2020-017 Library Program PlanningDate: February 21, 2020 Report No. 2020-017
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Library Program Planning Process and Program Attendance Requirements
BACKGROUND:
In conversation with Sara Hensley, Assistant City Manager, council members requested clarification about
library program planning and program attendance requirements.
DISCUSSION:
Denton Public Library provided planned 1,378 in-house programs in FY18/19 for 30,912 attendees. In-
house programs are those classes and events that are presented or hosted at one of the three Denton Public
Library locations.
Library programs are developed in compliance with the Denton Public Library’s Library Program Policy.
Library programs support the Denton Public Library’s mission and vision, outlined below.
Mission:
Denton Public Library strengthens community, transforms lives, and inspires imagination.
Vision:
Denton Public Library will be a welcoming and inclusive center of the community, advancing
literacy and education, providing accessible and relevant resources and technology to expand
knowledge, and developing innovative services and engaging activities to encourage discovery
Library programs are developed and planned by professional librarians with assistance from experienced
library assistant II staff members. Events are submitted by program coordinators each season and
reviewed by Branch Managers and the Director of Libraries. These programs are promoted through social
media, bookmarks, outreach, and the seasonal Classes and Events program flier, which is published in the
Spring (January-April), Summer (May-August), and Fall (September-December). Programs are also
presented to the Library Board for review and input before programs are advertised or the Classes &
Events fliers are published.
Library programs are free and developed for a variety of ages and interests. Some programs include age
limits when best suited for a particular audience. Age limits for programs are listed in the program
description. All community members matching age recommendations are invited and encouraged to
attend any library program. The Program Policy clarifies age guidelines for library programs:
Youth programs are offered to children and their caregivers for specific age groups listed in the
program’s description. Adults will not be permitted in designated children’s programs unless they
are accompanying children or are adult observers who have secured approval from a librarian in
advance.
Date: February 21, 2020 Report No. 2020-017
Teen programs are offered for the specific age group listed in the program’s description. Because
of the unique needs of the teen population, adults and young children are not permitted to stay in
the room during a teen program unless the supervising librarian has made an exception due to
special circumstances, such as a participant who needs caregiver assistance. This allows teens to
feel safe and comfortable in an environment without unfamiliar adults, as well as giving parents
and guardians confidence that their child will only be interacting with their peers. Parents and
guardians are welcome to observe the program from outside the room. Adult observers will need
to secure approval from a librarian in advance. Adult observers may include educators, students,
and librarians, and are not guaranteed approval to observe Youth or Teen programs.
Adult programs are for the specific age group listed in the program’s description. Adults will not
be permitted to bring children who are under the age listed unless they have secured approval
from a librarian in advance.
Library programs are coordinated based on the library’s seasonal Classes & Events flier calendar: Spring,
Summer, and Fall. To ensure that programs are included in the seasonal Classes & Events flier, programs
are planned four to six months in advance. Large-scale programs may have a much longer planning
period, with some requiring a six to ten month planning timeframe. Program information is submitted
according to the following schedule for inclusion in the library’s Classes & Events flier and library
marketing efforts:
Spring Programs-programs submitted in October; reviewed by Library Board in November; flier
printed in mid-December
Summer Programs-programs submitted in March; reviewed by Library Board in April; flier
printed in mid-April
Fall Programs-programs submitted in June; reviewed by Library board in July; flier printed in
mid-July
The Library seeks community input about future programs in a variety of methods year-round: surveys;
patron comments submitted via comment cards, online suggestion form, or in-person conversation; and
focus group discussions with local organizations and partners. In addition, library staff participate in
professional organizations, trainings, and keep up with professional library literature to learn about
informational, educational, arts, and cultural programming and service trends across the North Texas area,
the state and the nation. This summer and fall, library staff will be using the Public Library Association
(PLA) Project Outcome survey and analysis tool to review library programs to help improve
programming quality and identify relevant topics and community needs for future programs.
Library staff conducts analysis of current program impact using attendee surveys, attendance statistics,
staff observation of attendee engagement, attendee comments, and conversations with local organizations
and partners. Program impact and outcome is analyzed to determine whether there is additional need for
the same or similar programs in the future. The Library Program Policy also includes a process for
Denton residents or registered borrowers of the Denton Public Library to share concerns or objections
about scheduled library programs.
Date: February 21, 2020 Report No. 2020-017
STAFF CONTACT:
Jennifer Bekker, Director of Libraries
jennifer.bekker@cityofdenton.com
(940) 349-8753
REQUESTOR: Sara Hensley
PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS: Library
STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE REPORT: One hour
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DENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
LIBRARY PROGRAM POLICY
Revised by the Library Management Team, Jan. 16, 2020
Library Board approved revision, February 10, 2020
Library programs are an extension of library services and promotes and complements the
library’s other services and collections. The Library Program Policy of the Denton Public
Library is designed to be guided by its Mission and Vision Statements:
Mission Statement:
Denton Public Library strengthens community, transforms lives, and inspires
imagination.
Vision Statement:
Denton Public Library will be a welcoming and inclusive center of the
community, advancing literacy and education, providing accessible and relevant
resources and technology to expand knowledge, and developing innovative
services and engaging activities to encourage discovery.
The Denton Public Library supports intellectual freedom and subscribes to the Library Bill of
Rights and its interpretative statements, including “Library-Initiated Programs and Displays as a
Resource: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights” (2019).
The professional staff of the Denton Public Library designs, plans, prepares, and presents
programs and events for all ages. A library program is a planned event by library staff for library
users. No fees will be charged for attendance at library programs.
Use of the library’s public meeting rooms by an organization or individual to hold a public event
is not a library program and must follow the guidelines set out in the Denton Public Library
Meeting Room Policy.
The library may incorporate cooperative programming with other agencies, organizations, and
educational institutions capitalizing on existing knowledge and expertise when they are
compatible with the library's mission. Library program presenters who are affiliates of
commercial enterprises may provide general knowledge without direct promotion of a business
enterprise resulting in potential profit. The library does not allow programs of a purely
commercial nature.
The library reserves the right to cancel programs as deemed necessary and will make every effort
to notify the public in advance. Programs scheduled on a day when the Library is closed due to
inclement weather are automatically cancelled. Rescheduling is at the discretion of the library
staff.
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Guidelines for attending programs:
Attendees of all ages are expected to abide by the Denton Public Library Rules of Conduct.
Attendees 17 and under and their parents will be expected to abide by the Unattended Children
Policy.
Library staff recognizes that children may sometimes display behaviors that are disruptive for a
program situation. Parents will be asked to calm the child or leave the room with the child in the
event of problem behavior. Once the child is no longer displaying these behaviors, they may
return to the program. Adults displaying behavior in programs that violates the Denton Public
Library Rules of Conduct may be asked to leave the program or the library.
A library card is not required to attend a program, but patrons attending programs are
encouraged to apply for a card to take full advantage of all the library resources.
Age Limits for programs:
The library may set age limits or other guidelines for participation in a program when the
program is designed and best suited for a particular audience. These age limits will be noted in
the program descriptions.
Youth programs are offered to children and their caregivers for specific age groups listed in the
program’s description. Adults will not be permitted in designated children’s programs unless
they are accompanying children or are adult observers who have secured approval from a
librarian in advance.
Teen programs are offered for the specific age group listed in the program’s description.
Because of the unique needs of the teen populations, adults and young children are not permitted
to stay in the room during a teen program unless the supervising librarian has made an exception
due to special circumstances, such as a participant who needs caregiver assistance. This allows
teens to feel safe and comfortable in an environment without unfamiliar adults, as well as giving
parents and guardians confidence that their child will only be interacting with their peers. Parents
and guardians are welcome to observe the program from outside the room. Adult observers will
need to secure approval from a librarian in advance.
Adult observers may include educators, students, and librarians, and are not guaranteed approval
to observe Youth or Teen programs.
Adult programs are for the specific age group listed in the program’s description. Adults will
not be permitted to bring children who are under the age listed unless they have secured approval
from a librarian in advance.
Sale of Materials during library programs:
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Ancillary materials, such as CDs or books which are related to the content of a program, may be
offered for sale at a library program as a convenience to attendees. The sale of these materials as
part of a library program is acceptable when sales are in promotion of literature, literacy, or
culture and are consistent with the library’s mission. To sell these items, the program presenter
must receive permission from the staff member coordinating the program in advance.
Program Attendance Limits:
When safety or the success of a program requires it, attendance may have to be limited. When
limits must be established, attendance may be determined on a first-come, first-served basis.
Advance registration or distributing free tickets before the event may be used if attendance is
anticipated to exceed program limits. This should be noted in the program description.
Due to limited space and fire codes, customers will not be allowed into a program that has
reached capacity. The staff member in charge of the program will determine when a program has
reached capacity.
Groups Attending Programs:
Due to room capacity limitations, childcare centers or other organized groups wanting to attend a
program should make arrangements with the library at least two weeks before attending to make
sure that space is available. When visiting the library or participating in library events, caregivers
with childcare centers or other youth groups must be supervised by their adult leaders and will
need to follow child-to-caregiver ratios from the Texas Department of Family and Protective
Services Minimum Standards for Child-Care Centers.
Objections to library programs:
The library welcomes expressions of opinions from the public about library programs. Concerns
or questions should first be addressed to the library staff coordinating the program. If this does
not resolve the issue, Denton residents or registered borrowers of the Denton Public Library may
complete and submit a Statement of Concern form. The form will be received by a librarian,
dated, and submitted to the Director of Libraries. The Director of Libraries will forward the
Statement of Concern to the Denton Public Library Board for consideration and official input at
the next scheduled Library Board meeting. The Director of Libraries shall have the
responsibility for the final decision. The complainant shall be notified of the Director of
Libraries’ decision within one (1) month from the date of Library Board meeting in which the
program was discussed, except in unusual circumstances (i.e. staff leave, transition of personnel,
etc.)
Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the
program or the views expressed by participants. A program will not be automatically excluded or
cancelled because its topic may be regarded by some as controversial.
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Tours
Library staff is available to provide tours of the library to groups of children, students, and
organizations. The tour should be scheduled at least two weeks in advance of the proposed date.
Refreshments
Refreshments may be served at programs. Food will be purchased from a kitchen certified by the
City of Denton Consumer Health Department or purchased pre-packaged from a store.
Evaluation of Programs
Library staff will conduct regular evaluations of programs and services to make sure the needs of
the community are being met within staff limitations and budgetary restrictions.
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DENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
STATEMENT OF CONCERN
FOR LIBRARY PROGRAMS OR DISPLAYS
Revised by the Library Management Team, Jan. 16, 2020
Approved by the Library Board, February 10, 2020
Note: If you wish to request reconsideration of an item in the library's collection, please use
the Reconsideration of Library Materials Form.
Name: _______________________________________ Date: ____________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________
E-mail address: _________________________________________________________
Phone: ________________________
☐ I am a Denton resident ☐ I have a current borrower account at the Denton Public Library
Library card # _____________________
I am filling out this form:
☐ As an individual
☐ On behalf of a group/organization called:___________________________________
Program or display on which you are commenting:
Name/Description: ______________________________________________________
Date: _________________________________________________________________
Branch: ☐ Emily Fowler Central Library ☐ North Branch ☐ South Branch
Presenter/Performer (if applicable): _________________________________________
Intended Audience: ☐ All Ages ☐ Adult ☐ Teen ☐ Children
Any other descriptive information __________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Please list your reasons for filing this request. Please be as specific as possible. (You
may attach pages to this form if needed.)
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What brought this program or display to your attention?
Have you attended the entire program or event or viewed the entire display? Have you attended
another event with this presenter?
Did you share your concerns with library staff at the program/branch? What was their response?
In what way could this program or display be of value?
Please suggest alternative events, displays, or services that could provide similar information on
this topic or support in this area to the community.
Signature: _______________________________________ Date: _______________
Please return the completed form to the Director of Libraries, library@cityofdenton.com.
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Library Bill of Rights
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas,
and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and
enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be
excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current
and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or
doctrinal disapproval.
III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide
information and enlightenment.
IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment
of free expression and free access to ideas.
V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age,
background, or views.
VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve
should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or
affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
VII. All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and
confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect
people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.
Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948;
February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; January 29, 2019.
Inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996.
Although the Articles of the Library Bill of Rights are unambiguous statements of basic
principles that should govern the service of all libraries, questions do arise concerning
application of these principles to specific library practices. See the documents designated by the
Intellectual Freedom Committee as Interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights.
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Library-Initiated Programs and Displays as a Resource: An Interpretation of
the Library Bill of Rights
Library-initiated programs support the mission of the library by providing users with additional
opportunities for accessing information, education, and recreation. Article I of the Library Bill of
Rights states, “Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information,
and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves.” Library displays increase
awareness of programs, resources, and services.
Library-initiated programs include, but are not limited to, lectures, displays, exhibits, community
forums, performing and visual arts,1 participatory workshops, technology programming, creative
learning programming, wellness programs, story times, continuing education, fairs and
conventions, book clubs, discussion groups, demonstrations, and presentations for social,
cultural, educational, or entertainment purposes. Library-initiated programs may take place
onsite at the library, off-site at other locations, or online, and may be provided by library
workers, volunteers, or partners. Libraries may also choose to promote their programs, services,
and resources though displays and digital signs.
Library-initiated programs and displays utilize library worker expertise for community interests,
collections, services, facilities, and providing access to information and information resources.
They introduce users and potential users to library resources and the library’s role as a facilitator
of information access. The library may participate in cooperative or joint programs with other
agencies, organizations, institutions, or individuals to facilitate information access in the
community the library serves.
Libraries should not discriminate against individuals with disabilities and shall ensure they have
equitable access to library resources. Library-initiated programs and displays should comply with
all applicable laws, including the standards and requirements of The Americans with Disabilities
Act and state and local disability accessibility guidelines.2 If a program is held in a location not
controlled by the library, the library should assure that the space is accessible to all users. If users
overflow designated event areas during library events, libraries should secure accessible public
spaces (e.g., ramps, pathways, and emergency exit routes) to ensure access and safety for
everyone. Reasonable accommodations should also be made to have interpretation or real-time
captioning for the deaf or hard of hearing at library-initiated programs when needed or requested
by library users.
“Socially excluded, marginalized, and underrepresented people, not just the mainstream
majority, should be able to see themselves reflected in the resources and programs that libraries
offer.”3 Libraries should actively seek to include a variety of programming options representing
diversity of genres, formats, ideas, and expressions with a multitude of viewpoints and cultural
perspectives that reflect the diversity in our communities. Library-initiated programs that cross
language and cultural barriers introduce community members to the library’s resources and
provide access to information. Libraries serving multilingual or multicultural communities
should make efforts to accommodate the information needs of those who speak and read
languages other than English, including advertising for such events.
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Concerns, questions, or complaints about library-initiated programs and displays are handled
according to the same written policy and procedures that govern reconsiderations of other library
resources. These policies should apply equally to all people, including, but not limited to, library
users, staff, and members of the governing body. The policies should set forth the library’s
commitment to free and open access to information and ideas for all users.
Programs should not be canceled because of the ideas or topics of the program or the views
expressed by the participants or speakers, nor should library workers censor or remove displays
because someone may disagree with the content. Library sponsorship of a program does not
constitute an endorsement of the program content or the views expressed by the participants or
speakers, any more than the purchase of resources for the library collection or curation of a
display constitutes an endorsement of the resources content or its creator’s views. Libraries
should vigorously defend the First Amendment right of speakers and participants to express
themselves.
Article V of the Library Bill of Rights states, “A person’s right to use a library should not be
denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.” The right to use a library
encompasses all the resources the library offers, including the right to attend library-initiated
programs. Libraries create programs for an intended age group or audience based on educational
suitability and audience interest; however, restrictions on participation based solely on the
gender, chronological age, or educational level of users violate this right and should be enforced
only when not doing so would adversely impact the safety of the participants or interfere with the
intended purpose of the program. Parents and guardians may restrict their own children’s access
to library programs, but no person or organization can interfere in others’ access and
participation. A parent or guardian may discuss their child’s access to and participation in library
programs with their child, but may not impose those decisions on others, including other
people’s children.
Libraries should not deny access to library-initiated programs if patrons owe the library for
overdue fines or other fees. If libraries charge program participants for supplies used, they should
make every effort to reduce economic barriers to participation.
Any collection and retention of program participants’ personal information should be on an opt-
in basis only. While attendees may need to demonstrate their eligibility to attend the program by
showing a library card or student ID, they should not be required to share their personal
information in order to attend a library program.
1 "Visual and Performing Arts in Libraries: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights,” adopted
February 13, 2018, by ALA Council.
2 “Services to People with Disabilities: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights,” adopted January
28, 2009, by the ALA Council; amended June 26, 2018.
3 “Equity, Diversity, Inclusion: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights,” adopted June 27, 2017, by
the ALA Council.
Adopted January 27, 1982, by the ALA Council; amended June 26, 1990; July 12, 2000; June 26, 2018
under previous name "Library-Initiated Programs as a Resource"; and June 24, 2019.