I. Vision
Schaumburg Township District Library is committed to inspiring a lifetime of learning, personal growth, and community engagement. Through art, we seek to create a space where creativity, curiosity, and connection thrive.

II. Mission
We spark curiosity and enrich our community by connecting services, resources, and people. We see art as a vital part of this mission, offering patrons diverse cultural experiences and opportunities to explore new ideas.

III. Goals of the Art Acquisitions Policy
The purpose of this policy is to guide the Library in selecting artwork that aligns with our vision and mission.

We aim to:

  • Curate a collection that reflects the diversity and creativity of our community.
  • Present a variety of works by artists of educational and/or historical significance.
  • Provide opportunities for Library visitors to encounter and engage with original artwork and increase their visual literacy
  • Help local and regional artists expand their public exposure while also working with artists on national or international levels
  • Maintain a sustainable, high-quality collection that supports lifelong learning and cultural enrichment.

IV. Art Program Mission
The Library’s Art Program seeks to:

  • Encourage exploration of various art forms and ideas
  • Connect the community to art that as meaningful historical or contemporary importance
  • Engage the community through thought-provoking art that sparks discussions and reflects local interests
  • Create a welcoming environment that fosters connection through shared cultural experiences

V. Criteria for Selection
The following criteria will guide the selection of artwork:

  • Artistic Quality and Merit: Artwork must demonstrate skill, originality, and creative vision. All pieces should be visually engaging and align with the mission and vision statements in this Policy.
  • Diversity: The collection will include works by artists from various backgrounds, styles, and mediums, ensuring a broad representation, without limitations based on the origin, background, or views of the artist or creator.
  • Educational Value: Art that can be used in Library programs, events, or educational initiatives will be prioritized.
  • Suitability for Display: The artwork must fit well within the Library’s spaces, considering size, durability, maintenance, and display needs.

VI. Acquisition Process
Artwork will be acquired through the following process:

  • Selection Committee: The Art Committee will review potential acquisitions based on the established criteria. The committee will meet as needed to evaluate new submissions.
  • Approval: For purchases at and over $25,000, Board approval is required. Purchases under this threshold can be approved by the Director as part of the annual budget in support of the Art Committee’s direction.

VII. Art Funds
Schaumburg Township District Library maintains a dedicated Art Fund to support the purchase, care, and maintenance of artwork through financial donations from the public from our book sales or restricted donations that we receive.

VIII. Appraisal of Artwork
The Library will have its permanent collection appraised every 7 years to ensure accurate valuation for insurance and collection management purposes. Artwork will also be preserved and maintained according to industry standards.

IX. Gifts of Artwork
The Library will consider donations of artwork that meet the selection criteria. The Library reserves the right to refuse any gift of artwork. Donors will be asked to provide full provenance of the artwork and a description of its significance. Donors will be required to complete a Deed of Gift upon acceptance of the donation. All donations will be reviewed by the Art Committee and presented to the Library Executive Director for final decision-making. Such gifts will accepted only on condition that they may be used, sold, given away, or discarded at the discretion of the Library Director.

X. Deaccessioning of Artwork
The Library reserves the right to remove artwork from its collection if it no longer aligns with the Library’s mission, has deteriorated beyond repair, or otherwise no longer conforms to the selection criteria. All artwork will require Library Director approval before being removed from the collection.

XI. Request for Reconsideration of Artwork
The Library understands that art can be subjective. If a patron objects to a piece of artwork, they may submit a Request for Reconsideration Form. This request will be reviewed by an ad hoc committee, and the Library Director will make a decision on the proposed removal based on the Library’s mission and collection goals, and the selection criteria in this Policy. The individual submitting a Request for Reconsideration may appeal the Library Director’s decision to the Board of Trustees, which will have final decision-making authority. The Library Board’s decision will be based on the selection criteria.

The Library adheres to the principles of intellectual freedom outlined in the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association, which have been extended to include artwork displayed in public libraries. The Library will not automatically remove artwork from display in response to Request for Reconsideration.

Approved by Schaumburg Township District Library Board of Trustees, May 19, 2025