Programming Policy
Mineola Memorial Library
Programming Policy
Mineola Memorial Library schedules, develops, and presents a wide variety of programs that provide opportunities for information, life-long learning, and leisure pursuits. Programming is an integral component of library services that:
• Expands the Library’s role as a community resource
• Introduces patrons and non-users to Library resources
• Provides entertainment
• Provides opportunities for lifelong learning
• Expands the visibility of the Library
Responsibility for Library programming rests with the Library Director, who administers programming under the authority of the Board of Directors. The Library Director, in turn, delegates the authority for program development and management to appropriate staff.
Library staff use the following criteria in making decisions about program topics, speakers, and accompanying resources:
• Community needs and interests
• Availability of program space
• Availability of Library staff
• Treatment of content for intended audience
• Presentation quality
• Presenter background/qualifications in content area
• Budget
• Historical or educational significance
• Connection to other community programs, exhibitions or events
• Relation to Library collections, resources, and exhibits
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. Library staff who present programs do so as part of their regular job and shall not be hired as outside contractors for programming.
Performers and presenters will not be excluded from consideration because of their origin, background, or views. Programs are not used for commercial, religious, or partisan purposes or the solicitation of business. External organizations or individuals partnering with the Library on programs must coordinate marketing efforts with the Library’s staff and secure staff approval before distributing any promotional materials.
The Library does not present programs that support or oppose any candidate for any office or any political party. Petitions or campaign literature are not permitted at the library. The Library reserves the right to revise and edit any copy provided by a program presenter as appropriate for the Library’s various promotional outlets.
No program shall be permitted which poses the imminent threat of public unrest or violence. No program shall be permitted that endangers Library patrons or staff. No program shall be permitted that endangers Library facilities, or otherwise materially interferes with Library operations or any facility where Library programs are held.
Professional performers and presenters that reflect specialized or unique expertise may be hired for Library programs.
Presenters, performers, and any person assisting with programs, especially children’s programs, may be required to have a background check at the Library Director’s discretion.
All Library programs are open to the public. Registration may be required for planning purposes or when space is limited. Programs may be held on-site, off-site or online.
No admission fees may be charged or products or services sold by any business, outside group, or organization. Exceptions include the following:
Groups and organizations may conduct customary activities such as collecting dues from members or refreshment money, but cannot solicit donations.
Groups and organizations formed to support the programs and activities of the Library may use Library facilities for fundraising purposes in support of the Library.
At library sponsored programs only, pre-approved works by a featured presenter may be offered for sale. In all cases, his/her representative collects payment, not library staff.
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. Program topics, speakers and resources are not excluded from programs because of possible controversy. Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by participants or speakers.
In an effort to reach the greatest volume of patrons, the Library may also offer virtual programs. These programs will utilize Library approved virtual meeting platform(s) that patrons may use to access virtual programs from their own devices and may include programs that are simultaneously run at Library facilities along with programs that are solely offered virtually. All Library virtual programs will be hosted via the Library’s virtual meeting account(s). A designated Library staff member will act as “host.” An external presenter will be made the “cohost”. While hosting the virtual program, the Library may mute attendees, lock the event after the program has begun, dismiss participants and the like. Patrons are required to use their own equipment to attend Library virtual programs. Mineola Memorial Library will make its best good faith effort to utilize a virtual program platform that will be compatible with the widest array of hardware and operating systems, but the Library makes no representation that every patron will be capable of accessing Library programming virtually using their personal devices or internet connections. Furthermore, the Library makes no representation as to the quality of the audio or visual aspects of its virtual programs, nor of the stability of the internet connection on the side of the patron, the presenter, or the Library host. Finally, while the Mineola Memorial Library will make all reasonable efforts to ensure the digital security of its virtual events, patrons attending said events understand and accept that all online activity comes with some degree of risk and agree that the Library is not liable for any physical, emotional, or financial damages that may result from attending a Library virtual event.
Patron Conduct
Patrons attending any program whether in-person or virtual program sponsored by the library are expected to adhere to the Mineola Memorial Library’s Code of Conduct while in attendance, and failure to do so during a program may result in their immediate removal from said program. Depending on the severity of the violation individuals may also be banned from attending some or all future Library programs.
Board Approved: November 9 2023
(date)