Administrative Policy #10.16 - Library Programming and Event Selection
Purpose
To define principles that support the Library’s mission and goals to guide the planning and management of programs and events.
Scope
Applies to any Library-sponsored or co-sponsored programs and events at all Library branches and at off-site locations that may be provided by Library staff, volunteers, contracted presenters, performers, or partners.
This policy does not apply to individuals or groups that have reserved a Library meeting room. Those guidelines are outlined in Administrative Policy #10.09 Library Meeting Room.
Policy
The Library may partner with other agencies, organizations, businesses, and individuals to implement programs and events, provided the programs and events are compatible with the Library's mission, strategic plan, and goals.
Performers and presenters may be hired for library programs. Performers and presenters will not be excluded from consideration because of their origin, background or views, or because of possible controversy. The Library may conduct reference checks in advance of contracting with the performer or presenter. Performers or presenters will remain supervised by Library staff or volunteers during the program whenever possible. Programs intended for youth audiences will always remain supervised.
For any programs involving a presenter, performer, or partner who is not a Library staff member, volunteer, or City of Corvallis employee, an agreement or contract will be signed by the Library and the presenter prior to the event outlining responsibilities, terms of service, and any payment.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to ensure that programs are accessible to all who wish to attend and participate. Advance notice may be required for a request for reasonable accommodation.
Requests and suggestions for specific programs/events/topics will be considered, but selection is at the sole discretion of Library staff.
Attendance may be limited due to space. Limits will be enforced on a first come, first served basis, either with advanced registration or at the door.
Programs/events may be cancelled for any reason, including inclement weather, low registration, or absence of the presenter. Cancelled programs/events are not necessarily rescheduled.
Goals
To support the mission of the Library by providing participants with diverse opportunities for accessing information, education, social interaction, and recreation.
To guide Library staff in the selection, planning, and operation of Library programs and events.
To inform the public about the standards, principles, and criteria that are used in the selection and management of Library programs and events.
Procedures
When making decisions regarding offering or discontinuing programs, program content, presenters, and related resources, Library staff will consider various factors, including but not limited to:
- Relevance to the Library’s mission, strategic plan, and goals
- City of Corvallis Calendar for Cultural Moments
- Present and potential community demand, needs, and interests
- Relationship to Library materials/promotion of reading
- Diversity of programs and presenters
- Extending outreach to underserved populations
- Presentation quality and treatment of content for intended audience
- Space requirements and availability
- Cost of program
- Availability of Library staff resources
- Ensuring programs and events are available for all ages
- Connection to other community programs, exhibitions, or events
- Safety and security of patrons and staff
- Lead time for planning and marketing
Library programs and events are open to the public and offered free of charge. Registration may be required, and programs and events may be recorded or streamed online. Whenever possible, all supplies and materials will be provided to participants.
Some programs/events are designed for and marketed to specific audiences and age groups. Exceptions to any age limits may be made on a case-by-case basis.
Performers and presenters are responsible for ensuring that they follow any applicable copyright law. More specifically, performers, presenters, and musicians should only use music or material that they may use under copyright law.
Performers and presenters may only sell items only as outlined in a contract or agreement with the Library. No other sales are allowed.
Library sponsorship of a program or event does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or event. Beliefs and opinions expressed during Library programs or events by speakers, presenters, performers, or participants do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of the Library or City. Rather, the Library uses the selection factors listed above to sponsor programming choices that best meet the Library’s mission, strategic plan, and goals, and the needs and interests of the community.
The Library is not obligated to represent multiple and/or opposing viewpoints within any one program or event. The Library welcomes the opportunity for other viewpoints to be represented in a separate program or event.
Presenters/performers may not actively promote or solicit commercial business during a program or event. Presenters/performers may gather patron contact information on an opt-in basis only, or presenters/performers may make their own contact information available for follow up from patrons who want more information about a commercial business. After the event, presenters/performers may make handouts related to their services or businesses available to patrons.
Educational or informational programs may involve politics but cannot support or oppose a specific political candidate or ballot measure. Campaign materials may not be distributed at events or programs.
Programs and events will not be offered or approved that endorse or oppose a specific religion or faith-based organization. Holiday-centered programs may be offered for education, entertainment, and informational purposes.
By attending any activity or program offered by the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, participants consent to have their photograph taken (video or still photography) and allow use of images by the Library. Participants who do not want their picture taken should let a staff person know as soon as possible.
Guidelines
The Corvallis-Benton County Public Library’s program and events selection is guided by the applicable American Library Association statements as outlined in Administrative Policy #10.12 Library Collection Development.
Responsibility
Ultimate responsibility for program/event selection rests with the Library Director. The Library Director may delegate to staff members the authority to interpret and apply this policy in daily operation. Program planning and facilitating is delegated to staff members based on their job responsibilities and areas of expertise.
Definitions
Library programs and events include, but are not limited to, lectures, community forums, performing and visual arts, participatory workshops, technology programming, creative learning programming, wellness programs, story times, reading programs, continuing education, fairs and conventions, book clubs, discussion groups, demonstrations, and presentations for social, cultural, educational, or entertainment purposes.
Review/Update
The Library Director will prepare this Administrative Policy for review as needed/every three years for City Manager approval.
Last reviewed: 03-2026
