Library Tutorials Skip to main content
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.

PROGRAMMING POLICY

Statement of Concern About Library Resources

The Provo City Library Programming Policy serves as a guide for the development and presentation of Library programs and informs the public about the principles upon which programming decisions are made. The Library develops and presents programs that support its mission to be an inviting center for information, instruction, learning, leisure, and cultural opportunities.

Definitions

For the purposes of this policy:

  • Library Program: An event planned, organized, presented, and/or facilitated by Library staff.
  • Co-Sponsored Program: A program presented in partnership with an outside organization or individual in which the Library provides space, staffing, promotion, and/or other resources.
  • Non-Library Program: Events held in Library meeting rooms that are not planned or managed by Library staff. These events are governed by the Library’s Meeting Room Use Policy. (https://provolibrary.gov/meetingroomusepolicy) 

Programming Selection Criteria

Ultimate responsibility for Library programming rests with the Library Director, who operates within the framework of policies determined by the Board of Directors. The day-to-day work of program development, selection, and evaluation may be delegated to designated Library staff.

Library programs are developed to reflect community needs and support Library service goals. Programs are evaluated as a whole and in light of their intended purpose. In selecting, developing, or approving a program, Library staff may consider, but are not limited to, the following criteria. A program need not meet all of these criteria to be appropriate, nor will any single criterion be decisive.

  • Relevance to the Library mission and service goals
  • Community needs, interests, and current events
  • Quality of presentation and suitability for the intended audience
  • Presenter background, qualifications, experience, and ability to effectively present the program
  • Availability of space, budget, staffing, and other resources
  • Relationship with other community programs, exhibitions, or events
     

Partnerships and Co-Sponsored Programs

The Library may partner with community agencies, organizations, educational institutions, cultural organizations, or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored programs. Those who wish to suggest a co-sponsored program must complete the Co-Sponsored Programs form (https://www.provolibrary.gov/cosponsoredprograms). Submission of a request does not guarantee approval. Approval of a co-sponsored program remains within the discretion of the Library, subject to the criteria set forth in this policy.

In reviewing co-sponsored program requests, Library staff may consider the selection criteria set forth in this policy, as well as:

Public interest in the topic
Required Library resources (staff time, space, equipment, supplies)
Fit within the Library programming schedule
Presenter expertise and availability
 

Program Access and Participation

General Access

Most Library programs are free and open to the public.

The Library will make reasonable efforts to accommodate individuals who wish to attend programs. However, attendance may be limited when necessary for safety, space limitations, cost, or program effectiveness.

 

Registration and Capacity

Some programs may require advance registration to:

  • comply with room capacity limits
  • ensure participant eligibility requirements are met
  • allow adequate preparation for attendance numbers
  • support the success of the program

Registered participants are encouraged to notify Library staff as soon as possible if they are unable to attend.

Registration guarantees admission until the program begins. After the start time, unclaimed registered spots may be offered to walk-in attendees as space allows.

Age Requirements

Some programs may have age requirements to ensure they effectively serve the intended audience. Participants must meet stated age requirements to attend.

The Library recognizes that children and young adults have varying levels of maturity and interests. It is the responsibility of parents or legal guardians to guide the participation of their children and young adults in Library programs and to decide which programs are appropriate for them.

Fees and Ticketing

A fee may be charged for certain programs, such as those involving materials, supplies, or food. Tickets may be sold for special Library events, including fundraisers. Any applicable cancellation or refund policy will be communicated in connection with the individual program or event.

Conduct and Removal

The Library reserves the right to deny or revoke attendance for individuals whose conduct is disruptive, interferes with the ability of others to participate in the program, creates a safety concern, or otherwise violates the Library’s Standards of Conduct (https://provolibrary.gov/librarystandardsofconduct).

Virtual Programs

The Library may offer virtual programs using Library-approved virtual meeting platforms that patrons may use to access programs from their own devices. Virtual programs may include programs that are simultaneously offered at Library facilities and programs offered solely online.

Library virtual programs will be hosted through the Library’s virtual meeting account(s), and a designated Library staff member will serve as the host. Patrons attending virtual programs are expected to comply with the Library’s Standards of Conduct. Failure to comply with the Standards of Conduct during a virtual program may result in immediate removal from the program.

Accessibility and Accommodations

The Library will make reasonable efforts to provide accommodations for individuals requiring assistance to participate in Library-initiated programs on a case-by-case basis. Patrons requesting accommodations should contact the Library at least two weeks prior to the program, when possible, to allow adequate time for arrangements.

Promotion and Publicity

The Library is responsible for the creation and distribution of promotional materials for Library programs, events, and co-sponsored programs. Partnering organizations or individuals may provide logos, images, or other promotional assets for use in these materials.

Commercial Activity and For-Profit Restrictions

Library programs shall not be used to promote or advertise a specific for-profit entity, product, or service.

Representatives of for-profit entities may serve as presenters if the program content supports the Library mission and meets the criteria of this policy. Presenters may make business cards or informational materials available after a program for attendees to voluntarily pick up and may respond to attendee questions following the program. Sales transactions and solicitation during Library programs are not permitted.

Library Programs and Endorsement

The presentation of a program is not to be considered an endorsement, official or otherwise, by the Library. The Library neither approves nor disapproves of the views, opinions, or content presented.

Programs may address a wide range of topics, including cultural, political, and religious themes. Programs are selected based on the criteria set forth in this policy, and are not selected or excluded solely because of the viewpoints expressed.

Patron Choice and Responsibility

The Library affirms and supports each patron’s freedom and responsibility to choose which programs to attend according to individual needs, interests, tastes, or family values. Patrons should apply these criteria to their own attendance and should not restrict or interfere with other patrons’ freedom to attend Library programs.

Reconsideration of Library Programs

The Provo City Library endeavors to provide quality programs and welcomes feedback. Patrons with concerns about a program are encouraged to first speak with the staff member in charge of the program. If a Provo resident wishes to pursue a formal concern, they may submit a Statement of Concern form (https://static.libnet.info/frontend-images/pdfs/provolibrary/PDFs/Statement_of_Concern_Form_2026.pdf). The Library may decline to reconsider a program that has previously been reviewed under this policy unless new information or a material change in circumstances is presented.  

Review Process

The Library Director, in consultation with appropriate staff, will review the program in question and determine whether it is in accordance with this policy.

The Director will issue a written decision addressing the concern within a reasonable time.

The program may remain on the Library’s public calendar and associated promotional materials during the review process unless the Library determines that modification, cancellation, or removal is otherwise appropriate.

Appeal to the Board of Directors

A decision by the Library Director may be appealed to the Board of Directors. To appeal, the resident must submit a written request to the Library Director asking that the concern be referred to the Board. The Library Director will forward the request, along with any staff recommendations, to the Board. The concern will be placed on the Board’s meeting agenda as soon as practical and in accordance with applicable meeting and notice requirements. The decision of the Board will be final and will be communicated in writing to the person requesting the appeal.

Program Cancellations and Changes

Programs may be cancelled or rescheduled due to severe weather, presenter absence, low registration, or other circumstances. When possible, advance notice of cancellations will be posted on the Library’s website and other communication channels. Rescheduling decisions will be made at the Library’s discretion.

Photography and Recording

The Library reserves the right to photograph, audio record, or video record Library programs and participants for internal use, evaluation purposes, publication, and promotional materials. Photography and recording will be conducted in accordance with applicable law and Library procedures.

 

Board of Directors
Provo City Library
Approved 9/9/2026