Policy for Gifts of Artwork
The Library Board and the Chief Executive Officer of the Library will consider prospective gifts, loaned artwork, and/or purchases of artwork in order to determine the appropriateness for inclusion into the collections of the St. Louis Public Library. Collecting and displaying artwork is not the mission or professional expertise of the Library: that is the work of St. Louis’ remarkable art museums. The Library holds and displays works of art for the pleasure of our diverse visitors, to enhance our buildings, and to connect with our rich and historic printed collections of art information.
Works will be considered based on the following criteria (an item need not meet all of the criteria to be accepted):
- Compatibility with the Library’s mission
- Artistic merit - a unique piece created by an artist of established reputation, which meets acceptable artistic standards that are appropriate for the library setting
- Relation to existing collections and exhibitions
- Artwork should be compatible with the character of the library in which it will be displayed
- Contemporary significance and potential for public interest
- Permanent value
- Artwork must be durable, non-hazardous, and suitable for long-term display in a public building
- Appropriateness of the size, format, and material for the library’s environment, including the safety of the display
- Cost of acquisition and availability of funding for the acquisition
- Cost and ability to provide ongoing care and maintenance of the art, which includes installation, conservation, security, storage, and insurance
- Provenance and current documented ownership status of the piece(s)
The St. Louis Public Library will consider all artwork offered as a gift to the Library. The Library reserves the right to decline art donations, including those made by bequest, and it cannot provide appraisals of gifts that are accepted.
Art that is donated will be considered property of the St. Louis Public Library. Works with restrictions or conditions will not be considered. There is no implied obligation to display. The work and ownership of the art must align with all Federal laws and treaties regarding the import, export, and transfer of ownership of cultural property.
De-Acquisition of Artwork
The St. Louis Public Library will work to retain all works accepted as gifts or purchased but does retain the right to de-acquisition any items if it is seen to be in the best interest of the institution.
Art that is the property of the St. Louis Public Library may be removed from display, relocated, sold, or appropriately disposed of at the sole discretion of the St. Louis Public Library.
Request for Removal of Artwork
The Library welcomes citizens’ expressions of opinion concerning artwork displayed at the Library. Requests to remove materials will be considered within the context of the policies outlined in this document. Anyone who wishes to request that a specific item be reconsidered for inclusion in the collection of materials is asked to complete and sign the Request for Reconsideration Form, available at any St. Louis Public Library location. The form will be forwarded to the Chief Executive Officer, who will consider the request in a timely fashion. The questioned material will be reviewed in its entirety, and once a decision has been made regarding retention or removal of the material, a letter will be sent to the person explaining the decision. If the person indicates dissatisfaction with the resolution, that person may appeal to the Library Board. The Board will reconsider the decision based on whether or not the particular work conforms to the Board-approved Art Policy, as outlined above.
Artwork as Research Collections
Paper-based or photographic collections on local or regional topics may be considered for addition to the collections of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Department. All such donations are added to the collection at the discretion of the Head of Special Collections and subject to the same policies, including de-accession, as all other Rare Books and Manuscripts Department collections.
For inquiries about donating or loaning pieces to the Library, email art@slpl.org, opens a new window.
Approved by the Board of Directors: August 4, 2025