The Waterford Public Library’s Display Policy provides a basis for the display of library materials by library 
staff, informs the public about the principles and criteria upon which these decisions are made, and 
promotes the purposes of the library's mission, which is:  “to enrich, educate and connect our community 
through discovery and access to ideas, information, technology and entertainment.” 
POLICY 
The Waterford Public Library recognizes the importance of displays as resources for voluntary inquiry and 
the dissemination of information and ideas and to promote free expression and free access to ideas by 
residents. With a strong focus on encouraging the love of reading, lifelong learning, and creativity, we 
establish responsive connections between the diverse needs of our community, our vast collections, our 
digital services, and an array of engaging programming. A key aspect of our approach is the creation of 
thoughtfully curated displays, which play an essential role in informing and inspiring individuals of all ages 
and diverse backgrounds. These displays serve as a tangible expression of our dedication to the 
community and exemplify our belief that a vibrant library contributes to a strong community. Displays are 
provided for the interest, information and enlightenment of all residents, represent a wide range of varied 
and diverging viewpoints, and provide access to content that is relevant to the research, independent 
interests and educational needs of residents. 
 
PRINCIPLES AND CRITERIA 
The final responsibility for the display of library materials is held by the library director, but day-to-day 
responsibility is shared by library employees throughout the library who are professionally trained to curate 
and develop displays. Library staff uses the following criteria in making decisions about display topics, 
materials, and accompanying resources: 
● Community needs and interest 
● Availability of display space 
● Historical, cultural, or educational significance 
● Connection to other community or national programs, exhibitions, or events 
● Relation to library collections, resources, exhibits, and programs 
● The Library may partner with other community agencies, organizations, educational institutions, 
or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored displays and exhibits. 
The Library will strive to include a wide spectrum of opinions and viewpoints in library-initiated displays and 
exhibits, as well as offer displays and exhibits that appeal to a range of ages, interests, and information 
needs.  
Library-initiated displays and exhibits should not exclude topics, books, media, and other resources solely 
because they may be considered to be controversial. 
The library provides displays created or curated by librarians or staff members of the public library as well 
as allowing displays created by members of the public or community groups to be exhibited in the public 
library. Acceptance of a display or exhibit topic by the Library does not constitute an endorsement by the 
Waterford Public Library of the content of the display or exhibit, or of the views expressed in the materials 
on display. 
All library materials are evaluated and made accessible in accordance with the protections against 
discrimination set forth in section 46a-64 of the Connecticut general statutes. 
 

INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM AND CENSORSHIP 
The choice of library materials by patrons is an individual matter. The library recognizes that some materials 
may be controversial or offensive to an individual but maintains that individuals can apply their values only 
to themselves. The selection of library materials is predicated on the customer’s right of access to 
information and freedom from censorship. Selections will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval 
or disapproval, but on the merits of the material itself. 
WATERFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY’S DISPLAY POLICY 
Selection of materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may inadvertently come into 
the possession of or be seen by minors. No one can exercise censorship to restrict access to library 
materials by others. It is the parents or guardians' responsibility to determine which library materials are 
appropriate for their children. The Waterford Public Library supports intellectual freedom and endorses 
the American Library Association (ALA) Freedom to Read Statement, Freedom to View Statement, the 
Library Bill of Rights and all relevant interpretations. 
PROCEDURES FOR THE QUESTIONING OF LIBRARY DISPLAYS BY PATRONS 
The Library limits consideration of requests to reconsider material, displays or programs to Waterford 
residents. Please see our Review and Reconsideration Policy for further information on this process. 
 
Board of Trustees – November 18, 2025