2.0 Programming Policies
Board approved February 23, 2026
2.1 Library Displays and Exhibits
The St. Joseph County Public Library hosts exhibits and displays of interest, information and culture to the community. This usage does not constitute a public forum. The installation of a display or exhibit in the Library does not indicate the Library’s endorsement of the issue or events promoted by those materials. Approval for all exhibits and displays rests with the Executive Director or appointed designee.
The Library reserves the right to reject or remove any display or item on display. The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection, or possible damage or theft of any item displayed or exhibited. All items placed in the Library are done so at the owner’s risk.
The Library reserves the right to curate exhibits and displays, limit the size and number of items, the schedule of any display and the frequency with which the group or organization may have a display.
Displays and exhibits may not contain items for sale except for Library auxiliary groups such as the Library Foundation, or with special permission from Executive Director or appointed designee.
2.2 Library Sponsored Programs
The Library supports its mission of connecting members of our diverse community to information, resources, culture and each other by developing and presenting programs. Programming is an integral component of library service that:
- Expands the Library’s role as a community resource
- Introduces patrons and non-patrons to Library resources
- Provides entertainment
- Provides opportunities for lifelong learning
- Provides opportunities for social connection
- Expands the visibility of the library
The Executive Director or the appointed designee is responsible for all programming at the Library. The Library utilizes staff expertise, collections, services and facilities in developing and delivering programming. The Library’s staff use the following criteria in making decisions about program topics, speakers, and accompanying resources:
- Community needs and interests
- Historical or educational significance
- Connection to other community programs, exhibitions or events
- Relation to Library collections, resources, exhibits and programs
- Presentation quality
- Presenter background/qualifications in content area
- Treatment of content for intended audience
- Availability of program space and staffing
- Budget
In addition, the Library draws upon other community resources in developing programs and actively partners with other community 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 Library programs; performers and presenters will not be excluded from consideration because of their origin, background or views. Library staff who present programs do so as part of their regular job and are not hired as outside contractors for programming.
Requests from individuals to present library programs are considered using the above criteria.
All Library programs are open to the public. The Library’s philosophy of open access to information and ideas extends to Library programming, and the Library’s policy against discrimination also applies to 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. While it is the Library’s preference not to charge for programs, occasionally, a fee may be charged for certain types of Library programs.
Registration may be required for planning purposes or when space is limited. Programs may be held on site at any Library agency, or off site. Every attempt will be made to accommodate all who wish to attend a program. However, when safety or the success of a program requires it, attendance may be limited. When limits must be established, attendance will be determined on a first come, first served basis, either with advanced registration or at the door.
Any sales of products at Library programs must be approved in advance by the Library. Programs are not used for commercial, religious, or partisan purposes or the solicitation of business.
External organizations or individuals partnering with the Library on programs must coordinate marketing efforts with the Library’s Communication Department.
Library programs may be held before or after hours that the Library is open to the public with the approval of the Library Director. Library staff have the discretion to cancel programs, which may be rescheduled or not.
2.3 Tours and Library Visits
Tours of library facilities help introduce the public to library services and programs.
Library tour requests should be made 3 weeks in advance and are scheduled as time and staffing permit.
No tour group shall exceed 30 in number. Supervision is required in a ratio of one adult from the requesting organization for every ten children.
2.4 Outreach Visits
Library staff provide access to library materials, programming and services throughout the Library’s service area. Visits and programs for schools, organizations and at public events are scheduled as time and staff schedules permit. All policies that govern programs and services at SJCPL govern outreach.
