The staff of the Warwick Public Library offers programs intended to further the Library’s mission. The Library functions as an informational, recreational, and cultural resource for the community. Programs are a means through which the public can share experiences, explore ideas, appreciate special interests, exchange information, and connect with each other and with the Library itself.
Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by participants or presenters. Program topics, speakers, and resources are not excluded from programs because of possible controversy. Library programming will reflect a wide range of diverse perspectives and opinions.
When developing and delivering programs, library staff utilizes staff expertise, and library collections, equipment, and facilities. The following criteria are used in making decisions about program topics, speakers, and accompanying resources:
- Community needs and interests
- Budget and cost of program
- Space required for program
- Presenter background/qualifications in content area
- Potential to promote, supplement, and encourage use of library collections and resources
- Relevance/appropriateness of the program to the Library ‘s mission
- Historical/educational/artistic significance
- Diversity and inclusivity in our community
- Staff time.
The Warwick Public Library believes that socially excluded, marginalized, and underrepresented people should be able to see themselves reflected in the resources and programs the Library offers. The Library is a safe space for all members of our community, and all programs will reflect that.
Performers, speakers, community members, etc. may contact the Coordinator of Youth Services, Teen Librarian, Coordinator of Adult Services, or the Community Services Librarian to let the Library know of programs that may be of interest to the Warwick community. Priority is placed on community relationships and partnerships. Final decisions on what programs are offered are made by the appropriate library staff.
Library Sponsored Events
- All programs are free and open to the public.
- Programs may be held on site at one of the Library locations, off-site or online. Decisions related to whether the program is in-person, hybrid, or virtual are made by the coordinating staff in collaboration with the performer or speaker.
- Qualified performers, lecturers, instructors, etc. are selected by library staff.
- Program attendance will not exceed the capacity of its space as determined by the fire code. Program attendance of virtual programs cannot exceed the capacity of the Library’s Zoom account. A performer may request a smaller cap on attendance to any program.
- Programs may be designed for and limited to a specific audience, age, or grade level. Standard age ranges can be defined in the following ways:
- Children are defined as those between the ages of 0 and 12 years old.
- Teens are defied as being between the ages of 12 and 18 years old.
- Adults are defined as those ages 18 and up
- Decisions concerning an event’s audience, registration, capacity, late arrivals, and allowable walk-ins will be made by the library staff supervising the event. Patrons will respect decisions made by library staff with the presenter’s input regarding these options.
- The safety of our patrons is our top priority. If requested by a performer or a speaker, we may require certain safety measures for specific programs.
Ticketing or Registration
- Some events may require tickets or registration. This is done in order to maintain correct room or venue capacity and allow the presenter to prepare for the number of people attending.
- Registration dates will be clearly announced in all publicity related to each program.
- Registered individuals should notify the Library as soon as possible if they are unable to attend so those on the Waiting List can be notified that they can attend. This process can be done through the online registration software. In cases of high demand programs, such as limited seating craft programs, if a patron repeatedly does not show with no prior notification, they may be blocked from registering for these types of events for up to 3 months.
Wait Lists
- For high-demand events, we may create a wait list in lieu of allowing walk-ins. Under such circumstances, the wait list will be activated as soon as registration is full. Should spots become available, library staff will make every effort to notify the wait-listed patrons in time for them to attend the event.
Event Promotion
- The Library can only promote library-sponsored programs.
- The library staff is responsible for program graphics which adhere to our branding. All external graphics must be approved for use by the supervising staff in regard to collaborative programs.
- If time and space allows, the Library may share community program information.
Event Management
- Even in the event of preregistration, the Library does not guarantee seating once a program has begun.
- If the event does not have a wait list, walk-ins may be allowed to fill unclaimed spots.
- In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we will make sure there is seating available for anyone who needs accommodation. The Library requests at least 72 hours of notice for any accommodation such as an interpreter, listening devices, etc. All are welcome, and the Library is happy to make reasonable accommodations.
- Patrons causing a disruption of an in-person program may be asked to leave by the supervising staff or the library director. Attendees causing a disruption during a virtual program may be muted or removed from the Zoom.
- Caregivers are responsible for their children’s conduct.
Program Reconsideration
- Only Warwick residents or residents of communities served by libraries in the Ocean state Libraries network may request a program reconsideration. Requests must be submitted in writing to the library director at least two weeks prior to a program, and the request must be made using a Request for Review of Library Program form.
- All reconsideration requests will be reviewed by the library director and, if need be, discussed with the Board of Trustees. The library director will inform the requester of their decision at least two days prior to the program.
Commercial Exchanges
Authors or booksellers may sell books as part of a library program. Programs sponsored by the Friends of the Warwick Public 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 unless authorized by the library director or their designee.
Programs are not used for commercial purposes or for the solicitation of business. However, the presenter may leave business cards for participants to pick up after the program for anyone interested in more information from the presenter.
Approved by Warwick Public Library Board of Trustees 9/18/2024