The Board of Trustees of the San Miguel County Public Library District #1, Wilkinson Public Library, adopts and makes public the following Programming Policy to guide Library staff and to inform the public about the principles upon which Library programs are executed.

The Board Outcomes guide the library staff in the development of Library programs and adherence to 24-90-122 C.R.S. Standards for reconsideration of library resources.

Programs

In keeping with our outcomes, Wilkinson Public Library staff develop and present programs that provide opportunities for the pursuit of knowledge by providing equal access to information resources. The Library may create and offer programs by staff or with community partners or presenters. Programming is an integral component of library service that:

• Expands the Library’s role as a community resource
• Introduces community members to the Library and other community resources
• Fosters lifelong learning, promotes cultural enrichment and supports education
• Expands the visibility of the Library
• Provides entertainment and recreation

Inherent in the program philosophy is an appreciation for each patron of the Wilkinson Public Library. The Library upholds the right of the individual to access information, even though the content may be controversial, unorthodox or unacceptable to others. The views and opinions of program presenters do not constitute endorsement of the Wilkinson Public Library.

Program Selection and Design

Library staff use many criteria in making decisions about program topics, speakers, and accompanying resources, including:

• Advancing the Library’s Outcomes and guiding principles
• Service area demographics
• Community needs and interests
• Presenter background/qualifications in content area
• Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion through representation and content
• Current demand and frequency of use
• Accuracy and timeliness of program content
• Continuous evaluation to maintain programming vitality and usefulness to the community
• Cost and budget considerations

Unsolicited offers from individuals or organizations to present programs will be evaluated by the same standards used by Library staff when planning Library programming. The Library reserves the right to not schedule a program and/or cancel a scheduled program.

Programming Guidelines

All Library and Library sponsored programs are typically free and open to the public. The Wilkinson Public Library supports free and open access to information and ideas as stated in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to View policies of the American Library Association.

Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by presenters or participants. The Library does not offer programs that are solely commercial or religious. Library programs may encourage political discourse as part of civic engagement in forums designed for that purpose. The Library welcomes groups and organizations to reserve meeting room spaces for programs that are not sponsored, organized or publicized by the Library, and we require customers to agree to the Wilkinson Public Library Meeting Room Policy terms and conditions.

Programs may be canceled due to weather, low registration or absence of the presenter. Canceled programs are not necessarily rescheduled.

Reconsideration of a Library Program

Patrons can request the reconsideration of a Library Program or appeal to this policy by following the Policy for Reconsideration of Library Resources.

Printable Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials

Date Approved:
Approved by: Wilkinson Public Library Board of Trustees
Date Amended/Modified: 03/15/2023; 07/16/2024