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LIBRARY PROGRAMMING POLICY

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 of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Access, Collection, Programs, Digital Literacy, Youth Services, Space and Community Engagement guide the library staff in the development of Library programs.

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
  • 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 submitting the Request for Reconsideration form.

Steps in a Reconsideration Request

  1. Individual(s) completes the Reconsideration Request form and attaches any published reviews available of the material in question.
  2. Submits form to the Library Director.
  3. Library Director, in consultation with Library staff, will review the request and the material in question to consider whether the selection follows criteria stated in the Library Programs Policy.
  4. Within 15 days, the Library Director will notify the individual(s) in writing of the decision and state the reasons for the decision.
  5. The program will remain scheduled and be available to the public during the reconsideration process.

Steps in a Reconsideration Appeal

  1. Individuals not satisfied with the decision of the Director, within 10 days of receiving the decision, may request a meeting before the District’s Board of Trustees by making a written request to the President of the Board.
  2. Upon receipt of the request, the Board may make the request an agenda item and the individual(s) will be notified of the time and place of the Board meeting. The Board reserves the right to limit the length of presentation and number of speakers at the meeting.
  3. After hearing from the person(s) making the reconsideration request, the Board will determine whether the request for reconsideration has been handled in accordance with stated policies and procedures of the District, will review the background information provided by the Library staff, will review the position of the patron and will also review the decision of the Director.
  4. Based on the information presented, the Board may vote to uphold or override the decision of the
    Director. The decision of the Board is final.

Printable Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials

 

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