Exhibits and Display Policy
The Batesville Memorial Public Library provides exhibit and display spaces as a community service to encourage free expression, support access to ideas, showcase artistic and educational materials, and enhance the visual environment of the library and the hub.
Because library visitors include individuals of all ages and backgrounds, exhibitors are expected to consider the appropriateness of materials for a public setting. All displays
must meet state and federal laws on obscenity, copyright, libel, defamation of character or invasion of privacy.
The library does not knowingly discriminate based on age, race, beliefs, or affiliations in considering applications.
Exhibits are offered as a community service and do not carry the endorsement of the Batesville Memorial Public Library. The library director or Board of Trustees will make the decision concerning appropriateness of the exhibit.
The library does not assume responsibility for theft, loss, damage or destruction of items left for display.
Exhibit and Display Spaces Available
Library:
- Meeting Room AB wall display/gallery
- Lobby display case
- Children’s room entry display cases
Hub:
- Lobby wall display/gallery
General Guidelines
The following guidelines govern all exhibits and displays at the Batesville Memorial Public Library, including art gallery exhibitions.
Exhibits that contains political content, controversial issues, nudity, sexually explicit imagery, graphic depictions of violence, or depictions of drug, alcohol or tobacco use will be refused. If elements of a display are judged inappropriate by the Director or the Board of Trustees, the sponsoring individual or organization will be required to remove those elements immediately.
– Exhibits should contribute positively to the library environment and enrich the Batesville community.
– Artwork must be original works of art. It must be conceived by the artist and not produced in a class or tutorial setting in which other artists are producing the same image. It should not be copied from published or copyrighted materials.
– Requests for exhibit space will generally be considered in the order in which they are received, with possible exceptions being made for timeliness, library program needs, and the needs of the Batesville Area Arts Council.
– The library reserves the right to limit the size, the number of items, the schedule of any display and the frequency with which any one individual, artist, or organization may exhibit materials.
– Exhibits will be limited to a maximum number of 30 days unless otherwise approved by the library. The dates of any display or exhibit will be agreed,
arranged, and established in advance with the exhibitor.
– The library will not conduct sales transactions, collect payments, or otherwise participate in the sale of exhibited materials.
– Exhibitors may provide business cards, contact information, or price lists for displayed items.
– Any items sold during an exhibit period must remain on display until the scheduled end of the exhibit unless otherwise approved by the library.
Installation and Removal of Exhibits
– Transporting, unloading, hanging and /or setting up exhibits, as well as the later dismantling of same, are the responsibility of the exhibitor.
– If the exhibitor requires assistance in this effort, it is their responsibility to bring someone to assist them.
– The library may provide ladders and approved hanging hardware for designated gallery areas.
– Unless otherwise approved, artwork may only be displayed in designated public gallery areas.
– Once installed, exhibits may not be altered without library approval.
– Exhibitors must install and remove exhibits according to the dates approved by the library.
– The library does not provide storage space for exhibit materials, packing supplies, or related property except by prior written agreement.
– The library reserves the right to remove the exhibit materials if they are not picked up by the agreed upon date. After 45 days the exhibit material/artwork becomes the property of the library and we may retain, sell, or dispose of the artwork.
Exhibit Inventory, Liability, and Insurance
– Exhibitors must provide an inventory of items at the time of installation and verify the inventory upon approval.
– The library does not provide insurance coverage for exhibited materials and assumes no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to items on display.
– Prior to installation, exhibitors must sign an Exhibit Agreement and Release form releasing the library from liability related to exhibited materials.
-Adopted September 23, 2026
