Adopted by the Eagle Public Library Board of Trustees, February 21, 2024
Programming, which is an event sponsored or co-sponsored by the Library, has a presentation component, typically lasts 20 minutes or longer, and furthers the mission of the library. A program may be a single event or a series of events, be a scheduled or a pop-up event, or take place inside or outside of a library.
Programming is a fundamental component of library service that:
- introduces attendees to library resources and materials;
- provides learning and entertainment opportunities to meet the informational, educational and recreational needs of those attending the program;
- raises awareness and visibility of the library within the community;
- supports and responds to emerging community interests as well as established interests and demands;
- expands the Library’s role as a cultural and community center; and
- extends outreach for underserved populations.
Program Development and Presentation
The Eagle Public Library Board of Trustees delegates development and presentation of programs to the Library Director and designated department staff.
Library staff utilize many criteria when making decisions about program topics, speakers, and accompanying resources. When developing a program, library staff consider:
- community needs and interests,
- the proposed program’s relation to library collections, resources, services, and events,
- connections to other community programs, exhibits, or events,
- a program’s historical or educational significance,
- the treatment of the content of the program for its intended audience,
- a program presenter’s expertise and public performance experience,
- the likely popularity of a program, and
- other issues that may impact a program.
The Library may draw upon community resources when developing programs and may actively partner with other community agencies, organizations, educational and cultural institutions, or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored public programs.
Unsolicited programming offers from individuals and organizations to present programs may be considered and evaluated in relation to this policy, as well as the mission and vision of the Eagle Public Library. Members of the public who wish to suggest a program must complete the Present or Suggest a Program form. The selection of a program suggested by a member of the public does not constitute an endorsement of the program’s content nor the views expressed by presenters.
Guidelines
The Eagle Public Library’s philosophy of open access to information and ideas extends to programming. Most Library programs are free and open to the public; however, some programs or classes may require a nominal materials fee. Registration may be required for planning purposes or when space is limited.
Library programs must have a special educational, informational or cultural value to the community. Programs of a purely commercial nature or those designed for the solicitation of business will not be offered by the library.
Programs offered by the Library do not constitute an endorsement of program contents or views expressed by presenters. Decisions to provide programs will not be made on the basis of any anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the merits of the program in serving the interests of the community.
Programs that support or oppose any political candidate or ballot measure will not be approved or offered by the Library. However, educational programs, such as candidate forums that include invitations to all recognized candidates may be offered at the discretion of the Library.
Programs will not be offered or approved that endorse or oppose a specific religion. Programs are planned to be inclusive of all cultures and of all religions and no religion. Library programs may address religious themes to educate or inform, but not to promote, observe or proselytize a particular religious conviction. Secular holiday programs may be offered for the entertainment of library guests.
The Library reserves the right to use video or photographs taken of program participants for internal use, publication, use in Library promotional outlets, and evaluation purposes.
Access
In accordance with the guidelines and restrictions of this policy, every attempt will be made to accommodate all who wish to attend a program. However, when safety, cost, or the success of a program requires it, attendance may be limited. Admittance will be determined on a first come, first served basis; if registration is required, admittance will be determined on a first come, first served basis. The Library reserves the right to deny attendance to anyone becoming disruptive to audience members or the program facilitator, and to anyone in violation of the Library’s Code of Conduct.
The Library makes every effort to comply with all applicable laws, including the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and any state or local disability accessibility guidelines. If a program is held in a location not controlled by the Library, the Library will ensure that the space is accessible to ensure equal access for library programs. Should the number of guests attending a program overflow the program designated event areas, the Library will protect accessible public spaces (such as ramps, pathways, and emergency exit routes) to ensure access and safety.
Reasonable accommodations will be made for those requiring services at Library-initiated programs when needed or requested by patrons. Any individual requiring accommodation to participate in a Library program should contact the Library Director two weeks prior to the program.
Program Cancellation
Programs may be cancelled for a variety of reasons, such as severe weather, absence of a presenter, or low registration (when registration is required). Cancelled programs are rescheduled at the library’s discretion. When possible, advance notification of program cancellations will be made on the Library’s website and other communication channels.
Programs scheduled for the outdoors may be rescheduled or cancelled at the library’s discretion due to temperature extremes or inclement weather. Programs scheduled for the outdoors will be cancelled or rescheduled (at the library’s discretion) when temperatures are below 20F or above 110F at the time of the program.
Program Reconsideration
The Library endeavors to provide programs that reflect the community’s diversity and welcomes feedback about its programs. The Eagle Public Library Board of Trustees recognizes the right of an individual or group from within the City of Eagle to make their objections known to the Library. Should a library guest have a concern about a program, the guest should first direct their concern(s) to the staff in charge of program. If the guest wishes to pursue the issue, and is a resident of the City of Eagle, they may submit a Request for Reconsideration. Only requests made by City of Eagle residents regarding Eagle Public Library programs will be considered.
The Director, with appropriate staff, will review the program in question and determine if it is in accordance with this policy. The Director will make a decision regarding the program in question and send a letter to the resident who submitted the Request for Reconsideration, stating the reasons for the decision.
The decision of the Director may be appealed to the Eagle Public Library Board of Trustees by requesting in a letter to the Director that the request for reconsideration be referred to the Board of Trustees. The Director will forward the request and the reconsideration form to the President of the Board of Library Trustees who will place the matter on a Library Board meeting agenda as soon as practical. The decision of the Board will be final and will be sent in writing to the person who requested reconsideration of the program.
A program that is the subject of a request for reconsideration will generally not be cancelled during the review and appeal process.
Amendment of Policy
The Eagle Public Library Board of Trustees reserves the right to review and amend this policy at any time.