All programs sponsored by the Taylor County Public Library should meet the following criteria to ensure quality:
- Offers information best transmitted in groups
- Introduces a range of library services
- Enhances the use of the library’s collection
- Improves access to information for targeted audiences
- Encourages positive community cooperation and support
- Provides Entertainment, education, and enhanced social and learning support for patrons
In addition to the above criteria, we will consider attendance, appropriateness of subject to the audience, circulation in subject area of the program, and comments from the public and library staff in determining whether or not the program was worthwhile.
Every attempt will be made to accommodate all who wish to attend a program. However, when safety or the success of a program requires it, attendance may be limited. When limits must be established, attendance will be determined on a first come, first served basis, either with advanced registration or at the door.
The library does not offer programs of a purely commercial nature. Library programs must have a special educational, informational, social, or cultural value to the community. Examples of programs that would be considered of a commercial nature include but are not limited to presentations offered for free but with the intention of soliciting future business.
Professional performers and presenters that reflect specialized or unique expertise may be hired for Library programs; performers and presenters will not be excluded from consideration because of their origin, background, or views, or because of possible controversy. Performers and presenters will complete and sign a Library Performance/Presentation Contract (the prototype of which is attached to this Policy) and will be bound by the conditions of it. 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. Specific adult programs are limited to attendees that are age 18 and older. 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, and program topics, speakers and resources are not excluded from programs because of possible controversy.
The Library welcomes expressions of opinion from customers concerning programming. If a customer questions a library program, he/she should first address the concern with a Library staff member. Patrons who wish to continue their request for review of Library programs may submit the Request for Review form. Requests for review of programs will be considered in the same manner as requests for reconsideration of library materials as outlined in the Library’s Collection Development Policy.