Library Programs Policy

In keeping with the overall VPL goals and mission statement, programming is considered an integral part of the library service offered to the public. The Library initiates programs and exhibits to stimulate the use of the Library and its material and to provide for the general enjoyment and enlightenment of the community.  The Library maintains impartiality at all times. Programs provide another format for the dissemination of information and an opportunity for discussion of ideas.

 

Library programs should promote the communication of ideas and information and extend Readers Advisory and reference service to library users; they bring library collections to life. Library programs are often a first contact with books and reading for children, as well as a non-threatening way to gain information for reading-challenged adults.

 

Library programs will:

1. Stimulate interest in and use of the Library.
2. Promote interest in reading, culture, information, literacy and research skills.
3. Promote an awareness of contemporary issues and information required to engage in society.
4. Attract non-users and reflect the need to connect programs with library resources as part of the process of creating lifetime library users.
5. Provide entertaining, enjoyable, educational experiences.
6. Be offered without charge to attendees except in exceptional circumstanes where admission may be charged to recoup the library's costs of presenting the program. Admission may be charged for fundraisers held by the VPL Foundation, Friends of VPL, or other literacy, library or literary not-for-profit organizations and as approved by the Directors Group.
7.  Create and promote community partnerships.
8. Speakers will agree not to contravene the Criminal Code of Canada and the Human Rights Act of British Columbia during the course of their program.
9. VPL Meeting Room Policy will apply to all co-sponsored programs.

Co-Sponsorship

 

The Library may co-sponsor a program with other not-for-profit or for-profit entities when the program content meets the above criteria, is of sufficiently high quality and relevance and makes reasonable demands on staff resources. Program co-sponsorships with a financial value to VPL of more then $500 are covered by the Sponsor Recognitiion Guidelines. The room rental fee will be waived for co-sponsored events and staff support for promotion and on-site assistance may be provided. Co-sponsorship does not mean that the Library endorses particular points of view promoted at the event and this will be noted on publicity where appropriate. VPL will be prominently acknowledged in the promotion and presentation of co-sponsored events.

 

Policy revised and approved by Library Board:  November 26, 2008