Programming is an integral part of library service in support of the library’s mission. The Fairview Heights Public Library designs and offers programs that:
• Present educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities
• Reflect community needs and interests
• Increase awareness and use of library resources and services
• Attract new patrons
• Promote discovery, enrichment, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas
• Foster a sense of community, compassion, and curiosity
Programs may include, but are not limited to, discussions, exhibits, movie screenings, performances, presentations, story times, and workshops. Library programs may take place at the library, off-site, online, or in a hybrid format.
Programming Selection and Design
Ultimate responsibility for program selection and design rests with the Library Director, who operates within the framework of policies determined by the Library Board of Trustees. The Library Director determines the budget, guidelines, and organizational structure for the staff who coordinate, plan, and deliver programs. The Youth Services/Assistant Director and the Marketing & Programs Coordinator coordinate, develop, and deliver library programs for specific audiences and topics. On occasion, other staff may be designated to deliver programs.
Staff select and evaluate programs using a variety of factors, including but not limited to:
• Connection to library mission
• Interests and needs of the community, as well as topics of local, state, and national interest
• Suitability of the program for the intended audience
• Presenter background and qualifications in the content area, including proven or unique expertise and/or public performance experience
• Quality, accuracy, and timeliness of the program
• Availability of library resources, including staffing support, budget, and space
If a fee is instituted, it will be clearly stated at sign-up as well as in any marketing materials.
Library programs are not commercial in nature. This includes, but is not limited to, free programming offered with the intent of soliciting or advertising to future customers. Library programs are informational and free of solicitations, sales pitches, or proselytizing. At the discretion of the Library Director or designees, authors, visual artists, music performers, and other professional performers or presenters booked by the library may be permitted to offer books or other merchandise for sale as part of a library program, but admittance into the program is not dependent on the possession or purchasing of a presenter’s products. Presenters are solely responsible for any taxes applicable to such merchandise sales. The library may offer programming in partnership with other community organizations. The booking of a presenter or performer, or library sponsorship of or collaboration on a program, does not constitute endorsement by the library of the program content or the views expressed.
Use of meeting room space by outside groups per the Library Meeting Room policy does not constitute a library-sponsored program.
Community members and presenters may submit program suggestions or proposals, which are considered using the above factors. Library staff reserve the right to determine which programs and events are scheduled.
Participation in Library Programs
Registration
Registration may be required for certain programs. The library reserves the right to require registration with or without a Fairview Heights Public Library card for any program at its discretion.
Limits to Attendance
In some cases, program success or nature may require limited attendance based on age or other factors. Staff may establish restrictions based on age, grade, or relevant criteria. This information will be included in program publicity. In no case will attendance be limited because the content of a program may be controversial.
When safety or program success requires it, attendance may be limited at the library’s discretion.
Waivers
Depending on the type of activity or location, some programs may require signed waivers for participation in all or part of an event.
Accommodations
Patrons who require accommodations to participate in a library program should contact the library as early as possible before the scheduled program. The library strives to make events welcoming for people of all abilities.
Groups
Due to space limitations, groups (including but not limited to preschools, schools, day care centers, and senior centers) may attend only if space is available at the time of the program. Scheduled tours, visits, and story times may be available upon request and are dependent on staffing and scheduling availability.
Recording of Programs
Limitations to photography and/or videography may apply based on contract and copyright restrictions with presenters. By attending a library program, participants consent to being photographed or recorded. These images and recordings may be used for promotional purposes in print and online, including social media. If photos or videos will be taken, staff will make an announcement and patrons will have the option to decline.
Conduct in Library Programs
Participants are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner consistent with the library’s mission, vision, and policies, including the Public Code of Behavior policy. The library reserves the right to suspend or revoke permission to attend programs for violation of library rules or policies.
Cancellation of Programs
Programs may be cancelled for reasons including, but not limited to, severe weather, presenter absence, or low registration. Cancelled programs are not automatically rescheduled. The library reserves the right to cancel any program at its discretion.
Intellectual Freedom
The library supports intellectual freedom and the individual’s right to access ideas, information, and perspectives representing multiple points of view. The library actively offers a variety of programming reflecting diverse genres, formats, ideas, expressions, and cultural perspectives. Offering programs on topics that may be personal, political, or religious does not constitute endorsement of their content or views. The library affirms patrons’ freedom to choose programs based on their needs, tastes, or values. Patrons may not restrict or interfere with others’ ability to attend programs.
Reconsideration of Library Programs
The library encourages community engagement with its programming. Patrons may discuss programming decisions with staff through multiple channels, including online or in person. Fairview Heights residents requesting reconsideration of a program will be asked to submit a written and signed Request for Reconsideration of Library Program form. Upon receipt, the Library Director will review the request with appropriate staff. The program will remain scheduled during review.
The Library Director’s decision is final. The Director will inform the Board of Trustees of all formal reconsideration requests and will communicate the decision and rationale in writing to the requester and the Board.
Reconsideration requests will only be accepted from Fairview Heights Public Library cardholders or residents within the City of Fairview Heights. Any decision will remain in effect for two years from the date of the request.
