Mission

Palo Alto City Library connects and strengthens our diverse community through knowledge, resources, and opportunities. We inspire and nurture innovation, discovery, and delight.

One of five branches in the PACL system, the Rinconada Library at 1213 Newell Road houses a robust arts collection and provides space for cultural events. These activities serve as a wonderful complement to the Palo Alto Art Center next door.

Exhibition Space Available

The wall space available for display is located in the main area of the library, a high-traffic area near the service desk.

• Wall dimensions:  27 feet long x 9 feet high

Process

The Library may allow external organizations, groups, or individuals to use exhibit space in the library for cultural interest, information, and enlightenment of the community. However, Library exhibition spaces are not exclusively gallery spaces and are not a public forum. These areas are also passageways for employees and members of the public of all ages to reach certain Library services. Accordingly, the Library discourages proposals containing images that include significant elements of sexually explicit imagery, nudity or graphic depiction of violence. Library exhibition spaces may not be used for commercial or political purposes, for the solicitation of business, for profit or for fundraising. Exhibit space is available on an equitable basis, regardless of the viewpoints or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Works displayed in the Teen Study Room should be age appropriate for that space. Priority for display in the Teen Study Room will be given to exhibitors from that age group and typically in coordination with community partners such as schools or other organizations working with the Library. Final approval rests with the Library Director or the designee of the Library Director.

Inquiries about exhibiting art work should be directed to the Rinconada Library (see below for contact information). The City requires that Exhibitors sign a disclaimer of liability statement. While art is exhibited in areas within the library, the library does not guarantee any monitoring or security of the exhibit. The artist should take any precautionary measures deemed necessary to protect works.

Exhibitors must organize their own marketing and publicity. As time and space allows, information about the exhibit may be featured on the Library’s website. Exhibitors are responsible for installation and removal of artwork. Arrangements should be made to install and remove artwork before the Library opens, minimizing conflicts and disruptions. Exhibitors must bring all tools and supplies required for installation. Two-dimensional work should be hung so that it hangs as flush to the wall as possible. Art should be hung using the picture rail system or other means that do not damage the wall surface.

Works should be identified with labels that follow the guidelines (attached). Prices should not be listed on labels; however, contact information for the artist should be provided in an artist statement. Exhibitors are responsible for all transactions and sales.

Library staff should be provided with a complete list of exhibited work, including titles, media, and value. Exhibitors should not remove works from the exhibition until the planned removal date. Exhibitors are responsible for removal of all works, as well as removal of any materials used for hanging. However, the Library reserves the right to remove and return artworks prior to the scheduled removal date without advance notice or compensation.

Requirements

Requirements of Exhibitors

• Visit the site before scheduling an exhibit.
• Arrange a mutually convenient date and time for hanging artwork.
• Complete application form (attached).
• Be responsible for preparing and hanging art.
• Bring necessary equipment for hanging art.
• Display only in designated areas.
• Provide the Library with a list of works.
• Leave all works on display through the end of the exhibit.
• Remove works on the agreed date.

Requirements of Library Staff

• Coordinate exhibition and installation/removal dates.
• Prevent visual obstructions of the exhibit.
• Maintain consideration of exhibitor’s needs and respect for material exhibited.

Policy

The City of Palo Alto and Palo Alto City Library accept no responsibility for the preservation, protection, possible damage or theft of any item displayed or exhibited. The City of Palo Alto and Palo Alto City Library are not obligated to insure the artist’s artwork or other property. Individual insurance is highly recommended. If your exhibition application is approved, an Art Exhibit Agreement will be emailed to you, which must be completed and returned prior to installation.

Label Template

In order to ensure the enjoyment of exhibitions by all patrons, we require adherence to templates in the formatting of labels and other materials. These templates are consistent with Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 recommendations.

Artist Statement:

Statement should list the exhibition title, if applicable, as well as individual or community group name(s). Text must be formatted in at least 16-point font.

Artwork Labels:

Must be formatted in the following manner:

Artist Name in 24 pt., Artwork Title in 24 pt. Italic, Date of Artwork in 24 pt.

Any additional information, such as media type, etc. in 18 pt.

Questions?

Rinconada Library

1213 Newell Road

Palo Alto, CA 94303

pa.library@paloalto.gov

650-329-2436