Dorset Council Libraries Noticeboard Policy

Last updated 13 December 2024

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Introduction

Dorset Council libraries have noticeboards which we use to support the promotion of library and Dorset Council services. 

Noticeboard space is limited and library teams manage what is displayed.

If space permits, we may also display promotional material (posters, leaflets etc.) for community events from external organisations- subject to the criteria below.

Library teams decide what to display based on the following order of priority:

  1. events or promotions for library services 
  2. promotions for other Dorset Council services 
  3. promotion from a Dorset Council strategic partner, for example: NHS or Public Health Dorset 
  4. promotion of a free community event run by a local community group- the event must align with our Library Strategy aim: “to enrich lives through universal access to information, knowledge, learning and literacy and culture”
  5. chargeable community event, if non-profit and run by a registered charity - the event must align with our Library Strategy aim: “to enrich lives through universal access to information, knowledge, learning and literacy and culture”

 

Display guidelines

  • all material must be well-designed and suitable for all audiences
  • acceptance of promotional materials does not guarantee display, all material will be considered in accordance with this policy
  • notice boards are continuously managed, and priority will always be given to service and Dorset Council promotions. We therefore cannot commit to display for any specified length of time

 

What cannot be displayed

Library notice boards cannot be used to display any of the following: 

  • party-political materials except for elected MP or Councillor surgeries and election announcements without bias
  • petitions
  • publications of a religious nature
  • commercial advertisements
  • advertisements for private courses or classes run by individuals or commercial organisations
  • job advertisements
  • promotions for commercial tourist venues
  • promotions for members only events, that are not open to the public
  • fundraising or (fee based) membership materials with the exception of Friends of Dorset Libraries and Dorset Council endorsed charities. 
  • permanent or semi-permanent notices

Hire of library space

At some libraries, it is possible to hire library display space for a modest charge.

This allows a community organisation to display material outside of our notice board policy. 

If you are interested in hiring space in our libraries, please see our webpage.