Oradell Public Library, NJ

Policy Purpose

Programs support the Library’s mission. The Library’s investment in programming recognizes that people learn in many different ways and that diverse programming enables the Library to reach new audiences.

The purpose of this policy is to clarify the objectives, procedures, limitations, and considerations involved in the planning and implementing of Library programs.

This policy operates in conjunction with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Library and the Friends of the Oradell Public Library, which further defines the respective roles and responsibilities of the organizations.

Application

This policy governs all Library sponsored or co-sponsored programs. Events that are simply hosted by the Library fall under the Library’s Meeting Space Reservation Policy.

Objectives

The Library aspires to provide programs that:

• Support and encourage literacy, lifelong learning, and/or educational enrichment
• Introduce patrons and non-users to Library collections, services, or staff expertise
• Foster social connections
• Encourage participation in civic life
• Promote equity of access to information, ideas, or experiences
• Help to address the cultural and leisure-related interests of the community
• Highlight the Library as a welcoming community space

Procedures

The Library utilizes staff expertise, collections, services, and facilities in developing and delivering programming. The criteria used by Library staff in making decisions about program topics, speakers, and accompanying resources include but are not limited to:

• Relevance to community interests and issues as determined by community surveys and experience
• Availability of program space
• Treatment of content for intended audience
• Presentation quality
• Presenter’s background/qualifications in content area
• Budget and staffing considerations
• Historical or educational significance
• Connection to other community programs, exhibits, and or/events
• Relevance to the Library’s mission, strategic planning goals, and programming goals
• Relation to Library collections, resources, programs, exhibits, and/or events

In addition, the Library draws upon other community resources in developing programs and actively partners with other community agencies, organizations, educational and cultural institutions, and 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 age, sex, gender, gender identity, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ethnicity, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, alienage or citizenship status, military or veteran’s status, background, political or social views, or because a program possibly might raise some controversy within the community.

Under the guidance of the Oradell Public Library Board of Trustees, the Library Director is responsible for implementing this policy in a fair and equitable manner and in delegating program-related responsibilities to staff. The Director or designee has the right to select or refuse proposed programs or events.

Library staff who present programs do so as part of their regular job duties and may not be hired as outside contractors to conduct programming or for any other purpose.

Programs may not promote or be used to advance commercial, religious, or partisan purposes, or for the solicitation of business. At events sponsored by the Library, such as author talks and musical performances, pertinent items (i.e. books, musical recordings, etc.) of the author/artist may be sold. The Library must pre-approve any sales of such items. External organizations or individuals partnering with the Library on programs must coordinate marketing efforts with the Library director or his/her designee.

The Library promotes, at its discretion, its programming with in-house designed posters, flyers, press releases, and electronic media. It is the responsibility of the presenter to provide all necessary information and graphics in a timely fashion. Oradell Public Library reserves the right to revise/redesign material supplied by the presenter to conform with the Library’s standards. Library staff will approve any additional marketing materials that are displayed in the Library. Presenters may not publicize their programs without approval of the Library.

Attendance & Registration

All Library programming is free and open to the public. The Library’s philosophy of open access to information and ideas extends to Library programming. All Library programs are meant to be inclusive, without the promotion or use of hateful ideology or speech. 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. The Library will not permit any programs which encourage or promote hatred, obscenity, or unlawful ideas or activities.

Registration may be required for planning purposes or when space and/or supplies are limited. When registration is required, priority may be given to Oradell residents. Library staff may refuse entrance to programs for any persons not pre-registered, when a registration requirement is in effect.

Registration for children’s programs may be restricted based on age or grade level. Waiting lists may be established. If a patron cannot attend a program/class, it is their responsibility to alert the Library via email or phone as soon as possible.

The Library reserves the right to cancel a program at any time and for any or no stated reason. Programs scheduled on a day when the Library is closed due to inclement weather are automatically cancelled. Rescheduling of such programs shall be at the discretion of the Library.

Library Program Limitations

• The Library does not present programs that support or oppose any political candidate. Election information such as candidate forums that include invitations to all recognized candidates may be offered. Petitions or campaign literature are not permitted at such events.
• Attendees of Library programs shall not be required to provide any personal information to outside presenters. The Library shall have the right to ask for program evaluations and emails from attendees. Information will only be used for internal Library business.
• Groups or presenters wishing to serve refreshments must obtain prior approval from the Library.
• Programs will be developed with consideration for the principles of accessibility and equity. These include, but are not limited to: access for people with disabilities and times and locations that maximize convenience and encourage attendance by the target audience.

Additional Considerations

• All programs shall end 15 minutes prior to the Library closing time, unless approved by the Library Director or Youth Services Librarian.
• With the presenter’s permission, the Library may capture photographs, audio, and video recordings of the presentation for use at the sole discretion of the Library.
• Any violations of this policy shall result in the automatic rejection of all future program requests for a minimum of one year. Repeated violators will be permanently prohibited from presenting programs at the Oradell Public Library.

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees on Wednesday, March 11, 2026