3.7 Programming
3.7.1 Library Sponsored Programs
The Springfield Town Library provides a variety of programs of interest to all ages. Library programs are defined as activities initiated, planned, conducted, or co-sponsored by Library staff. Programs may take place in the Library, virtually, or off-site.
Springfield Town Library participates in the Sustainable Libraries Initiative. In accordance with that initiative, we consider the Triple Bottom Line (environmental stewardship, economic feasibility, and social equity) in all of our programming decisions. Springfield Town Library also adheres to the principles enumerated in the American Library Association Bill of Rights (Appendix A).
The responsibility for Library programming and programming-related expenses rests with the Library Director, who administers under the authority of the Library Board of Trustees and the Town of Springfield. The Library Director also adheres to the Town of Springfield Purchasing Policy, adopted March 8, 2021 (Appendix P).
The Library Director delegates the authority for program management to the Youth Services Librarian and the Adult Services Coordinator (hereafter referred to as the Program Team) whose job responsibilities include program development, promotion, and delivery. Suggestions for library programs are welcome and should be directed to the Program Team.
The Library is not obligated to represent multiple and/or opposing viewpoints within any one program or series. The Library welcomes the opportunity for other viewpoints to be represented in a separate program or series, in alignment with these policies. Guest presenters/speakers/artists are carefully selected by the Program Team for their knowledge of the subject and their experience working with the target audience(s).
Proposed programs and community partnerships are evaluated based on several criteria including, but not limited to, the following:
● Relation to library mission, strategic plan, and service goals;
● Community needs and interest;
● Availability of program space in relation to anticipated audience size and space needed for parking and attendees;
● Staffing and Budget considerations;
● Connection to other community programs, exhibits or events; and
● Any associated public performance or copyright issues.
Requests from individuals to present library programs are also considered using the above criteria.
Those who wish to utilize the library’s public spaces for events that are not co-sponsored by the library shall follow the steps outlined in the library’s Meeting Room Policy (section 4.2). Those who wish to utilize the library’s public spaces for exhibits shall follow the steps outlined in the library’s Exhibit Policy (section 4.4).
All Library programs will be offered free of charge. Library programs must be non-commercial in nature. Although a businessperson or other professional expert may present a program, the information may not promote his or her specific business interest. Solicitation, including but not limited to the development of prospect and mailing lists, is prohibited. Presenters may provide attendees with their business cards.
Fundraising and sales are permitted with prior approval in the following circumstances:
Fundraising to benefit the Library, and
For the sale of items created by authors and artists responsible for the content of a Library program.
Exceptions to the above may be made at the discretion of the Library Director.
Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by the participants. While our programs are open to all, parents or legal guardians are responsible for the selections their children make as well as for monitoring the program attendance of their children. Program topics, speakers, and resources are not excluded from programs because of possible controversy.
Initial Adoption Date: April 11, 2023
Modified Date: July 10, 2024 - Reordered paragraphs; added language about the cost of programs; and refined language in accordance with suggestions from VTLib webinars around the Constitutionality of library programs.