7. Partnerships and Sponsorships 

The Library seeks and encourages partnerships and sponsorships with non-profit organizations, governments, commercial entities, and other groups to expand the capacity of Library programs and services provided to the community.

The purpose of such arrangements is to create new opportunities that further the missions of the Library and its partner(s), and to improve the quality of life in the community. The Library seeks and responds to opportunities to partner with organizations to reach new audiences and promote Library services and offerings. A successful relationship will build on the strength of each partner to reach new or shared constituencies that neither partner working alone could serve as well.

The Library welcomes expressions of opinion from patrons concerning library partnerships. Patron concerns about a Library partnership should be shared with the Library Director. A patron who wishes to continue a request for review of a partnership may submit a Request for Reconsideration form (Appendix T). 

7.1 Partnerships

A partnership is defined as a collaboration that results in an exchange of services, use of facilities, a newly-created service or event, or other transactions between the Library and another entity. While the Library and the other entity may not have identical goals, the goals should be complementary and not contradictory. Each partner should contribute to the enterprise.

Certain guidelines apply in deciding the specific nature and conditions of acceptable partnerships. These include:

  • Partnerships shall not dictate the Library’s philosophy and mission, vision, and values.

  • Partnerships must be consistent with the Library’s policies.

  • Partnerships must not give unfair advantage to, or create discriminations against, any segment of the community.

  • Partnerships must protect the principle of intellectual freedom. Partners may not direct the selection of collections or require endorsement of products or services.

  • The Library shall ensure the confidentiality of user records. The Library shall not sell or provide access to Library records in exchange for gifts or support.

  • The terms of the partnership will be agreed upon by both parties before implementation.

  • Responsibility for cultivating and managing partnerships rests with the Library Director and designated department staff.

    7.2 Sponsorships

Sponsorships are mutually beneficial agreements where an external party—such as an individual, non-profit organization, or business—provides cash or in-kind services to the Library in exchange for promotional opportunities, visibility, and marketing benefits. The Library will enter into sponsorships that enhance its collections and services, making them more accessible to all patrons. Due to the marketing nature of these arrangements, sponsorships do not qualify as a charitable contribution.

Certain guidelines apply in deciding the specific nature and conditions of acceptable sponsorships. These include:

  • Sponsorships must align with the Library’s philosophy and mission, vision and values.

  • Sponsorships must protect the principle of intellectual freedom. Sponsors may not direct the selection of collections or require endorsement of products or services.

  • The Library shall ensure the confidentiality of user records. The Library will not sell or provide access to Library records in exchange for gifts or support.

  • Sponsors branding shall not conflict with the Library’s values.

  • The Library shall entertain sponsorship opportunities only with companies whose products are legal for children and will not allow direct marketing of products to children.

  • Sponsors may receive visibility through various channels including, but not limited to, Library publications, events, signage, press releases, and social media mentions.

  • Library sponsorships are not exclusive and must leave open the opportunity for other actual or potential donors to have similar opportunities to provide support to the Library.

  • The Library shall regularly evaluate sponsorship agreements to assess their impact and alignment with strategic goals.

  • Sponsors shall provide feedback for evaluation purposes.

  • The Library Director and the Town Manager are responsible for cultivating, entering into, and managing sponsorships.

  • A Memorandum of Understanding shall outline the terms of the sponsorship, including duration, benefits, and responsibilities of both parties. 

Initial Adoption Date: May 3, 1976 (noted as Special Services: Schools, Groups, Handicapped)

Modification Date(s):
January 8, 1980 -
*“Special types of service for groups and individuals are consistent with the goals of the library to provide library services for those who would otherwise be unable to obtain service.”
*(Schools): “The library staff should actively cooperate with the schools in as many ways as possible, for although their methods are different both agencies have educational responsibilities.” (deleted word seriously in the sentence)
*(Groups): information in sentence one was changed to informational. The word larger was deleted from the last sentence.
*(Handicapped): “The library shall comply with all State and Federal laws pertaining to serving the handicapped.” The words “under the Library and Construction Services Act” were deleted.

November 13, 2024 - Incorporated partnership and sponsorship language recommended by the Sustainable Library Initiative; removed redundant language regarding specific groups covered in the Patron Services section.