Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to address the programming (1) developed and sponsored by the library and (2) developed by members of the community and cosponsored by the library.

 

Policy:

Independence County Library is an integral part of the community. We provide free and open access to services, resources, and programs that foster literacy, cultural appreciation and personal growth, and community connections.

Library programs extend and promote the role of the library as a community resource; enhance the information found in library collections; offer a way for people to obtain information; encourage participation in civic life; and help to address the cultural and leisure-related interests of the community.

 

Library staff may use, but are not limited to, the following criteria in program planning:

• Relation to library mission and service goals
• Community needs and interest
• Presentation quality and treatment of content for intended audience
• Presenter background/qualification/reputation
• Availability of program space
• Budget and staff considerations
• Connections to other community programs, exhibits or events

Requests from individuals to present library programs are considered using the above criteria. The Library Director or the Office Manager are the designated parties to approve or decline program requests. 

Program presenters can be individuals, organizations, performers, artists, or educators. Programs may include workshops, performances, concerts, or informational presentations. 

The purpose of programs may not be purely commercial or for the solicitation of business. The presenter may leave business cards for participants to pick up after the program should anyone be interested in purchasing items or services from the presenter.

Every attempt will be made to accommodate all who wish to attend a program. However, when safety or the success of a program requires it, attendance may be limited. When limits must be established, attendance will be determined on a first come, first served basis, either with advanced registration or at the door.

Programs will be developed with consideration for the principles of accessibility and equity. These include, but are not limited too, access for people with disabilities, and times and locations that maximize convenience and encourage attendance by the target audience. The library staff has the discretion to cancel programs, to be rescheduled or not.

In some cases, the nature and success of a program may require that attendance is limited based on age, especially programs intended for children and teens that are geared to their interests and developmental needs. In no case will attendance at a program be limited because the content of the program may be controversial.

The library cannot accommodate events that are expected to exceed our room capacity. The maximum seating capacity (without tables) of the largest room, the Public Meeting Room, is 50. If you anticipate a larger crowd than that, please consider another location.

All library programs must be open to the public and offered free of charge. However, recognizing that program attendees may wish to purchase items like books written by speakers or recordings made by performers, the library may permit the sale of such items in conjunction with a library-sponsored program. All plans to sell such items must be arranged in advance and approved by the Library Director and Office Manager. Program presenters are responsible for the handling of all sales. The Library reserves the right to use video or photographs taken of program participants for internal use, publication, and use in library promotional outlets, and for evaluation purposes.

 

Library presenters overseeing activities or programs engaging Vulnerable Populations WILL:

• Show respect for the rights, safety and welfare of program participants
• Maintain a professional and respectful demeanor when engaging with program participants
• Report any concerns about personal safety, harassment or intimidation by program participants
• Report any concerns about a patron or program participant to the library staff immediately

 

Library presenters overseeing activities or programs engaging Vulnerable Populations WILL NOT:

• Use any racist, sexist, discriminatory, offensive, or culturally insensitive language including inappropriate slang
• Behave in a way that frightens or demeans any program participant
• Initiate inappropriate contact with youth including, but not limited to, activities such as hugging, piggyback rides, massage, tickling, or wrestling; nor make any remarks related to physique, sexuality or body development

 

 

Approved by the Independence County Library Board November 15, 2022