The Chatham Area Public Library District offers programs that inform, educate, entertain and provide cultural enrichment to the residents of the district. Events and classes sponsored by the Library support the mission of Chatham Area Public Library District and expand the visibility of the Library in the community.
Criteria
Library staff develops programs for community members of all ages and for the enrichment of residents’ lives. Factors considered are: relevance to community needs, diversity of interests, popular appeal, suitability for the intended audience(s), presenter qualifications in content area, budget constraints, the availability of staff, and both physical and virtual meeting spaces. Staff welcomes program suggestions and proposals, yet retains the right to determine which programs and events are scheduled. Presentation of a program topic does not constitute an endorsement by the Library of the group’s or individual’s policies or beliefs. Though fees are generally not charged for Library programs, it may be necessary to charge fees for items such as materials, food, or transportation.
Presenters
In planning programs, the Library will attempt to hire presenters who do not have a vested interest in selling their products or services to participants. The speaker may leave business cards for participants to pick up after the program should anyone be interested. Only under specific instances deemed appropriate by Library staff may merchandise be sold. An example of this would be an author visit with a book signing.
Co-sponsored programs
The Library may co-sponsor programs with other organizations or groups. Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content or topic of the program or of the views expressed by speakers, presenters, participants or audience members.
American with Disabilities Act
Programming practices adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights. With at least five days’ notice, accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities.
LEGAL REF: (42 U.S.C. § 12101) The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
CROSS REF.: 5-50, 5-60
APPROVED: NOVEMBER 15, 2021