Naming Rights Policy
Introduction & Purpose
To effectively leverage resources, provide the citizens of Cuyahoga County with the highest quality library services, and to allow citizens and organizations the opportunity to participate directly in support of Cuyahoga County Public Library, the Cuyahoga County Public Library Board of Trustees has adopted the following policy concerning the granting of naming rights to Library buildings, spaces, and furnishings.
The purpose of this policy is to establish the authority and qualifications for naming and renaming Cuyahoga County Public Library buildings, interior spaces, exterior spaces and furnishings in recognition of a monetary gift to Cuyahoga County Public Library or Cuyahoga County Public Library Foundation.
Named Library Branches
The Board of Trustees will consider naming or renaming a Library building in honor of a living or deceased individual, a family, corporation, foundation, or organization (donor) who donates $1 million or more. The donor's name will appear on the Library building. The branch will be named for the city in which it is located so that customers can easily ascertain the location of the Library branch. In marketing, public relations, and communications, we will take every opportunity to use the name of the donor when referring to the branch, especially in initial references.
Naming rights for a Library building will not extend beyond the normal, useful life of the structure.
Named Library Interior and Exterior Spaces
A room, area, or space inside or outside a Library branch may be named in honor of a living or deceased individual, a family, corporation, foundation, or organization (donor) who donates $10,000-$999,999. Specific amounts to be determined based on the size, location, and purpose of the space. The donor's name will appear on a plaque that will be placed in the proximity of the space at the discretion of the Library. The Library reserves the right to choose the wording, size, placement and style of this recognition.
Naming rights for a room, area or space inside or outside a Library branch will not extend beyond its normal, useful life.
Named Furnishings
The Library may identify planned or existing furnishings eligible to be named in honor of a living or deceased individual, a family, corporation, foundation, or organization (donor). Examples include furniture, equipment, and art. Specific furnishings are chosen by the Library based on the Library's needs and suitability to meet the intended purpose. A specific donation amount will be determined by the Library and will take into consideration the initial cost of the furnishing, installation, and ongoing maintenance of the furnishing. The donor's name will appear on a plaque that will be placed on or in proximity to the furnishing at the discretion of the Library. The Library reserves the right to choose the wording, size, placement, and style of this recognition.
Naming rights for furnishings will not extend beyond the normal, useful life of the furnishing.
General Guidelines
Negotiations for the naming or re-naming of a Library building, room, area or space inside or outside the Library branch, and furnishings shall be negotiated by the Library’s Chief Executive Officer or his/her designee subject to approval by the Board of Trustees.
The condition and purpose of the named building, room, area, interior or exterior space, or furnishing, is at the discretion of the Library and may not be altered by donor request.
Naming rights will only be granted for monetary gifts.
The Board reserves the right to terminate or alter a naming right under unusual circumstances. For example, if an individual or organization named comes into disrepute or takes actions that reflect negatively on the Library or do not align with the Library’s brand, mission and values—at the Library or in the community at large—at any point. Should the Naming Rights Donor Agreement be terminated, the Board and the Library shall have no further obligation or liability to the donor and shall not be required to return any portion of the gift that has already been paid.
If a named building, space, or furnishing is relocated, remodeled, or converted to a use other than its original use, upgraded or modified, destroyed or severely damaged, the naming rights may be altered or eliminated to reflect these changes.
Adopted by the Cuyahoga County Public Library Board of Trustees on July 24, 2012. First revision; July 22, 2014. Second revision; July 24, 2018. Third revision; February 27, 2024.