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Library Program Policy

 

I. Policy Purpose & Scope: 

 

  1. The Oliver Wolcott Library, in keeping with its mission and core values of fostering lifelong  learning and promoting materials, programs, and services that enlighten, enrich and inform, develops and presents library programs that provide information, enrichment, entertainment, and  engagement. 
  2. Programming is an integral component of Library services that promotes and complements the  Library’s other services and collections. It supports the Library's role as the intellectual and  cultural enrichment center of the community. 
  3. Programs are provided for the interest, information and enlightenment of all residents and aim to  represent a wide range of topics and areas of interest providing access to content that is relevant  to the general informational needs and research, independent interests, and the cultural and  educational needs of residents of all ages. 
  4. The Library recognizes the importance of programs as resources for voluntary inquiry and the  dissemination of information and ideas and to promote free expression and free access to ideas  by residents. 
  5. This policy provides guidelines for the development, management, and oversight of programs  presented by the Library. This policy applies to all Library programs.

 

II. Key Definitions: 

 

A Library program is a free event, virtual or in-person, planned by librarians for the  benefit of those members of the public who opt to attend. It may involve outside presenters,  facilitators or performers and may be presented in cooperation with other entities. 

Note: Use of a public meeting room by an organization or individual to hold a public event is not  a Library program.

 

III. Roles and Responsibilities: 

 

The Library Board delegates development, presentation and oversight of programs to the Library  Director and librarians. The Library Director, Youth Services Director, and other librarians are accountable for planning, scheduling and implementation of programs. 

Designated librarians are responsible for the development, coordination and supervision of  library programs.  Librarians are professionally trained to curate and develop displays and programs.

The final responsibility for the library program is held by the Library Director, but day-to-day  responsibility is shared by librarians. Attendees are responsible for complying with the Library's Behavior Policy and failure to do so may result in their immediate removal from said program. 

 

IV. Procedures: Program Selection, Coordination, and Supervision:

 

1. The Library strives to present programs that are educational, informational, cultural or    recreational and avoids programs that do not meet these standards. Topics, content and timing of Library programs are developed with consideration of available resources and  keeping community needs and interests in mind.

2. Program selection is based upon the suitability of topic, format and intended audience.  3. A program will not be excluded because its topic may be regarded by some as  controversial.  

4. Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute or imply an endorsement of the  content or of the presenter of the program.  

5. Library programs must have an educational, informational, cultural or recreational value  to the community. Programs of a purely commercial nature or those designed for the  solicitation of business will not be offered by the Library.  

6. Programs that support or oppose any political candidate or ballot measure will not be  approved or offered by the Library. However, educational programs, such as candidate  forums that include invitations to all recognized candidates, may be offered.

7. Library programs may address religious themes to educate or inform, but not to promote,  observe or proselytize a particular religious conviction. Holiday programs may be offered  for the entertainment of Library patrons.  

8. Library programs are curated by librarians. Librarians are professionally trained to curate and develop programs. 

9. In the event of a co-sponsored program, supervision of the program may be delegated to  the co-sponsoring organization depending upon the timing and venue of the program. All  programs sponsored or co-sponsored by the Library, however, must abide by this policy  regardless of where they are hosted. 

10. The Library does not allow outside groups to provide programs. 

11. Library programs may be offered at the library, virtually, as an outreach event, and/or co sponsored with another organization.

 

V. Program Registration & Access:

 

Library programs are free and open to the public on a first-come first-serve basis. Registration  may be in advance online or at the door. For programs targeted to a specific audience, e.g.  children or teens, and promoted as such, preferential admission may be offered to those groups  on a first-come first-serve basis, limited to those individuals as the Library deems appropriate. 

When registering for a library program, information collected during the registration process will  be used only to communicate information about that program or to confirm eligibility to  participate in that program. 

 

VI. Virtual Programs:

 

Virtual programs may be pre-recorded and broadcast via the internet or recorded as  presented for later viewing. In the event an interactive program is being recorded, attendees will  be informed of that fact at the start of the program. 

 

VII. Program Materials: 

 

Books, or other ancillary materials related to the content of a program may be offered for sale at  a Library program as a convenience to attendees. Materials owned in the library’s collection  relating to the program may also be on display at the event or in the library. Materials such as,  but not limited to, poems to be discussed or playbills, providing additional information about  the program may also be offered free of charge to attendees before or during the event. 

 

VIII. Procedures for the Reconsideration of Library Programs by Patrons: 

 

The Library limits consideration of requests to reconsider material, displays or programs to  individuals residents of the Town of Litchfield. Please see our Library Material Review and  Reconsideration Policy and Form for further information on this process. The policy can be found on our website at www.owlibrary.org or by visiting the Oliver Wolcott Library to request  a copy. 

Submitted September 3, 2025.
Approved October 30, 2025