Library Programming Policy
Service Policy: Library Programming
Note: this policy refers to programs sponsored by the Fargo Public Library, not to events held at the Library by community groups. Groups and individuals may reserve the Library’s meeting rooms in accordance with the Library’s Meeting Room Policy.
Mission – Why We Conduct Programming (Events/Activities)
The Programming Policy guides staff responsible for program development, and documents programming guidelines for community members. The Fargo Public Library (FPL) offers programs, events, and activities to further the Library’s mission, vision, and service goals. Programs offer opportunities to:
• Highlight and promote lifelong use of FPL resources, services, and collections to new and regular community members of all ages and backgrounds, including those in underserved populations.
• Reflect equitable engagement to a diverse community while promoting a culture of inclusion.
• Provide opportunities for civic and social engagement where the community is able to build critical thinking skills and share information, expertise, and experiences.
• Promote early literacy and lifelong learning opportunities to widen horizons, excite imagination, and engage in reflection.
• Provide a destination where individuals and families spend quality time by offering a source of free entertainment, social interaction, learning, and bonding.
• Facilitate partnerships with other groups and programs which share FPL’s commitment to the community.
Inherent in the program philosophy is an appreciation for all community members. The Library upholds the principles of intellectual freedom and the right of the individual to access information, even when the content may be controversial, unorthodox, or unacceptable to others. Topics and speakers are not excluded from Library programs because of possible controversy.
The Fargo Public Library’s Programming Policy uses the guidelines outlined in the American Library Association’s document Library-Initiated Programs and Displays as a Resource: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights.
Responsibility for Library Programming
The Fargo Public Library Board delegates development and presentation of programs, events, and activities to the Library Director. The Library Director, in turn, delegates authority for program management to designated staff. Library staff are responsible for developing and delivering Library-sponsored programs, utilizing staff expertise, collections, services, and facilities. Library staff who present or assist with programs do so as part of their regular job duties.
FPL may partner with community agencies, organizations, and individuals to present co-sponsored programs. Program presenters may include those with relevant skills or expertise, volunteers or staff from partnering organizations, local or visiting authors and performing artists, local or visiting speakers with recognized credentials or relevant experience, and qualified instructors or trainers.
Audience for Library Programming
Programs are primarily focused on Fargo residents, but non-residents and non-cardholders are welcome to attend any FPL-sponsored event or activity.
The Library reserves the right to:
• Limit attendance at events due to space considerations, budgetary constraints, and based on the nature of the program. Pre-registration may be required for some library programming.
• Set age limits for Library-sponsored programs.
• Deny attendance to anyone who is disruptive or who violates the Library’s Rules of Conduct.
For more information about children attending Library programs, please see the Unattended Children Policy.
Individuals with disabilities who contact the Library at least 3 business days in advance of a program, event, or activity will be accommodated to the best of the Library’s ability.
Guidelines on How Programs are Chosen, Developed, and Presented
Consideration for program selection and design may include those criteria laid out in the Programming Policy Mission as well as:
• Presenter background, qualifications, or reputation.
• Availability of library facilities and appropriate staffing levels.
• Program costs and budget limitations.
• Historical, educational, or cultural significance.
• Presentation accuracy, quality, and treatment of content for intended audience.
• Popular demand and timeliness of program content.
• FPL’s defined service area.
• Space and physical arrangements are safe and conducive to effective program delivery and comply with ADA requirements and support the full participation of all attendees.
The Library may include virtual programming, if and when it is appropriate. The Library reserves the right to limit registration due to technical requirements, staff capacity, or program audience/age. Virtual programming may be live or pre-recorded depending on the kind of event.
Requests for individuals or groups to present Library-sponsored programs are considered using the above criteria. Please use the Propose a Program form to submit any programming requests. Successful program planning requires significant preparation and lead time; requests may be rejected for lack of adequate advance planning and notice. For consideration, please use the Propose a Program form.
Guidelines for program presentation:
• When pre-registration is required, it must be handled by the Library unless other arrangements are made with the Library staff coordinating the event.
• Admission to Library programs is free. There are no fees collected for supplies or other materials. Presenters must arrange in advance to have the Library cover all costs for attendees.
• Programs are non-commercial; presenters may have a business affiliation, but no solicitation, recruitment, advertisement, or promotion for business purposes will be permitted.
• Sale of books, music, artwork, or other media by authors/performers/artists is permitted when arranged in advance. All plans to sell such items must be approved by the department head responsible for the program. Library staff are not available to assist in sales.
• The Library does not offer programs that support or oppose any political candidate or ballot measure. However, election information, such as candidates’ forums that include invitations to all recognized candidates, may be offered.
• The Library does not offer programs that support or oppose specific religious convictions. Seasonal or holiday programs may be offered or facilitated by Library staff. The Library will endeavor to provide programs that reflect the community’s diversity.
• At the discretion of the Library Director, fundraising to benefit the Library or the Friends of the Fargo Public Library may be permissible at Library-sponsored programs or on property governed by Library policy.
• Programs are held in Library facilities when possible and appropriate; meeting room capacities will be observed. Other locations will be considered when the Library is not equipped to handle an event, or when an alternate venue will encourage greater access or attendance. Programs held at non-Library facilities will follow the same guidelines as listed above.
• Program participants should expect that photographs/video will be taken at events and used on the Library’s social media and/or website. Participants may request that their image not be used by the Library by speaking to the Library staff in charge of the program, event, or activity. FPL will record programming only with the permission of the presenters.
• Timely and adequate public announcement shall be made of all programs. Organizations or individuals partnering with the Library must coordinate marketing efforts with the appropriate Library staff and the Community Relations Specialist. Press releases, public notifications, and marketing publicities must be approved by the Community Relations Specialist or the Library Director.
• Eligibility for prizes in contests designed for particular target groups is limited to that group.
• Animals that are part of programs will be accompanied at all times by their handler.
• The Library reserves the right to cancel a scheduled event. Programs may be cancelled due to weather, closure of the Library, low registration, or absence of presenter. Cancelled programs are not necessarily rescheduled.
• The Library assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to personal property in any Library event.
• Library programs are evaluated on a semi-regular basis as time and staffing allows.
The Library welcomes expressions of opinion concerning programming. Community members who wish to request a review of a Library program must submit the Statement of Concern form following the Statement of Concern Guidelines.
Approved 04-18-2023