A program is defined as a coordinated activity or event with a specific purpose, such as highlighting collections, services, learning about the community or sharing knowledge and expertise.
The Anchorage Public Library provides programs that supports our core values of access, equity, and building a community of learners. Programming is an integral component of library service that:
- Expands the library’s role as a community resource
- Introduces community to library resources
- Provides entertainment and learning opportunities
- Expands the visibility of the library
- Attracts new library customers
- Promotes social skills and language development
- Gives the community opportunities for engagement, community involvement, collaboration and learning
Library staff will use their expertise, collections, services and facilities in developing and delivering programming and uses the following criteria in making decisions about program topics, speakers, and accompanying resources:
- Strategic focus areas and core services
- Availability of program space
- Treatment of content for intended audience
- Presentation quality
- Presenter/Partner background/qualifications in content area
- Budget
- Relevance to community interests and issues
- Historical, cultural or educational significance
- Connection to other community programs, exhibitions or events
- Relation to library collections, resources, exhibits and programs
In addition, the library draws upon other community resources in developing program partners with other agencies, organizations, educational and cultural institutions, or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored public programs. Professional performers and presenters that reflect specialized or unique expertise may be hired for programs; performers and presenters will not be excluded from consideration because of their origin, background, or views, or because of possible controversy.
The library will abide by the Municipality’s public policy from Title 5 Equal Rights:
The public policy of the municipality is declared to be equal opportunity for all persons. The assembly finds that invidious discrimination in the sale or rental of real property, financing practices, employment practices, public accommodations, educational institutions, and practices of the municipality, based upon race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, marital status, age, or physical or mental disability, adversely affects the welfare of the community. Accordingly, such discrimination is prohibited. It is the express intent of this title to guarantee fair and equal treatment under law to all people of the municipality, consistent with federal and state constitutional freedoms and laws, including freedom of expression, freedom of association and the free exercise of religion.
While most library programs are free and open to the public, a fee may be charged for certain types of library programs and approved by the Library Director. Attendance may be limited due to space, or when safety or the success of a program requires it. Limits will be accomplished on a first come, first served basis either with advanced registration or at the door. The library’s philosophy of open access to information and ideas extends to programming, and the library does not knowingly discriminate through its programming. Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by participants, and program topics, speakers and resources are not excluded from programs because of possible controversy.
The library welcomes expressions of opinion from customers concerning programming. If a customer questions a library program, he/she should first address the concern with a library staff member. Customers who wish to continue their request for review of library programs may submit a Request for Reconsideration form to the Library Director and can be obtained at any library. Requests for review of programs will be considered in the same manner as requests for reconsideration of library materials.
Any person needing an accommodation for a disability in order to access the benefits of the library’s services, programs, or activities under the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact a library manager no less than five (5) working days prior to the program.
- All individuals, groups or organizations who are interested in conducting an event or class at the library should submit the Library’s Program Proposal Form.
- Library events are typically scheduled a minimum of three months in advance.
- Presenters are expected to supply their own materials or handouts, unless discussed in advance with staff. External organizations or individuals partnering with the library on programs must coordinate marketing efforts with the library’s Public Relations Department.
- Presenters who are being paid to present must submit a presenter agreement, invoice, and W9 form annually in advance of their program and will be paid within 30 days after their program.
- The library may co-sponsor programs with entities whose mission and goals are compatible. Co-sponsorship decisions are made on the basis of shared interest, responsibility and benefits.
- All programs must be respectful to all communities and must not espouse hatred or violence.
- Program suggestions from the public and/or unsolicited offers from individuals or organizations to present programs will be evaluated by the same standards used to select library-initiated programs.
- Items directly related to library events may be sold, as long as the sales are approved by the Library and benefit the library through an agreed amount donated to the Friends of the Library. Library staff may not assist with sales.
- Performers and musicians who use music, movies or other copyrighted materials in programs should only use material for which they have permission to use. The library expects that performers and musicians will obtain any necessary copyright permission and/or license for any non-original works used for any library event. This includes works performed live and/or use of recorded music.
- Presenters that use animals in their programs must submit proof of liability insurance and be approved by the Library Director.
- The library does not sponsor events that promote businesses or for-profit enterprises. This does not mean, however, that representatives of businesses and for-profit enterprises cannot be presenters in library-sponsored events. Any information must be of general interest to the intended audience and applicable to situations that do not require purchasing a specific product or enrolling in a specific fee-based program. Enrollment for these programs will not be allowed. Presenters are permitted to have business related brochures, flyers, or other informational items available for attendees to pick up if interested. Such materials cannot be distributed as part of the event.
- Performers or contractors will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or physical or mental disability. The contractor will comply with all laws concerning the prohibition of discrimination including, but not limited to, Title 5 and Title 7 of the Anchorage Municipal Code.
Recommended for approval: Mary Jo Torgeson, Library Director
Approved by: Library Advisory Board, January 16, 2019