Introduction

The purpose of this policy is to guide the selection, presentation, and management of library material displays at Nashville Public Library (NPL). Displays are an essential tool for providing access to library materials, encouraging discovery, and supporting NPL’s mission to inspire reading, advance learning, and connect the community.

Guiding Principles

As a public institution, NPL serves the reading needs and interests of a large group of people with varied backgrounds, education, and interests.

• Displays are curated to reflect the interests, needs, and diversity of the community.
• NPL supports intellectual freedom and the right to access diverse viewpoints.
• Inclusion of materials in a display does not imply endorsement by NPL.
• NPL does not guarantee all viewpoints will be represented in any one display but aims to reflect balanced perspectives across the overall collection.
• Displays will not be excluded or censored based on controversial content, origin, or viewpoints.

Display Selection Criteria

• Community interests and current events
• Cultural, historical, or educational significance
• Relevance to library programs, collections, or initiatives
• Representation of diverse perspectives and voices
• Seasonal themes or international/national/local observances  

Because all materials in NPL’s collection are selected in accordance with NPL’s Collection Development Policy, any item in the collection may be considered for inclusion in displays.

Display Locations

• Displays may be placed in areas of the library that are accessible to all patrons, regardless of their age or beliefs.
• Age-appropriate displays may be located in designated areas (e.g., children’s, teen, adult).
• New materials may be displayed near their respective collections. 

Display Duration

The duration of displays will be determined based on the theme or topic and the availability of materials.

Displays will be rotated regularly to ensure access to a variety of materials.

Ethical Standards

• NPL adheres to American Library Association ethical standards and does not censor materials.
  • Library Bill of Rights
  • The Freedom to Read Statement
  • The Freedom to View Statement
• Displays will strive to be inclusive, balanced, and representative of the community.
• Materials will not be removed from library displays due to concerns over the material’s content. Customer objections to any library display will be addressed using the process set forth in the established Request for Reconsideration Procedures.

Nashville Public Library Board.

Adopted, December 9, 2025.