Program Policy

The Greenfield Public Library (GPL) supports its mission of informing, enriching, and empowering all citizens by developing and presenting programs that provide additional opportunities for information, learning, and development. Programs are viewed as an alternative method of delivery for the same experiences and principles put forth by print and nonprint library materials.

General Guidelines

• GPL affirms the principles set forth in the ALA’s Library Bill of Rights.
• Ultimate responsibility for program initiation, selection, engagement, and presentation rests with the Library Director, who operates within the framework of policies set forth by the Board of Trustees. It is expected that the responsibility for programs will be divided among members of the Programming Committee, of which the Director is a member.
• The merits of any program are weighed against the needs, interests, and demands of the community in conjunction with the financial situation of GPL’s programming budget.
• GPL does not endorse particular beliefs or views, nor is the presentation of any particular program an endorsement of the viewpoint of the presenter. The exception to this is when library staff and/or volunteers are the presenters.

Specific Guidelines

• Programs are planned and presented as appropriate to the needs of targeted age groups, i.e. children, Teen, Adult, Multi-generational.
• No fee is charged for patrons for attendance at programs, unless a program has a materials cost per participant outside the constraints of the library budget. Materials cost, but not additional profit, may be asked for these specific programs.
• Librarians may refuse entrance to anyone not pre-registered for programs that require pre-registration.
• Library staff may choose to cancel or terminate any program for any reason.

Those interested in presenting a program at the Greenfield Public Library may complete our Program Proposal Form. A member of the Programming Committee will contact applicants once a decision has been made regarding the proposal.

All complaints concerning library programs must be documented on the Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources form, signed by the complainant and given to the Library Director who will respond in writing within 30 days. If the matter cannot be resolved at this level, the complainant may request consideration by the Board of Trustees. If the complainant meets with the Board of Trustees, the meeting will be subject to the open meeting law.

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees 12/16/2024.
To be reviewed yearly, or as needed.