Library Programs Policy
Our Mission: The Highland Park Public Library—an essential and vital community resource—satisfies the varied interests of residents of all ages by providing welcoming space, programs, diverse collections, and up-to-date technology that make Highland Park a better place to learn and work.
Our Values: The Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, and Freedom to View Statements have been endorsed by the Highland Park Public Library Board of Trustees and are an integral part of this policy:
The Highland Park Public Library affirms that it is a forum for information and ideas, and that the following basic principles will guide its services:
- Books, programs and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials and/or programs should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
- The library should provide materials, programs and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials and/or programs should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval. 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 material for the library collection constitutes an endorsement of the material content or its creator’s views.
- The library should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of its responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
Our Programs: As a part of achieving its mission, the Highland Park Public Library regularly offers educational and entertaining programs for patrons of all ages. Library initiated programs benefit the community by:
- Being responsive to current interests
- Serving as a forum for idea sharing, information gathering and education
- Promoting cultural awareness
- Developing information literacy
- Offering training and assistance with new technologies
- Fostering a love for reading and learning
- Providing early literary experiences to young children
- Fostering community awareness
- Providing entertainment
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 public programs.
All library programs are free and open to the public with first consideration being given to Highland Park resident card holders when space is limited. Advance registration may be required for planning purposes or when space is limited.
Responsibility: Ultimate responsibility for programming at the library rests with the Library Director who operates within the framework of policies determined by the Highland Park Public Library Board of Trustees. The Director, in turn, delegates the management of programs to the Professional Staff who use their expertise, knowledge of the library’s collections, services and facilities in developing and delivering library sponsored programs.
Reconsideration: The Highland Park Public Library recognizes that many topics are controversial and that any given program may offend some patrons. Program selection will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the basis of the principles stated in this program selection policy.
Responsibility for the exposure of children to library programs rests with their parents or legal guardians. Library programming will not be inhibited by the possibility that children will be exposed to the content.
Patrons requesting that programs be cancelled may complete a “Request for Program Reconsideration”. The petition will be delivered to the Library Director whose decision will be final and the program will remain on the library calendar in the meantime.
Adopted September 23, 2019