The mission of the Amherst Town Library is “Connecting People, Stories, and Ideas.” Library programs provide opportunities for patrons to gather and connect socially and intellectually with others. Programs serve to promote the use of library resources and services, foster opportunities for lifelong learning and personal growth, introduce both library users and non-users to library resources, expand the visibility of the library and strengthen its role as a community resource.
Library staff may use, but are not limited to, the following criteria in planning and making decisions about program topics, speakers and accompanying resources:
- Relation to library mission, vision, collections and resources
- Community needs and interest
- Presenter qualifications/reputation (in content area)
- Presentation quality
- Appropriateness of content for intended audience
- Availability of program space
- Budget and staffing considerations
- Connection to other community programs, exhibits or events
The library’s philosophy of open access to information and ideas extends to programming, and the library does not knowingly or intentionally discriminate through its programs. Performers and presenters will not be excluded from consideration because of theirgenderidentification, race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, physical ability, or age. Library staff who present programsdo so as part of their regular job and are not hired as outside contractors for programming. The primary purpose of programs, whether presented by library staff, outside performers, or presenters, shall not be purely commercial, religious, partisan, or for the solicitation of business. The library may permit the sale of books written by speakers or recordings made by performers in conjunction with a library-sponsored program and outside performers or presenters may leave business cards for participants to pick up after a program. All plans to sell or distribute such items must be arranged in advance and approved by the library staff responsible for the program. Program presenters are responsible for the handling of all sales. The library actively partners with other community agencies, organizations, businesses, educational and cultural institutions, or individuals to develop and co-sponsor programs that are compatible with the library's mission and vision. The library reserves the right to involve library staff in the planning and execution of co-sponsored programs, as well as preview program content and promotional materials. Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute or imply an endorsement of its policies, beliefs, or program by the library Board of Trustees, the Town of Amherst or the library staff. Types of library programs include, but are not limited to:
- Book discussions
- Story time for children
- Author visits/readings
- Exhibits
- Artistic and music performances
- Movie showings
- Demonstrations and workshops
- Instructional classes
- Lectures and presentations
- Community forums or panel discussions
- Library tours and orientations
- Off-site visits to community agencies, organizations, businesses, educational and cultural institutions
- Virtual programs
All library programs will be developed with consideration for the principles of accessibility and equity. Most programs are free and open to the public; however, some may require a nominal materials fee. No fees may be charged to people attending library programs except with the approval of the library director.
Every attempt will be made to accommodate all who wish to attend a program. However, when safety or the success of a program requires it, attendance may be limited. When limits must be established, attendance will be determined on a first come, first served basis, either with advanced registration or at the door.
Some programs may require individuals to register using an Amherst Town Library card. A waiting list is often available should program registration become full. Some programs may be developed for a particular audience (i.e. attendees should be within the appropriate age group such as children or teens, or may require an accompanying adult). The library reserves the right to set age limits or recommendations for programs. Programs designed for specific audiences will be publicized as such.
Participation in library programs implies acceptance of the Patron Behavior Policy and Unattended Children Policy. Failure to follow said policies mayresult in immediate removal from a program.
The Amherst Town Library will make all reasonable efforts to ensure the digital security of its virtual events. By participating in virtual events, attendees understand and accept that all online activity comes with some degree of risk and agree the library is not liable for any emotional or financial damages that may result from attending a library virtual event.
The library reserves the right to use video or photographs taken of program participants for internal use, publication, and use in library promotional outlets, and for evaluation purposes. Participation in library programs indicates participants’ willingness to be photographed.
Library programs are promoted through a variety of venues including, but not limited to the library website, social media channels (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), newspaper release, ACTV20, Amherst school newsletters, and flyers.
Library staff have the discretion to cancel programs. Programs may be canceled for a number of reasons, including: severe weather, absence of the presenter, or low registration. Canceled programs are not automatically rescheduled.
This program policy does not apply to events that are developed only for special purposes such as donor recognition, fund-raising, or media conferences.
Accepted by Board of Library Trustees: 4/18/2022