Mission Statement
Honoring the spirit and legacy of our founder, The Mark Twain Library is Redding’s destination for discovery, enrichment, and connection…where books are just the beginning. –Adopted 01/13/2025
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the library’s programs reflect the mission of the Library as defined by the Board of Trustees and implemented by the library staff. All library programs are evaluated and made accessible in accordance with the protections against discrimination set forth in section 46a-64 of the general statutes. The Mark Twain Library is guided in its programming, and in all its activities, by the “Library Bill of Rights” and the American Library Association’s “Freedom to Read” and “Freedom to View” statements. Library programs provide access to content that is relevant to the research, independent interests, and educational needs of residents. Library programs are a resource for voluntary inquiry, the dissemination of information and ideas, independent ideas, and educational needs of Redding, CT residents.
Definition of a Program
A Library program is a free event, virtual or in-person, planned by the Library staff for the benefit of those members of the public who opt to attend. It may involve outside presenters, facilitators or performers and may be presented in cooperation with other entities. Library programs should represent a wide range of varied and diverging viewpoints. Note: Use of a public meeting room by an organization or individual to hold a public event is not a Library program.
The Library supports its mission of connecting people with the world of ideas and information by developing and presenting programs that provide additional opportunities for information, learning, and entertainment. Library programs should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all residents of Redding, CT. Programming is an integral component of library service that:
- Expands the Library’s role as a community resource
- Introduces patrons and non-users to library resources
- Provides entertainment
- Fosters opportunities for lifelong learning
- Expands the visibility of the Library
Roles and Responsibilities
Ultimate responsibility for programming at the Library rests with the Library Director, who administers under the authority of the Board of Trustees. The Library Director, in turn, delegates the authority for program management to appropriate departmental staff. Librarians are professionally trained to curate and develop displays and programs.
Program Selection
The Library staff uses the following criteria in making decisions about program topics, speakers, and accompanying resources:
- Availability of program space
- Relevance of content for intended audience
- Presentation quality
- Presenter background/qualifications in content area
- Affordability in relation to budget
- Relevance to community interests and issues
- Historical or educational significance
- Connection to other community programs, exhibitions or events
- Relation to Library collections, resources, exhibits and programs
- Relevance to Library’s mission and/or strategic plan
- Adherence to ALA’s professional ethics
The Library staff also seeks input regularly from a programming committee made up of
Redding, CT residents.
Program Development, Coordination, and Supervision
In addition, the Library draws upon other community resources in developing programs and actively partners with other community agencies, organizations, educational and cultural institutions, or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored public programs. Professional performers and presenters that reflect specialized or unique expertise may be
invited to present a Library program. Performers and presenters will not be excluded from consideration because of their origin, background, or views, or because of possible controversy. Library staff who present programs do so as part of their regular job and are not hired as outside contractors for programming.
Programs cannot be used for solicitation or for partisan purposes, whether commercial, political, religious or otherwise. Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the program content or of the view expressed by presenters or participants. All Library programs are open to the public. Registration may be required for planning
purposes or when space is limited. Programs may be held on or off-site, or virtually.
Virtual Programs
This policy also applies to programs offered virtually.
Program Access
Every attempt will be made to accommodate all who wish to attend a program. However, when safety or the success of a program requires it, attendance may be limited. When limits must be established, attendance will be determined on a first come, first served basis, either with advanced registration or at the door.
In some cases, the nature and success of a program may require that attendance is limited based on age, especially programs intended for children and teens that are geared to their interests and developmental needs.
Any individual requiring accommodations to participate in a library program should contact the Library administration. The Library will make accommodations to the best of its ability.
Program Materials
Books, CDs, DVDs or other ancillary materials related to the content of a program may be offered for sale at a Library program as a convenience to attendees.
Program Evaluation
To provide the highest quality and most useful programming, Library staff will gather information about program results to guide future programming decisions. Outputs, such as the number of attendees at a program, will be gathered for all or almost all programs. Outcomes, such as how well the content of a program helped attendees learn about the program’s topic, will be gathered at times when such data is required for grant reporting or would be helpful in evaluating a new program topic or format.
The Library is open to suggestions for Library programs. These suggestions may be communicated to Library staff managing programs, the Library Director and/or the Board of Library Trustees. Community members interested in suggesting a program may also do so by completing this form (click here).
The Library limits consideration of requests to reconsider programs to individual residents of Redding, CT. Please see our Request for Reconsideration Form for further information on this process.
Library programs that are created or curated by librarians are different than public meetings created by members of the public or community. Meetings hosted by members of the public or community groups that rent space in Mark Twain Library must adhere to the Library’s Meeting Room Policy (click here).
