A “program” is a planned interaction between the library staff and the program participants for the purpose of promoting library materials, facilities, or services, as well as offering the community an informational, learning, entertaining, or cultural experience.

The Library District presents programs for various age groups, cultures, backgrounds and interest groups. Programs may target a general audience or be tailored to an age-specific audience. Programming includes, but is not limited to, such activities as book discussions, story time/storytelling, family literacy programs, author visits/readings, artistic and music performances, film showings, demonstrations and workshops, instructional classes/training session, lectures and presentations, exhibits and associated programs, community forums, and library tours and orientations.

As required by 15 CSR 30-200.015 Library Certification Requirement for the Protection of Minors, subsection (e), all library programs will have an age-appropriate designation affixed to any publication, website, or advertisement for such event or presentation, i.e. Tots ages 0-3, Children ages 3-12, Teens ages 13-17, Adults Only ages 18+, and All Ages. The library does not stand in place of the parents/guardian (in loco parentis) when it comes to access to library programs. The responsibility for program attendance for a minor child rests solely with the parent or legal guardian. The Library staff is willing to work with the parent or guardian to determine what programs are best suited for a minor child’s needs, within the framework or guidelines established by the parent or guardian.

The Library District uses library staff expertise, collections, services and facilities in developing and delivering programming. The Library District’s staff use the following criteria in making decisions about program topics, speakers, and accompanying resources.

· Community needs

· Availability of program space

· Treatment of content for intended audience

· Presentation quality

· Presenter background/qualifications in content area

· Budget

· Relevance to community interests and issues

· Historical or educational significance

· Connection to other community programs, exhibitions, or events

· Relation to Library District collections, resources, exhibits and programs

Program presenters may include library staff with relevant skills or expertise, volunteers or staff from co-sponsoring organizations, local or visiting authors and performing artists, local or visiting speakers or experienced and qualified instructors/trainers. In addition, the Library District will draw upon other community resources in developing programs and actively partner with other community agencies, organizations, educational, and cultural institutions, or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored public programs. Professional performers and presenters that reflect specialized or unique expertise may be hired for Library District programs; performers and presenters will not be excluded from consideration because of their origin, views, or because of possible controversy. Library District staff who present programs do so as part of their regular job and are not hired as outside contractors for programming.

All Library District programs are open to the public and normally offered free of charge. A fee may be charged to recover the cost of a presenter, educational program, materials and/or supplies. Tickets may be sold for special library events. The Library Districts philosophy of open access to information and ideas extends to programming and the Library District does not knowingly discriminate through its programming. Library District sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by participants, and program topics, speakers and resources are not excluded from programs because of possible controversy.

Registration may be required for planning purposes or when space is limited. Programs may be held on site at any Library District location, or off site. Programs may be limited to attendees of targeted age groups.

Programs are not used for commercial, religious, partisan purposes or the solicitation of business. Time cannot be taken during the program to promote products or services. All those presenting programs on behalf of the Library need to be cognizant of this.

The Library recognizes, however, that in some cases those attending the program may wish to purchase items related to the program after the completion of the program. Examples of such items include:

· Books or CDs or other media created by the presenter.

· Craft or other supplies, related to the demonstration provided in the program.

In order to offer products for sale the presenter must first receive permission of the Library Director. Presenters are responsible for collecting the related sales tax. Under no circumstance will Library staff be directly involved in the sale of materials while working on Library time.

Program participants should expect that photographs/video will be taken at events and used on the Library District’s social media sites, website, and/or printed marketing materials. Participants may request in writing that their image not be used by the library by completing the Photo Non Consent Form.

Program participants are required to sign, for themselves or for their minor children, an Informed Consent and Liability Release Waiver in order to participate in any program that requires physical activity.

The Library District welcomes expressions of opinion from patrons concerning programming. If a patron questions a library program, he/she should address the concern with a staff member. If a patron's concern is not satisfied through discussion with staff, a formal, written request for reconsideration of a program may be submitted to the Library Director.

Additional accommodations may be made for persons with disabilities upon request. Individuals with disabilities who contact the Library District up to one week in advance will be accommodated to the best of the library’s ability.

See

Amended and Approved by Vote of Library Board of Trustees, October 18, 2018.