Naming Rights Policy
Introduction & Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish the authority and process for naming and renaming Cuyahoga County Public Library branches as well as interior/exterior spaces, physical property and programs. Consistent with this policy, the specific recognition given to donors may include named spaces, furnishings or fixtures within the Library, placement on a donor wall, and other items that commemorate a gift.
In order to effectively leverage private resources, to provide the citizens of Cuyahoga County with the highest quality library services, and to provide citizens and organizations the opportunity to participate actively in the facilities of Cuyahoga County Public Library, the Cuyahoga County Public Library Board of Trustees has adopted the following policy concerning the granting of naming Library branches, rooms and areas of the Library and other physical property.
Cuyahoga County Public Library Board of Trustees considers the following naming opportunities, as stated in this policy in honor or in memory of a living or deceased individual, corporation, foundation, or organization to be one of the highest distinctions it can bestow.
Named Library Branches
A proposal for naming a library branch for an individual, corporation, foundation, or organization will be considered if the donor is a benefactor of greater than $1 million. The donor name will appear on the building itself, and other signage will remain intact. This policy enables customers to easily ascertain the location of a Library branch. In marketing, public relations, and communications we will take every opportunity to use the name of the benefactor when referring to the branch.
Naming rights for a Library branch will not extend beyond the normal life of the structure.
Named Library Rooms or Areas of the Library
A proposal for naming a room or area of a Library branch in honor or memory of a living or deceased individual, corporation, foundation, or organization will be considered if they are a benefactor at the level of $10,000-$999,999. The donor name will appear in a mutually agreed upon location. The Library reserves the right to choose the wording, size and style of this recognition.
Naming rights for a room or area of a Library branch will not extend beyond the normal life of the room or area.
Commemorative Equipment or Furnishing
Donations of equipment, furniture or other physical property, or gifts intended to support the purchase of such items, will be recognized with commemorative plates. The Library reserves the right to accept or decline such gifts based on Library needs. Recognition will apply for the useful life of the purchased items.
General Guidelines
Negotiations for the naming rights or re-naming a Library branch, rooms and areas within branches, equipment and furnishings shall be negotiated by the Library Executive Director or his/her designee subject to approval by the Board of Trustees.
Naming rights will only be granted for monetary gifts and in-kind gifts.
The Board reserves the right to terminate or alter a naming designation under unusual or extraordinary circumstances.
If a named branch or space is relocated, substantially remodeled, or converted to use other than its original use, upgraded or modified, destroyed or severely damaged, the named location may be renamed to reflect new associations or community interests related to the changing space.
Adopted by the Cuyahoga County Public Library Board of Trustees on July 24, 2012. First revision; July 22, 2014. Second revision; July 24, 2018.