In recognition of its status as a gathering place for community members, some OPL branches offer art walls or floor space, free of charge to the public, for exhibits of local artwork. These display spaces will be made available to the public in a fair and consistent manner that: 

• Respects applicable legislation, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the “Charter”), the Criminal Code, the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Public Libraries Act;
• Balances clients’ rights to intellectual freedom (the free and open exchange of lawful information), OPL’s applicable statutory objectives, if any, other legal obligations, and the Library Code of Conduct; and,
• Aligns with the Library’s mission and values, and its status as a publicly-funded organization. 

OPL’s public spaces are an important part of its statutory objectives to:  

• Provide a comprehensive public library service that reflects the community’s unique needs, in keeping with its requirements under Ontario’s Public Libraries Act to allow the public to reserve and borrow circulating materials and use reference and information services;
• Inspire learning, spark curiosity, and connect people; and, 
• Support the values of community, inclusion, literacy, integrity, and intellectual freedom.  

To further these objectives, OPL:  

• Hosts art at the library to enrich the public’s experience, foster a sense of belonging, and allow community members to showcase their talents and stories; 
• Supports displays and exhibitions about a variety of topics and themes and that are inclusive of Ottawa's equity-seeking groups. 
• Recognizes the Algonquin Anishinābe Nation as Ottawa’s Indigenous Host Nation and is committed to supporting cultural activities that respond to the Calls to Action put forward in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report; and  
• Recognizes both official languages (English and French) as having equal rights, status, and privileges. 

Access to Library Display Spaces

Display spaces are available at some OPL branches. Please refer to the Display Space Application Form for a list of available display spaces. 

Use of display spaces is granted in the following order of priority:  

1. Library displays: Priority for the use of display spaces is given to OPL and OPL-partnered exhibits. 
2. Partner displays: Subject to the Library’s program needs, OPL will consider requests from clients to partner with the Library to exhibit art that aligns with OPL’s vision, mission, strategic priorities, and applicable statutory objectives, if any. 
3. Public use: Subject to the program needs of the Library and its partners, OPL will consider requests for use of display spaces from the public via the Display Space Application Form available online. 

Display Space Applications

To apply for use of display space at OPL, clients must be an OPL cardholder and complete the Display Space Application Form. Applications may be made up to six (6) months in advance. Individual displays are normally scheduled and set up for one calendar month at a time; the Library has the right to reschedule displays, as needed due to operational requirements. Applications are reviewed and responded to by staff as quickly as reasonably practicable. 

Approval for OPL displays will be exercised in a manner that: 

• Respects applicable legislation, including the Charter, the Criminal Code, the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Public Libraries Act;
• Aligns with the Library’s vision, mission values, and applicable policies; 
• Considers the exhibit’s suitability for viewing in a public space accessed by visitors of all ages; and
• Balances clients’ rights to intellectual freedom (the free and open exchange of lawful information), OPL’s applicable statutory objectives, if any, other legal obligations, and the Library Code of Conduct. 

Display applications will be reviewed by staff on a first-come, first-served basis. The Library reserves its right to refuse or remove displays that do not comply with this Policy. Community displays do not imply approval or endorsement by the Library of the content.  

Solicitation of items for sale is not permitted. 

A display may be denied or cancelled by OPL if: 

• Its content breaches a City By-law, the Library’s Code of Conduct, or any applicable Federal or Provincial law, including the Criminal Code, the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Public Libraries Act, or the common law; or 
• The Applicant has made a material misrepresentation regarding themselves, their organization, the nature of the display, or proposed use of the display space. 

Approved applicants must: 

• Arrange for set-up and take-down of the display at a time specified by OPL. Damages to the premises, equipment, or furnishings resulting from the Applicant’s use of the Library’s property will be charged to the Applicant responsible for the display. Displays not taken down by the specified date may be removed by Library staff. The Applicant may be charged removal fees and may be responsible for any damages incurred due to the removal.  OPL is not responsible for any damage to, loss, or theft of, displayed items or equipment. The Library assumes no responsibility for providing materials or assistance in setting up or taking down displays.
• Provide the exhibit information in English or French (or both if possible; otherwise, OPL will arrange for translation), including the title of the exhibit, synopsis, and name of artist/group/organization responsible for the exhibit. Exhibit information may also include contact information if desired. Prices must not be indicated on any items. 

Publicity & Signage  

All written signage or posters for a display must be approved by Library staff prior to posting. Approval will be exercised in a manner that: 

• Respects applicable legislation, including the Charter, the Criminal Code, the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Public Libraries Act;
• Aligns with the Library’s mission and values; and
• Balances clients’ rights to intellectual freedom (the free and open exchange of lawful information), OPL’s applicable statutory objectives, if any, other legal obligations, and the Library Code of Conduct.  

In any advertising or promotional material, only the proper name of OPL shall be used, and any such material shall refer to the place of display as Ottawa Public Library, name of branch, and shall designate its proper municipal address. No use of the Library’s logo is permitted without explicit consent of the Library. Permission to post publicity on Library property for a display in the Library will be given as per the Notice Boards Policy.  

Medium or High-Risk Displays  

Applicants for display space use that may be deemed by Library staff to be potentially of risk may be asked for additional information through the application process. The OPL Board, and other key stakeholders such as Library Security may also be advised and kept apprised of medium or high-risk events. Risks may include intelligence regarding a potential protest, large expected crowds, and/or displays with sexually explicit or violent content.  

Challenges to Displays 

Clients who have a concern about a display are encouraged to first speak with branch or InfoService employees. If their concerns have not been addressed, they can submit a Request for Reconsideration Form. 

Staff will document and investigate concerns, prioritizing: 

• Legal rights and obligations under the Charter, the Ontario Human Rights Code, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act; customers' responsibilities under the Library Code of Conduct; the requirements of the Criminal Code; and the Library’s applicable statutory objectives, if any;  
• Due diligence and fairness; and, 
• An environment free from discrimination, bullying, and harassment.