Library Programs and Displays
The Coventry Public Library’s mission is to educate, inform, entertain, and enrich the lives of all our patrons by offering free and equal access to collections and services.
Programming and displays are core library services that:
- Enhance the use of the library’s collections
- Introduce patrons and non-users to library resources
- Increase awareness of the library’s role as a community resource
- Promote appreciation for books and reading for all age levels
- Improve access to information
- Promote lifelong learning
- Foster social connection
- Further the library’s mission to educate, inform, entertain, and enrich the lives of patrons of all ages
Program and Display Selection
Library programs will be carefully produced or selected by library staff to make certain a high level of excellence. Ultimate responsibility for programming and displays at the library rests with the Library Director, under designated authority of the Board of Trustees.
Library staff use the following criteria in making decisions about program and display topics:
- Support of the library’s mission
- Community needs and interests
- Availability of program space
- Presentation quality
- Presenter background/qualifications in content area
- Budget
- Historical, educational, or artistic significance
- Connection to other community programs, partners, or events
- Relation to library collections and resources
- Diversity and inclusivity in our community
- Compliance with library policies
Programs are attended and/or presented and overseen by library staff. Professional performers and presenters who offer specialized or unique expertise may be hired for library programs. Story times at the library are conducted by Coventry Public Library staff only.
Registration may be required for planning purposes or when space or supplies are limited. When registration is required, name, phone number, and/or email address may be required. For children’s and teen programs, age or grade level will be recorded. In some cases, registration information may be shared with presenters.
Programs may be held on site, off site, or virtually. Some programs may only be offered for specific ages or at specific times or places. Library programs are open to all and with few exceptions, are free.
Due to limited capacities, we cannot always accommodate large groups (such as schools or daycares) at our programs. Please call the library to be put on a waiting list or ask about our outreach opportunities.
Programs and displays may not be used for commercial, religious, or political purposes.
Program Promotion, Acceptable Behavior, and Cancellation
Programs will be promoted to ensure the widest number of interested parties is reached. Promotional materials for library programs including but not limited to flyers, advertisements, and social media posts must be created or approved by library staff.
In accordance with the Town of Coventry Code of Ordinances (Chapter 183-4) “It shall be unlawful for any hawker or peddler to sell or offer for sale any goods, wares or merchandise whatsoever, within the Town of Coventry without first having obtained a license therefor.” Sales of any items at library programs must be approved by the Library Director.
Solicitation of monetary donations by for-profit entities is not permitted on library premises. The solicitation and collection of donations by community-based, non-profit organizations may be permitted if it is associated with a library program or an activity related to fund raising for the library and under the general supervision of the library staff. Solicitation of any donations must be approved in advance by the Library Director.
Acceptable behavior is expected at all library programs to ensure the enjoyment of all attendees and to provide consideration of the presenter(s). Attendees not exhibiting acceptable behavior may be asked by a staff member to leave the program in accordance with the Patron Behavior Policy.
Library staff may take photos/videos at library events. Photos by staff will be taken in accordance with library policy. Presenters, performers, and attendees should notify library staff if they do not wish to be photographed/recorded. The Library/Town of Coventry shall not incur any liability that may result from any use of these photos/videos.
The Library reserves the right to cancel a program for any reason at any time. Programs may be canceled for reasons beyond the library’s control such as absence of the presenter, physical location problems, low registration, and inclement weather. The cancelation will be posted on the library website and whenever possible those who registered will be contacted. Canceled programs are not automatically rescheduled.
Community Programming
Due to physical space constraints, the Coventry Public Library does not rent or reserve space to outside groups or individuals for programs or meetings.
The library often collaborates with other community and town departments, agencies, committees, and/or organizations to develop and present public programs at the library and off-site.
The library may recommend books and other library materials at the request of other community and town departments, agencies, committees, organizations, and/or individuals. Library recommendation of materials does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the material or the views expressed therein. All materials recommended by the library must meet the criteria of the library’s Collection Development Policy.
When the library participates in programs in cooperation with other community and town departments, agencies, committees, and/or organizations, the external entity/ies must coordinate marketing efforts with library staff. Library staff must approve any use of the library’s name, logo, and contact information prior to publication and dissemination of any promotional materials.
Library participation in a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by the participants. When the library participates in programs in cooperation with other community and town departments, agencies, committees, and/or organizations, all policies remain the same.
Approved by the Coventry Public Library’s Board of Trustees, March 5, 2025.