Each of the City Library buildings has been designed to create a positive aesthetic experience for patrons. Architectural design, materials, and color palette have been carefully selected to harmonize together and reinforce the intended experience. The architects and designers for each building have placed a premium on consistent design and neutrality. The addition of decorations to walls, windows, columns, desks, ceilings, or shelves fundamentally alters the environment created by the architects and designers.
DIS4.1 In general, staff-initiated decorations will not be displayed in public areas of the Library except as part of a display highlighting either Library materials or programs. Exceptions may be made in areas designated as children’s areas or with the approval of the Library Administration.
DIS4.2 Holiday decorations will not be displayed in public areas of the Library except as part of a display highlighting Library materials or programs. Care will be taken to make sure a majority of display areas within a department are not used to highlight a single holiday at any given time.
DIS4.3 In cases where departmental decorations are approved by the appropriate administrator, great care should be taken to ensure that they are minimal, tasteful, and in keeping with the general design constructs of the specific building.
DIS4.4 Staff will take great care in attaching approved decorations to Library property, furnishings, and equipment. Decorations will not mar, damage, or leave residue on walls or other surfaces.
DIS4.5 As budget allows, the Library may contract with services offering plants or floral arrangements to enhance the Library environment.
DIS4.6 Within reason, staff may decorate in staff areas not visible to the public from inside or outside the buildings. They will use moderation and common sense in decorating staff spaces.
DIS4.7 Spaces in each Library are designated for changing art exhibits and displays.
DIS4.8 The Library maintains a small collection of Permanent Art for possible use in public spaces. Addition of Permanent Art to public spaces is dependent on the approval of the appropriate department Manager and Administrator. Use of selections from the Permanent Art collection is dependent on the site having appropriate light, temperature, and humidity control to avoid damaging the work.
DIS4.9 When it is determined that an appropriate piece of Permanent Art is not available for an intended location, it may be necessary to purchase a piece or initiate a process for producing and selecting a public art work specifically for that site. This would be accomplished through the regular Library budget process and a Call for Proposals.
Approved by Library Board of Directors, January 2010