The Wilmington Memorial Library supports its mission by developing and presenting programs that provide opportunities for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, literacy support and community connection.
Ultimate responsibility for programming rests with the Library Director, who in turn, delegates program management responsibility to the Assistant Library Director, the Adult Services Librarian, the Youth Services Librarian, and other designated staff.
In developing and delivering programs, the library staff utilizes staff expertise, collections, equipment, and facilities. The following criteria are used in making decisions about program topics, speakers, and accompanying resources.
- Community needs and interests
- Relevance/appropriateness of program to library’s mission and strategic plan
- Budget and cost of program
- Space required for program
- Presenter background/qualifications in content area
- Staff time
Anyone interested in presenting a library program may submit a proposal that will be reviewed according to the above criteria. The library’s philosophy of open access to information and ideas extends to library programming. 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 are not excluded from programs because of possible controversy. In keeping with the American Library Association Bill of Rights – Access to Resources and Services to Minors, parents/guardians, not the library, are responsible for monitoring attendance of their children at library programs.
Sources for funding for library programs comes from the library’s operating budget, the Friends of the Library and various grants. Library staff who present programs do so as a part of their job. In addition, the library draws upon community resources in developing programs and attempts to partner with other libraries, community organizations, educational and cultural institutions or individuals to present and/or co-sponsor programs.
All programs at the library are open to the public and normally offered free of charge. A fee may be charged for certain types of library programs, such as where there is a cost for materials to participate in the program. Tickets may be sold for special library events.
Performers or authors may sell books as part of a library program. Sale of any other products or business promotional materials at library programs is not permitted
Due to space limitations or due to the nature of the program, attendance at programs may be limited. Registration for programs may be done on the library’s web site calendar of events, or by calling or visiting the library. In keeping with Massachusetts General Laws (Chapter78, Section 7) names of registrants is confidential. Program presenters may ask attendees to voluntarily provide their names at the time of the program.
In some cases, the nature and success of a program may require a limited attendance based on age, for example, programs intended for children and teens that are geared to their interests and developmental needs.
Approved by Board of Library Trustees 5/18/10
Updated and approved by Board of Library Trustees 9/20/16
Updated and approved by Board of Library Trustees 8/15/23
Updated 5/29/2024
Reconsideration of Library Programs
The choice to attend library programs by users is an individual matter. While a person may reject a program for himself/herself, he/she cannot exercise censorship to restrict access by others.
Recognizing that a diversity of events may result in some requests for reconsideration, the following procedures have been developed to assure that objections or complaints are handled in an attentive and consistent manner.
Any resident of the Town of Wilmington that has a concern regarding the selection of a program is welcome to discuss the interpretation of these principles with the Library Director. A formal review of any event is initiated only upon the submittal of a Request for Reconsideration form at least two weeks prior to the program. Upon submittal of this form, professional program coordinators on the staff will read, review, and comparatively assess the event being reconsidered. A formal written response and assessment will be forthcoming from the Library Director.
In addition to the Request for Reconsideration form, the following documents will be provided should there be a challenge.
ALA Library Bill of Rights
ALA Freedom to Read Statement
ALA Freedom to View Statement
