Memorial Hall Library supports its mission and vision by providing programs for all ages. Library staff design, develop, implement, and facilitate programs and select outside presenters as a primary job responsibility. Library programs are not public forums. Ultimate responsibility for programming at the library rests with the Library Director. 

Anyone interested in presenting a program may submit a program recommendation form that will be reviewed by library staff using this policy as a guide. The library reserves the right to decline a program.

Programs will be considered according to the following criteria: 

• Community interests, appeal, and timeliness 
• Representation of diverse backgrounds, opinions, and viewpoints
• Community relationships, partnerships, and connections
• Budget
• Space required
• Staffing

Presenters will be considered according to the following criteria:

• Qualifications in content area
• Presentation quality as determined by experience, recommendations, and reviews
• Cost

Audience

• All programs offered by the library are free and open to the public. 
• Attendance at programs will not exceed limits set by the presenter, room restrictions or the town of Andover’s fire code.
• Attendance will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis or by pre-registration. 
• Programs may be designed for and limited to a specific audience, age, or grade level. 
• The responsibility for children attending library programs rests with their caregivers

Partnerships

• The library may co-sponsor programs with entities whose mission and goals are compatible with the library’s. 
• The library may co-sponsor programs based on shared interest, responsibility, benefits, available library resources, and guidelines detailed in this document. 
• Use of meeting space at the library for non-library sponsored meetings falls under the Meeting Room Policy. 

Intellectual Freedom

• The library respects the freedom of information of its patrons and adheres to the principles expressed in the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read and Freedom to View statements.
• Program topics, presenters, and resources are not excluded from consideration because of potential controversy.
• Speakers may present views contrary to the personal beliefs of staff members, library trustees, the Town of Andover, community organizations, or individuals. 
• Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program, or the views expressed by participants. 

Sales and Solicitation

• Presenters or authors may provide for purchase their books, CDs, DVDs, and other media as part of a library program. 
• Programs sponsored by the Friends of the Library may include the sale of merchandise as a fundraiser to benefit the library. 
• Sale of any other products at library programs is not permitted, however, presenters may leave business cards for attendees to pick up if they are interested in contacting the speaker after the event. 

Statements of Concern 

Patrons may contact the Library Director if they have concerns about a program and 
may also complete and submit a “Statement of Concern about Library Resources, Displays, or Programs” form. For further details, please see the Statement of Concern Policy.
 

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees, May 8, 2024