The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the use of the library’s exhibit space(s) by individuals and organizations to display materials of an educational, cultural, or intellectual nature.
The views expressed by exhibitors and their exhibits are not endorsed by the Town of Northborough nor the Northborough Free Library. Exhibits are selected in accordance with the principles outlined in our Program Development Policy.
Exhibits are generally displayed for a period of four weeks, but may be longer or shorter at the discretion of the Library staff.
Items on exhibit in any of the public meeting rooms must hang on the wall using the existing hooks. Additional nails, hooks, or other means of hanging items are prohibited. Freestanding artworks or floor easels are also prohibited. Exhibits must not impede regular use of the meeting spaces.
The exhibitor is responsible for both setting up and removing the display. The exhibitor acknowledges that items will be shown in an unprotected public space, and may be irrevocably damaged by accident or other means. The Library is not responsible for loss or damage of any item on display.
The Library does not have the ability to store items before or after an exhibition. Staff will make reasonable attempts to contact the exhibitor if items are not picked up at the end of the exhibition. Items that remain unclaimed eight weeks after the conclusion of the exhibition will be considered abandoned property if the exhibitor is unresponsive.
It is understood that the Library retains the right to final authority for all curatorial decisions, including the appropriateness of the subject matter for this public space. Exhibits in the Meeting Room must be intended for an all ages audience.
Exhibitors agree to refrain from commercial advertisement. Prices of items for sale may be posted on a letter sized flier inside the room. Items sold during the display period may not be removed before the end of the exhibition. Library staff may not facilitate sales of any items.
An individual or organization is limited to one exhibit per calendar year. Exceptions may be approved at the discretion of the library staff.
Last Update: January 2026
Approved by Library Trustees on: January 13, 2026