Ultimate responsibility for programming at the Library rests with the County Librarian who administers under the authority of the Board of Trustees. Designated staff to whom responsibility has been delegated make all decisions about program topics, speakers, and accompanying resources using these criteria:
- Relevance to community interests and issues
- Availability of program space
- Treatment of content for intended audience
- Presentation quality
- Presenter background/qualifications in content area
- Budget
- Connection to other community programs, exhibitions or events
In addition, the Library draws upon other community resources in developing programs and actively partners with other community agencies, organizations, educational and cultural institutions, or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored public programs. Professional programs, performers, and presenters will not be excluded from consideration because of their origin, background, or views. Library staff who present programs do so as part of their regular job and are not hired as outside contractors for programming.
All Library programs are open to the public. A fee may be charged for certain types of Library programs. The Library’s philosophy of open access to information and ideas extends to Library programming, and the library does not knowingly discriminate through its programming. Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by participants. 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. Age requirements for attendance at programs targeted to specific age groups may be invoked. Life safety codes are observed, and attendance may be limited by space. Programs may be held on site or off site. Any sales of products at Library programs must be approved by the County Librarian. Programs are not used for the solicitation of business.
External organizations or individuals partnering with the Library must coordinate marketing efforts with the Library.
Requests for review of programs will be considered in the same manner as requests for reconsideration of library materials.
Scheduled groups of up to 30 may visit the Library for instruction. Groups of children must be accompanied by an adult supervisor.