Mount Pleasant Public Library: Policy on Monuments and Markers for Library Facilities and Grounds

The Mt. Pleasant Public Library’s facilities and grounds serve a broad public purpose for the residents of the Town of Mt. Pleasant and the Village of Pleasantville, the municipalities that own and fund the Library. Aware of the library’s desirable locations, and the diversity of people who come to the main library and branch library over the course of any year, the Board of the Mt. Pleasant Public Library has a special responsibility to steward the library’s facilities and grounds so that they reflect and are welcoming to the populations that they serve as fully as possible. Additionally, the Board is cognizant of its responsibility to future administrators and boards so that they may maintain focus on the library’s operations, collections and programs, and stewardship of its buildings and grounds in the least burdensome way.

Any proposals for the temporary or permanent placement of statues, memorials and other commemorative or celebratory monuments or markers on the grounds of the Library must be presented to, and approved by, both the Town of Mount Pleasant and the Village of Pleasantville and/or its appropriate departments, prior to submission to the Library. After a proposal is approved by both municipalities the Board considers the recommendation of the Library’s administration and the following set of criteria.

For consideration of the placement of statuary, memorials, monuments, markers or similar additions to the Library facilities or grounds the proposal must:

• Complement the Library’s mission and goals;
• Improve or augment the appearance and public enjoyment of the Library;
• Meet community needs and/or reflect broad community interests or values;
• Maintain public safety;
• Be in keeping with any master plan for the Library’s future development;
• Have no unsupported material impact on the Library’s operating budget now or in the future.

After approval by the Town of Mount Pleasant and the Village of Pleasantville and/or its appropriate departments, proposals for the addition of statuary, memorials, monuments, markers or similar additions to the Library’s facilities or grounds must be made in writing to the Library administration for the consideration of the Board. Donations will be accepted only on condition that they may be used, removed, relocated, sold, given away, or discarded at the discretion of the Library Board and the Library Director. Assignment of value to non-monetary gifts is the responsibility of the donor. The Library does not appraise items for donors, nor endorse appraisals provided by donors.

Approved by the MPPL Board of Trustees on 3/15/12