3.4.1 — Library Programs for the Public

Effective: July 1, 2026
Last Reviewed: May 19, 2026

  1. Purpose

    The purpose of this policy is to define, establish and communicate the criteria and guiding principles related to the presentation of public programming by and on behalf of the Jacksonville Public Library (the “Library”) in support of its mission and strategic plans.

  2. Non-Endorsement

    1. The Library’s presentation of a program in no way constitutes the program's endorsement by the Library, its staff, the Board of Library Trustees (the “BOLT,”) or any other agent of the Library or the City of Jacksonville. The Library recognizes that some programs may be controversial and that any given program may offend a member of the public.
    2. Ultimate responsibility for the selection of all Library programs rests with the Library Director, who administers programs under the authority of the BOLT. The Library Director is authorized to make decisions and take actions related to the administration of programs as appropriate.
    3. The Library Director or his or her designee maintains the expertise, education, training, and authority to interpret and guide the presentation of programs in accordance with this Policy.

  3. Minor Children and Parental Rights and Responsibilities

    As with other Library-provided services, minors’ access to Library programs is the responsibility of their parents or legal guardian(s).

  4. Definitions and Standards

    The Library defines a program as an intentionally planned activity or event in a publicly accessible group setting developed to meet the needs and/or interests of a target audience. Programs may include, but will not be limited to, lectures, community fora, visual and performance art, interactive workshops, continuing education, fairs and conventions, and discussion groups.

    The BOLT authorizes the Library Director to establish standards for programs that ensure high-quality design and delivery in support of the Library's mission and strategic priorities.

  5. Objective

    The Library provides engaging programs to meet the informational, educational, and cultural interests of Duval County residents. Library programs will be designed and delivered to provide enjoyable learning experiences that meet at least one of the following outcomes:

    1. Participant gains awareness of the Library’s resources and services;
    2. Participant gains new knowledge; or
    3. Participant develops a skill

  6. Delivery

    1. Library programs are open to all individual members of the public, and there is never an entry fee or charge to attend an onsite, offsite or virtual program.
    2. Library programs may be live-streamed and recorded versions may be available for later playback via web-enabled technologies.
    3. The Library may require advanced registration for all or some programs to ensure that adequate space, supplies and resources are available for all attendees. Additionally, the Library reserves the right to limit attendance based on the age of the intended audience; availability of space, supply or resource limitations; or the status of attendees as Library cardholders.
    4. Programming shall be provided so that individuals with disabilities as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act can participate in and/or derive benefit from such programming, provided that an accommodation does not result in a fundamental alteration of the service or constitute an undue burden on the Library. The Library will provide programming that permits maximum integration and independent function for qualified individuals. Requests for interpretative services or other accommodations should be made at least two business days in advance of the scheduled event.

  7. Criteria

    1. Programs developed and delivered by and for the Library support its strategic priorities. Programs will comply with the standards established by the Library Director as authorized by the BOLT, and will have clearly defined goals, intended audiences, descriptions, outcomes, and objectives. The Library considers a wide variety of factors before developing and delivering each program; among the factors that may be considered are:
      1. Safety and security of customers and staff
      2. Community needs and interests
      3. Ability to supplement and extend information found in Library’s collections, resources, and exhibits.
      4. Availability of the featured resource in the Library’s collection or ability of the Library to purchase the resource as outlined in the Library’s Collection Development Policy.
      5. Ability to promote the Library and encourage use of Library resources
      6. Presentation quality
      7. Presenter background and qualifications in content area
      8. Historical, cultural, or educational significance
      9. Availability of space for the program; and,
      10. Availability of necessary budget resources
    2. The Library will not provide:
      1. Programs of a purely commercial nature or designed for the solicitation of business for third parties;
      2. Programs that specifically support or oppose any political party, candidate, or ballot measure; or
      3. Programs that support or oppose a specific ideology or religion. Programs may address religious themes to educate or inform, but must not promote or proselytize for a particular religious conviction.

  8. External Presenters

    1. The Library draws upon local and national expertise to assist in program delivery. Professional performers and presenters with specialized or unique expertise may be hired to assist in program design and/or delivery.
    2. The Library screens all onsite presenters (paid or unpaid) through the Florida Sexual Predator database prior to the delivery of any program or presentation. For presenters who live outside the State of Florida, the Library will also perform a comparable search in the presenter’s state of residence.
    3. The Library may approve the sale of materials as part of a Library-presented program, when the sale is in support of the Library’s programming objectives, mission, or when the sale financially benefits the Library.

  9. Request for Review of Library Programs

    1. The Library welcomes and encourages expression of customer opinions about its programs, as this information can help identify gaps in service. Decisions related to additions to and deletions from the Library’s program schedule will not be made based solely on customer feedback, but will be considered along with other relevant information gathered about the program and outlined in this policy.
    2. A customer holding a General Library Membership, as described in Library Policy, who wishes the Library to formally review a program he or she finds objectionable shall submit a signed, written request describing in what way(s) the program violates this Policy. To be considered the request shall be submitted to the Library Director following current Library procedure. Following a formal review of the program, the Library will render a decision and will communicate it in writing, to the requesting customer.
    3. During the review process, the program will remain available to Library customers.
    4. Individual programs will be reviewed no more than (1) time per 12-month period.

  10. Appealing the Library Director’s Decision on a Request for Review of Library Programs

    A customer who has submitted a Request for Review of Library Programs and is unsatisfied with the decision of the Library Director may appeal the decision to the BOLT in accordance with Policy 5.5.1 Appealing the Implementation of Policy.

  11. Procedures

    The BOLT authorizes the Library Director to establish procedures to administer this policy, and to delegate any and all responsibilities herein to other staff through such procedures.

Associated Policies:

Relevant Legislation:

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