Programming Policy 

 

I. Overview

The Bacon Free Library’s mission is to be a safe and welcoming place for information, materials, services, and programs to strengthen community and support lifelong learning with an emphasis on supporting the educational needs of the children in our community.

Programming plays an important role in connecting with the community. The Library’s philosophy of open access to information and ideas extends to library programming. The choice to attend library programs is an individual matter. While a person may reject a program for themselves, they may not restrict access by others.

Ultimate responsibility for programming at the Library rests with the Library Director, who administers it under the authority of the Bacon Free Library Board of Trustees. The Library Director, in turn may delegate the authority for program management to the appropriate staff.

 

II. Program Selection Process

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 resources (listed in alphabetical order):

• Budget and cost of program
• Community needs and interests
• Connection to Library collections, resources, exhibits, and programs
• Connection to other community programs, exhibitions, or events
• Potential to promote and encourage use of Library collections and resources
• Presenter background/qualifications in content area
• Relevance/appropriateness of program to the Library’s mission and strategic plan
• Safety and security of staff and patrons
• Space required for program
• Staff time

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. The Library also welcomes opinions about and suggestions for Library programs. These suggestions and/or opinions should be directed to the appropriate Library staff managing programs, or to the Library Director. The Library reserves the right to decline a program for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to, staffing, budgetary constraints, space restraints, accessibility, or scheduling.

All programs are free and open to the public. Programs may be limited in size due to supplies, space, or other considerations.

Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program, or the views expressed by presenters or participants. Program topics, presenters, and resources are not excluded because of possible controversy.

 

III. Financial Considerations

Sources for funding for Library programs come from the Library’s operating budget, the Bacon Free Library Trustees, and various grants. Library staff who present programs do so as part of their jobs. 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 cosponsor programs.

Library programs are non-commercial in nature. Programs may not be used for the solicitation of business. Presenters and performers, whether individuals or organizations, shall not use a Library program to petition, advertise, or recruit members or customers. While the Library welcomes
professional experts to present at events, Library programs cannot be used to directly further commercial, religious, political, or partisan purposes. Presenters are permitted to have business-related brochures, and other information available for attendees to pick up if interested. Presenters may not distribute such materials as part of an event.

Programs sponsored by charitable organizations whose purpose and mission is to support the Bacon Free Library may include the sale of merchandise as a means to fundraise for the benefit of the Library. 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.

 

IV. Registrations and Cancellations

Some Library programs require pre-registering for an event or series of events. Registration for programs may be done on the Library’s website, or by calling or visiting the Library. In keeping with Massachusetts General Laws (Ch 78, Sec 7), names of program registrants are confidential.

All Library-initiated programs are open to the public, but some programs may be designed with specific audiences in mind, such as programs intended for children that are geared toward their interests and needs. Adults who wish to attend a program specifically designed for children must
be accompanied by a child, or seek permission in advance from the Library Director. Programs targeted toward specific audiences will be publicized as such.

Library-initiated programs may be cancelled for several reasons, including but not limited to weather, absence of the presenter, or low registration. Cancelled programs are not automatically rescheduled, although Library staff will make every effort to reschedule programs with community interest. When possible, advanced notification of the program cancellations will be made on the Library’s website, and by other appropriate communication channels.

 

V. Conclusion

The Bacon Free Library does not promote particular beliefs or views. The choice to attend Library programs is an individual matter. While a person may reject a program for themselves, they cannot exercise censorship to restrict access by others. Any Natick resident who has a concern regarding the selection of a program is welcome to discuss the interpretation of these principles with the Library Director.

The Library supports the following documents protecting the individual’s right to have access to programs:

ALA Library Bill of Rights
ALA Freedom to Read Statement
ALA Freedom to View Statement

 

Approved by the Bacon Free Library Trustees on November 5, 2025.