Library Programming Policy

Library Programming Policy

Purpose
The Erie County Public Library (ECPL) develops and presents programs that support its goal to inform, engage, and inspire our diverse community. Library-initiated programs serve as a valuable resource for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and community engagement. ECPL is committed to offering inclusive programming that reflects the Erie County community and ensures accessibility for all.

Responsibility

Library-initiated programs rely on ECPL staff expertise for planning and execution. The Executive Director delegates the authority for program development and implementation to the appropriate ECPL department heads. In order to build connections between ECPL and the community, as well as the community and non-library organizations that provide valuable information and experiences which align with the library’s mission, the library may coordinate programming in partnership with or facilitated by non-library staff members. The Executive Director, Assistant Directors, and staff members of the ECPL’s Policy Committee shall review this policy as needed, but at least every two years.

General Criteria

ECPL will strive to offer a variety of programs that acknowledge and support the broad range of human experiences, knowledge, and perspectives in our community. With their expertise, ECPL staff will develop, facilitate, and coordinate library programs with at least one of the following goals in mind:

To increase awareness about library collections, resources, and services
To address community needs and fill educational gaps for learners of all ages
To honor historical or cultural matters
To build community connections and encourage civic, social, and cultural enrichment
To promote literacy and life-long learning, including the five literacies of Pennsylvania Library Association’s PA Forward® initiative (Basic, Information, Civic & Social, Health, and Financial Literacy)

Staff will be mindful of the intended audience, the accessibility of materials and resources, and the needs of the community when selecting program topics, objectives, and formats.

Application
This policy applies to all library-sponsored programs, regardless of location, and to all participants, including patrons, staff, volunteers, and outside facilitators.

Guidelines

Program Content and Selection
- The types of programs coordinated or facilitated by ECPL may include, but are not limited to, educational (workshops, lectures, classes), cultural (performances, author talks, film screenings), outreach (community engagement outside the library), and digital or virtual (online learning, webinars, and podcasts).
- All library programs comply with applicable laws, regulations, and policies, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Library Bill of Rights, and state and local accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion guidelines. When programs are held in locations outside the library’s control, ECPL ensures the venue is accessible to all participants.
- All programs comply with legal and ethical considerations, including copyright laws for any materials used, liability insurance for events and activities, and the protection, privacy, and confidentiality of participants.
- ECPL seeks to represent a variety of viewpoints, genres, and cultural perspectives to ensure that all community members, including those belonging to marginalized and underrepresented groups, see themselves reflected in library services.
- Programs are selected based on alignment with the library’s mission and community needs and interests. The expertise and availability of presenters will also be considered, though expertise in a subject matter does not guarantee approval of a library program.
- ECPL maintains neutrality and does not endorse the viewpoints expressed by program presenters or participants. Programs will not be canceled based solely on their topic, speaker, or ideas expressed, as long as they comply with this policy and applicable laws.
Commercial Nature of Programs
- Library programs are non-commercial. Presenters may not use library programs to promote or solicit business.
- Authors, artists, and performers may sell their work in conjunction with a library program, provided the primary focus of the program is educational or cultural rather than commercial.
Attendance and Registration
- Whenever possible, programs will be offered without registration restrictions to ensure accessibility for those who may face barriers to advance registration. Pre-registration may be required for some programs to ensure an optimal experience for attendees and to accommodate available resources or safety concerns.
- To ensure a safe and appropriate environment, adults attending youth programs must be accompanied by a child unless given permission by library administration.
- Some programs will have strict age requirements to ensure they effectively serve their intended audience. Participants must, without exception, meet the stated age criteria for such programs.
- Due to space, budgetary, and safety considerations, large groups are encouraged to contact the library in advance of their registration or attendance to inquire about program availability and potential accommodations. To ensure a positive and safe experience for all participants, the library reserves the right to restrict program attendance for large groups. If large group attendance isn’t possible for a program, the library may offer to schedule a private program opportunity or may recommend other suitable programs that can accommodate larger groups. This policy is in place to maintain a welcoming and safe environment for all patrons.
Photography and Marketing
- Program participants should be aware that photographs and videos may be taken during events and used in library communications, including social media, virtual programs, promotional materials, and news coverage.
- Patrons who do not wish to be photographed should inform library staff before the program begins.
Public Concerns and Reconsideration Requests
- Concerns about library programs will be addressed in accordance with ECPL’s reconsideration policies for library resources.
- The library provides a formal process for community members to express concerns or request a program review.

Requests for Reconsideration
ECPL welcomes citizens’ expressions of opinion concerning library-initiated programs. Anyone who wishes to request that a program be reconsidered, in part or in whole, is asked to complete and sign the Request for Reconsideration Form. The form will be forwarded to the Assistant Director of Literacy Services and reviewed by the Request for Reconsideration Committee. The program in question will be reviewed within ten (10) business days. When a decision has been made to either proceed with the program or remove the program from the library’s calendar, a letter will be sent to the requestor with an explanation of the decision. The program will remain on the library’s public calendar and associated marketing media during the reconsideration process. Once a Request for Reconsideration has been reviewed and the Committee has reached a decision, that decision will stand for ninety (90) days regardless of subsequent Requests for Reconsideration of the same program.

Policy Implementation, Evaluation and Revision

This policy was approved by the Library Advisory Board on April 14, 2025 and will be reviewed annually by the Library Policy Committee and Library Director.

Erie County Public Library

Library Programming Request for Reconsideration