Programming Policy

• The Library should hold at least one program per month, and preferably more if possible. At least one percent (1%) of the Library’s annual municipal appropriation should be set aside exclusively to fund and publicize these programs.
• The purpose of such programs is to: 1) increase the visibility and use of the Library in the community; 2) increase attendance, circulation and new library card holders; and 3) spread knowledge and culture in the community.
• Except as noted below, all programs shall be: 1) free and 2) open to the general public.
• Programs may be sponsored or conducted by the Library staff, the Friends of the Library or the Library Board. Ideally, the responsibility for such programs should be divided equally among the staff, the Board and the Friends, however, the final responsibility for programming rests with the Library staff.
• All proposed programs shall be reviewed and approved in advance by the Library Director, preferably at least two weeks prior to the event primarily to allow sufficient time for adequate publicity). Final approval or rejection of any proposes program shall rest with the Library’s Board of Trustees,
• Programs may be scheduled at any time during normal Library hours, and with the Library Director’s approval, may also extend to no later than 9 p.m. on weeknights. Some programs should be scheduled during mornings, afternoons and evenings, to enable people with different schedules to attend.
• Programs may involve almost any subject or activity, as long as they would be of general interest to the community. Programs can but do not necessarily need to be book-related, but should be library-related; they should involve the pursuit of knowledge and/or culture, and should be educational, thought-provoking or entertaining.
  By way of illustration, this includes but is not limited to: book discussions: Poetry nights; Story Hours; computer program tutorials (Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, Print Shop, Publisher, etc.); Astronomy Nights; parties celebrating the four seasons and national, state or other recognized traditional holidays (such as Halloween, Valentine’s Day, April Fool’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.); documentaries; essay contests; classic and current movies; cooking demonstrations; television shows; filmed or live plays; classes involving skills and crafts such as gardening, conjuring and scrapbooking; National Library Week and various reading-related events sponsored by the American Library Association and similar non-profit groups such as Read Across America; lectures; recorded or live music recitals; Power Point presentations; library tours; and seminars.
• Programs should vary in their target audience, with some being directed to toddlers, young children, teenagers, adults and senior citizens, in order to reach all members of the community.
• All programs should have sufficient advance publicity and promotion (such as free newspaper public service listings or paid display ads, posters and/or flyers) to make the general public aware of the event. When possible, programs should also be advertised in the Library’s quarterly or semi-annual newsletters.
• Programs may not be offered by a commercial business in order to promote its products or services (such as seminars on “reverse mortgages,” diet plans, real estate purchases, financial management, estate planning, etc,) However this restriction does not apply to published authors speaking about their books’ they may offer to sell copies of their book after the presentation, as long as a purchase of the book is not required in order to attend the presentation.
• All programs shall conform to prevailing community standards, and shall not contain any abscene or pornographic material. Programs shall not present particular political or religious viewpoints, except in a historical context. Any program not conforming to these requirements or any other aspect of the Library’s programming policy may be stopped at any time by the Library Director or sponsor.
• Movies may be shown if rated “G” (All ages admitted), PG (Admitted with parental guardian) or “R” (Restricted to 18+ unless accompanied by an adult). Unrated movies released before 1960 and network television programs may also be shown, and may carry a disclaimer when and if appropriate (such as “Not recommended for children under 12”).
• The Friends of the Library may conduct up to two (2) programs per year at which an admission fee up to $10 per person may be charged to defer expenses and/or raise funds.
• Programs for young children (Story Hours, holiday parties, etc.) should include an age-related craft ad a snack where feasible and appropriate. All crafts and food shall be provided at no charge to patrons.
• Attendance at all programs is limited to available capacity on a first-come, first served basis. No advance ticket purchases are required, except for programs involving admission fees.

Adopted on January 14, 2010