The naming of all new Library buildings and of all existing Library buildings undergoing significant renovation and expansion is the responsibility of the Library Board, guided by the following criteria.
New library facilities shall be named and existing library facilities shall be renamed
- with a preference for geographic or functional designation, or
- when the Board chooses to honor an individual for significant, outstanding contribution in keeping with the nature and mission of the Library (in which case the name should be generally recognized within the community and be able to stand the test of time), or
- when the Board chooses to accept the gift of a donor (or donors) who requests naming rights and who contributes a minimum of 51% of the total project costs, including construction, equipment, furnishings and collections for the building.
Further,
- The Library Director, in consultation with the Library design team and the Madison Public Library Foundation's Campaign Committee for that facility, will be responsible for determining the manner in which the name is recognized (e.g.signage.)
- No naming opportunities will be considered for corporations or religious entities.
- The term for the naming of the new facility shall be 25 years, after which the building could be renamed, based on the above criteria.
Naming of Interior Spaces
Other naming opportunities are available within the new building or existing buildings undergoing significant renovation and expansion. These opportunities are identified by the Library Director in consultation with the Library's design team and the Madison Public Library Foundation's Campaign Committee for that facility, and could include such areas as meeting rooms, auditoriums, reading lounges, special use areas, collections, equipment, gardens or other interior and exterior spaces.
- Naming opportunities are available for individuals, families, foundations and corporations making a significant contribution to the project, as determined by the square footage costs of the specific area of interest, plus the cost of new equipment or collections for that area.
- The Library Director, in consultation with the Library design team and the Madison Public Library Foundation's Campaign Committee for that facility, will be responsible for determining the manner in which the name is recognized (e.g.signage.)
- A list of the interior naming opportunities and costs for each facility under construction will be submitted to the Library Board for approval.
This policy was approved by the Library Board on March 3, 2004.