The Richland Public Library is a core municipal service that serves the full spectrum of demographics and interests of Richland residents. The Library pursues a constructive and balanced calendar of programming to provide the entire community with barrier-free educational, recreational, civic, and social opportunities. We believe free public programming supports a healthy, engaged, and connected Richland.

When selecting programming, the Library may follow, but are not limited to, the following set of criteria:

• Connection to the Library Strategic Plan, Mission, and Vision
• Educational value to members of our service population
• Recreational value to members of our service population
• Civic value to members of our service population
• Social value to members of our service population
• Community needs, interests, and inclusivity
• Availability of programming space
• Availability of Library budget and staffing

The Library relies on both staff and community presenters to deliver this programming. If a community presenter is accepted to lead a program, that program will be considered a Library sponsored program. For planning and executing Library sponsored programs, the following expectations are held by the Library:

• The Library may reach out to community presenters to host programs or community presenters may contact the Library about a program concept they have by submitting a Program Proposal form on our website.
• Program proposals will be assessed based on the criteria above and the presenter’s qualifications, background, and subject expertise.
• Programs must be non-commercial in nature. No individual or organization shall explicitly use a program at the Library to advertise or recruit members or customers.
• Depending on the format of the program, community presenters may be required to undergo a background check prior to contributing to Library programming.
• The sale of books, CDs, or other media by authors, performers, or presenters as part of a Library program is permitted upon approval from the Community Engagement Supervisor.
• The Library will be the primary marketing source for the program. If the community presenter wants to leverage their marketing channels, they may do so in coordination with the Library to ensure messaging consistency. All marketing outside of Library channels should first be approved by the Community Engagement Supervisor before being released.
• Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute Library or staff endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by participants.

For all planned programs, the following expectations are held by the Library:

• Library programs, except for fundraising events, are free and open to the public.
• Conduct at public programming is governed by the Library Standards of Patron Behavior.
• The Library reserves the right to use video or photographs taken of program participants for internal use, promotions, and marketing. Program attendees can verbally opt-out of being recorded or photographed by speaking with a Library employee at the program.
• Room capacity, capacity limitations impacting program quality, and availability of program supplies are factors that may limit attendance. Attendance is typically based on a first come first serve basis. Occasionally, some programs may request advance registration. In both circumstances, the Library reserves the right discontinue admission to a program based on room capacity, capacity limitations impacting program quality, or supply limitations.
• Some programs may be designed for specific ages. These programs will have this designation in their program description. We ask that patrons adhere to all age requirements posted in program marketing.

Serving a diverse population potentially results in some programming being more relevant to certain patron populations than others. As an institution that supports intellectual freedom, we value diversity in thought. We empower residents to attend programs that fit their interests. The Library will not exclude programs deemed controversial or unacceptable to some.

If a patron within our service population wishes to request a selected program be reconsidered, they may utilize the Contact the Library Manager form. Ultimately, the principles of the Library Strategic Plan, ALA’s Library Bill of Rights, and this policy will be the guiding documentation for decisions on public programming. Forms submitted should specify the program in question and include why they feel the program does not align with these guiding principles. The Library Manager will follow up with the patron to discuss their thoughts and issue a final decision regarding the program within 30 days of submission.

• Adopted by the Richland Public Library Board on May 9, 2023.