1. Mission Statement

East Routt Library District dba Bud Werner Memorial Library (“Library”) offers a community bulletin board, formal display cabinets and collection-focused displays and exhibits intended to further the Library's mission: Promoting Enrichment, Education and Escape for Everyone.

2. Purpose of the Display Policy

The Display Policy, approved by the East Routt Library District Board of Trustees, outlines the philosophy and scope of our displays as it pertains to featuring information that aligns with the Library’s vision that all community members are curious, connected and intellectually thriving.

3. Philosophy & Scope of Displays

Library displays and exhibits provide a responsive connection between the community’s needs, its collections, information technology, and diverse programming, by, in part, providing a variety of displays that inform and enrich the lives of people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.

Library displays are planned, organized, and/or implemented by Library staff. 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 or educational significance 
• Connection to other community or national programs, exhibitions, or events
• Relation to library collections, resources, exhibits, and programs

In addition, the Library draws upon other community resources in developing displays and exhibits, and may partner with other community agencies, organizations, educational institutions, or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored displays and exhibits. The Library will strive to include a wide spectrum of opinions and viewpoints in Library-initiated displays and exhibits, as well as offer displays and exhibits that appeal to a range of ages, interests, and information needs. The Library does not accept responsibility for ensuring that all points of view are represented in any single display.

Library displays and exhibits should not exclude topics, books, media, and other resources solely because they may be considered to be controversial. Acceptance of a display or exhibit topic by the Library does not constitute an endorsement by the Library of the content of the display or exhibit, or of the views expressed in materials on display.

4. Display Types

Community Bulletin Board & Brochure Rack

The Library offers one community bulletin board and a brochure rack in the Yampa Lobby. These are intended to promote local civic, cultural and educational news and/or events. Political material, religious tracts, items for sale or rent, or lost pets do not meet display criteria. Permission is not required to post an item, and materials may be removed at the discretion of staff. Posted content does not constitute an endorsement by the Library.

Yampa River Display Case

The Yampa River entrance display case features Library programming and services. Occasionally, at the discretion of the Director or designee, the Library partners with local organizations to feature information of interest to the community.

Local History Display Case

The Local History display case serves as a gateway to our local history collection and is reserved for museum quality items that tell the story of our community. The Library often partners with local memory institutions to create content.

Collection Displays

The Library displays materials from its own collection to provide exhibits on a variety of topics, appealing to the diverse interests and concerns of the community. Collection Displays complement Library collections and services. The planning and scheduling of such displays and the decision as to which materials and posters will be included is entirely at the discretion of Library staff.

5. Reconsideration of Display

Any community member has the right to request reconsideration of content in Library displays and exhibits. Appeals to this policy or reconsideration of a display may be submitted via the Request for Reconsideration of Library Collections, Displays or Programs form.

~Adopted April 20, 2023