Program Policy

I. POLICY

The Library is intended to meet the civic, educational, informational, cultural, and recreational needs of its users through programs that include a wide variety of offerings for all ages and all levels of educational achievement. The Dayton Metro Library identifies the special interests of our diverse community populations and entities and offers programs and events that are reflective of the interests of its customers, while building equity for the community it serves.

II. DEFINITIONS

Display – for the purposes of this policy, a “display” consists of the contents of a bulletin board, curated materials displays, flags, or banners. They may be seasonally themed or promote a particular topic, program, or initiative. Community bulletin boards are subject to PS 303 - Displaying and Distributing of Non-Library Materials.

Program – for the purposes of this policy, a “program” is any event, presentation, or activity coordinated by the Dayton Metro Library staff for public attendance, including those with paid or unpaid presenters and those that do or do not require advanced registration.

III. INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM STATEMENT

  1. The Board of Trustees recognizes that the Library has a responsibility to protect and promote the patron’s right to read, view, or attend programs and displays protected by the First Amendment, no matter the viewpoint of the author, creator, or presenter.
  2. To provide informational, recreational, and educational support to a diverse population, the Board of Trustees directs that the Library be inclusive rather than exclusive in developing its programs and displays.

IV. DIVERSITY STATEMENT

  1. Dayton Metro Library values and ensures diversity and the variety that is found among its program calendar. We value a range of coverage in perspectives, presenters, audience, and subject matter.
  2. We recognize that the diverse community the library serves needs diverse and inclusive programs and events.
  3. We commit to regularly assessing the scope of the existing program calendar to ensure it is reflective of the diversity of the community we serve.

V. REGULATIONS

  1. The governing body of the Library is the Board of Trustees, consisting of seven members who serve without remuneration.
  2. Ultimate responsibility for programming at the Library rests on the Board. The Board delegates this responsibility to the Executive Director in the course of administering the Library. In turn, the Executive Director delegates the authority for programs and displays to appropriate members of the Administrative team.

VI. PROCEDURES

Requests for Reconsideration of Programs or Displays

  • The Library welcomes citizens’ expressions of opinion concerning programs or displays. Requests to reconsider planned events will be considered within the context of the procedures set forth in this document.
  • Requests for reconsideration will only be accepted from valid library card holders who reside in the Dayton Metro Library service district.
  • Anyone who wishes to request a specific program or display be reconsidered for inclusion in the calendar of events is asked to complete and sign the Request for Reconsideration Form. The program or display in question will be reviewed by the Executive Director. Once a decision has been made regarding the retention or cancellation of the program or display, a letter will be sent to the person explaining the decision.
  • If the person indicates dissatisfaction with the resolution, they may appeal to the Library Board. The Board will reconsider the decision based on whether or not the item conforms to the Board-approved Program Policy.

VII. GUIDELINES

  1. The Library’s philosophy of open access to information and ideas extends to library programming and displays. Fundamental to this philosophy are the principles expressed in the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read and Freedom to View Statements.
  2. Library coordination of a program and/or hosting of presenters does not necessarily constitute an endorsement for the content of the program or the views expressed by presenters or participants.
  3. The Library provides programming for adults and children of all ages and all levels of educational achievement. Some programs may be geared toward a specific audience, and that suggested audience will be listed in the event description. However, programs are open to all and access will not be unreasonably restricted. Ultimately, decisions about the suitability of any program for a particular participant are up to the individual or their parent or legal guardian. Except as otherwise stated in this policy, the Library assumes no responsibility for restricting any patron’s access to program participation.
  4. Some programs may require registration or have limits on participation due to room capacity, materials available, or presenter limitations.
  5. In developing and delivering programming, Library staff utilizes professional expertise as well as Library collections and resources, equipment, and facilities. The following criteria are used in making decisions about program topics, speakers, and accompanying resources, though not all criteria need be met:
    • Community needs, interests, and demands
    • Cultural, informational, or educational significance
    • Relation to the local community’s resources, programs, exhibits, and events
    • Relation to Library collections, resources, exhibits, and programs
    • Reputation and qualifications of presenter in content area and treatment of content for intended audience
    • Budget, cost of program, staff time, and availability
    • Value to the community at large
    • Availability of appropriate space required for program, in–house or off–site

(PS 322) Last Reviewed/Revised: 08/24/2023

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