About Us

Library Display Policy

Purpose

The Jefferson Township Public Library’s display policy provides a framework for the display of library materials by the library staff, informs the public about the principles and criteria upon which these decisions are made, and supports the mission of the library:

Mission Statement

Policy

Jefferson Township Public Library believes the library plays an important role in our community, a place where people have full and equal access to information. We see displays as an extension of these principles and a way to further enhance the library experience by focusing on encouraging the love of reading, lifelong learning, and creativity. The creation of thoughtfully curated displays is responsive to the diverse needs and interests of our community, in addition to highlighting the library’s collection, digital services, and our engaging programming. Library displays serve to educate, inform, and enrich the vibrant and diverse people that make up our strong community.

Principles and Guidelines

Library displays are planned, organized, and implemented by the staff, however, the final responsibility for the display of library materials is held by the Library Director. Library staff use the following criteria in making decisions about display topics, materials, and accompanying resources:

Community needs and interests
Availability of display space, exclusive of the circulation desk
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 a co-sponsored display

The library will strive to include a wide spectrum of opinions and viewpoints in the library-initiated displays, as well as offer displays that appeal to a range of ages, interests, and information needs. Displays and exhibits should not exclude topics, books, media, and other resources solely because such topics may be controversial. Acceptance of a display or exhibit by the library does not constitute an endorsement by Jefferson Township Public Library of the content or views expressed in the materials on the display.

Intellectual Freedom and Censorship

Selection of library materials is a personal choice, and it is the right of the library user to select these materials in accordance with their own interests, values, and concerns. Each citizen has the right to have equal access to information and freedom from censorship, even if those topics are deemed controversial. JTPL maintains it is up to the individual to apply their own values to the materials they select from the library.

The selection of materials for display will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may inadvertently be seen by or come into the possession of minors. JTPL supports the right of each family to decide what is appropriate for use by their children. Only parents and legal guardians have the right and responsibility to limit the access of their children to library materials.

Jefferson Township Public Library follows the principles of intellectual freedom, adopted by the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, and Freedom to View statements.

Requests for Reconsideration

Jefferson Township Public Library recognizes the right of individuals to question the materials included or not included in a library display. Requests for review of any library display will follow these steps: first a formal meeting with the director to review the individual’s concerns along with discussion of the Display Policy, if no resolution is met the individual can fill out a Request for Reconsideration of Library Displays form which will be discussed and decided upon at the next Board of Trustees meeting.

Adopted: September 9, 2025