Exhibit space within the St. Louis Public Library is limited and specialized. The Library reserves most display opportunities for its own use, with the intention of connecting customers with the rich collections the Library holds. On rare occasions, the Library brings in outside displays or materials owned by others to be part of exhibits created by the Library. These occasions are always intended to further the mission of the Library.
DEFINITIONS
Display(s): a visual exhibit of materials within Library locations used to promote said materials, special collections, services, and/or events of significance to the community. They can include books and other collection items, posters, flyers, and other visual aids
Exhibit(s): a public display of works of art or items of interest
Exhibitor: an individual, company, or organization that displays works of art or other items of interest at a Library location
RESPONSIBILITY
Ultimate responsibility for art and exhibits in the Library rests with the Library’s Chief Executive Officer, who delegates most selection activities to Public Services and Marketing staff.
Materials selected for exhibit or display are chosen based on their alignment with the needs and interests of the Library’s customers, the standards outlined in this Exhibit/Display Policy, responsible stewardship of public funds, and the Library’s mission. Decisions regarding the use, display, housing, processing, access, and eventual disposition of all materials are solely at the discretion of the Library.
The Library is dedicated to presenting displays and exhibits that reflect the diverse perspectives, interests, experiences, and voices of our community. These displays may include content that some individuals find controversial or objectionable. The selection and presentation of artworks or other items by the Library do not imply endorsement of the content or the viewpoints expressed within them.
The St. Louis Public Library Foundation accepts funds to support exhibits. Funds donated for the Library exhibits will be spent at the Library's discretion, based on Library-designated needs.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The St. Louis Public Library honors the city’s diverse heritage by offering exhibit spaces that showcase a wide range of creative and intellectual expressions. Selection criteria for exhibits are established and regularly reviewed by Library Administration and Public Services staff.
Library display spaces—including freestanding, digital, wall-mounted, cabinet, window, bulletin board, and exhibit panel areas—are designated for Library use. Exhibits are curated or approved by Library staff and may represent multiple viewpoints. Staff may also invite local artists or community groups to contribute to these displays.
The following selection criteria apply to all SLPL exhibits and displays, regardless of location:
- Compatibility with the Library’s mission and/or support of library programs and initiatives
- Compatibility with the character of the library in which it will be displayed
- Artistic merit - a unique piece created by an artist of established reputation, which meets acceptable artistic standards that are appropriate for the library setting
- Appropriateness of the size, format, and material for the library’s environment, including the safety of the display
- Authority, competence, prominence, and reputation of creators, exhibitors, and artists
- Contemporary significance, popular/public interest (local and regional), or permanent value
- Durable, sound, non-hazardous, and maintainable in terms of the nature of the materials used
- Initial and ongoing costs
- Recognition as an award-winning or classic work
- Relation of work to existing collections and exhibitions
No display or exhibit meeting the Library’s selection criteria will be excluded based on the race, religion, nationality, origin, background, gender identity, sexual orientation, or political views of its contributors.
FURTHER REQUIREMENTS
All Exhibitors must submit a completed Exhibit Inventory Form at least 60 days before the exhibit opening. This form must include detailed descriptions and valuations of all loaned items. This form should be emailed to exhibits-displays@slpl.org.
Exhibitors are responsible for the delivery and retrieval of their items on loan. The Library will work with each exhibitor to determine a retrieval of works timeline. No items shall be left at the Library for more than 15 days following the conclusion of the exhibit.
Items on display may not include prices or sales information. Exhibitors may provide contact details for interested customers. The Library will not participate in or facilitate any sales transactions.
INSURANCE:
In case of loss or damage while the exhibit is at a Library location, the Exhibitor will be required to document the item’s value for insurance purposes.
The Library will provide the following liability limits:
- Carnegie Room, Central Library – up to $10,000 per exhibit
- Exhibit cases, Central Library – up to $1,000 per case
- Branch locations – up to $1,000 per exhibit
Higher liability limits require prior approval from the Library’s Chief Financial Officer and must be confirmed before the exhibit opens. No liability will be assumed without a completed form on file with the Library’s Business Office.
The Library generally asks the Exhibitors to share in the liability and protection of the exhibit, and therefore, may require the Exhibitor to have the following insurance requirements:
- General Liability Coverage: Exhibitors must carry general liability insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 of coverage.
- Additional Insureds: The St. Louis Public Library is required to be named as an additional insured on the Exhibitor's policy.
- Certificate of Insurance (COI): Exhibitors will need to provide a COI as proof of insurance, summarizing their policy and issued by their insurance provider, prior to any setup of the exhibit.
- Coverage Period: The insurance must be in force for the entire duration of the exhibit, including setup and teardown.
Exhibitors may seek a waiver of the stated insurance requirements in writing. The Library’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Public Services Officer, and Chief Financial Officer will evaluate each exhibitor's request to waive their additional insurance requirements.
Request for Reconsideration of Exhibits and Displays
St. Louis Public Library allows eligible cardholders, including City residents, individual City property owners, and those with Resident, Nonresident, Educator, Staff, or Student eCards, to request the reconsideration of items included in Library exhibits or displays.
Requests will be reviewed following the Library’s Collection Development Policy. The Request for Reconsideration form may be submitted online or printed and returned to any Library location, or mailed to:
Chief Public Services Officer
St. Louis Public Library
1301 Olive Street
St. Louis, MO 63103
The Request for Reconsideration Committee will respond in writing via letter or email.
Please note that:
- Incomplete forms cannot be considered
- A form must be filled out for each individual item requested for reconsideration. The questioned material will be reviewed in its entirety.
- During the review period, the material in question will remain available to the public
- An item that has already been reconsidered will not be evaluated again until a year has passed
Approved by the Board of Directors: August 4, 2025