Display Policy
PURPOSE
The Canton Public Library’s Display Policy serves to articulate the principles and criteria that guide the Canton Public Library staff in the creation of displays of library materials and to inform the public about those standards.
PRINCIPLES AND CRITERIA
The mission of the Canton Public Library is to provide a vibrant, welcoming, accessible space to enhance community connection, enrich lifelong learning, and promote a dynamic exchange of ideas for all residents in all stages of life.
In keeping with this mission statement, the library collection is developed to meet the needs, interests, and enlightenment of people of all ages who live in or pay taxes in the town of Canton, Connecticut. Displays of library materials are curated to draw attention to items in the library collection, to promote voluntary inquiry and the dissemination of information, and to inspire the love of reading and lifelong learning by encouraging library users to explore the collection freely. Library displays provide access to content that is relevant to the research, independent interests, and educational needs of residents.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The final responsibility for the display of library materials is held by the Library Director, but day-to-day responsibility is shared by library staff who are professionally trained to curate and develop displays. Library staff use 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
- Relation to holidays and observances
The library may partner with other community agencies, organizations, educational institutions, or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored displays and exhibits; however, in such collaborations the library maintains responsibility for the display. Displays of library materials will not be curated solely by outside individuals or organizations.
INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM AND CENSORSHIP
The library will create displays and exhibits that appeal to a range of ages and information needs and represent a varied range of topics, genres, and areas of interest. Displays and exhibits should not exclude topics, books, media, and other resources solely because they may be considered controversial.
Displays outside of the children’s section of the library will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may be seen or come into the possession of minors. It is the responsibility of parents or guardians to determine which library materials are appropriate for their own children and monitor their access to materials. More information about the choices of library materials by minors, and the library’s commitment to intellectual freedom, can be found in the Collection Development and Maintenance Policy.
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, including, but not limited to, discrimination based on race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. Additionally, the Canton Public Library subscribes to and affirms the Library Bill of Rights and its interpretations, the Intellectual Freedom Statement, the Freedom to Read Statement, and the Freedom to View Statement adopted by the American Library Association.
REQUESTS FOR RECONSIDERATION OF LIBRARY DISPLAYS
Formal complaints about library displays must be made in writing on the form provided by the library. The form must be filled out by a Canton resident.
Please see the Review and Reconsideration Policy for further information on this process.
Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees, September 10, 2025