Program Proposal

Program Guidelines

The mission of the Chester County Library is to provide informational, educational and cultural services to the residents of Chester County and member libraries so that they may be lifelong learners.

When a community group, agency, or individual approaches the Library with a programming request, consideration will be based on the following criteria:
• Programs are free and open to the public
• Alignment with the library’s mission, goals and strategic plan
• Resources, budgetary considerations and space to accomplish the program are available and appropriate
• Potential interest and benefit to the community
• Expertise and skill of the presenter
• Program fulfills the purpose of a defined Library program (see Programming policy)

The library crafts policies on materials and programs in accordance with the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, which states “Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves.” To that end, the Library may provide programming that does not align with a particular person’s values, morals or ideals. Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by participants. Program topics, speakers and resources are not excluded from programs because of possible controversy.

The Library believes strongly that socially excluded, marginalized and underrepresented people, not just the mainstream majority, should be able to see themselves reflected in the resources and programs that libraries offer. The Library consciously makes an effort to include programs that reflect the diverse nature of our community in the program plan each year.

Timeline

Planning for library programs typically begins three to five months before a program occurs. Community members wishing to propose events should complete and submit the program proposal form prior with this timeframe in mind. However, submissions outside this timeline will be considered.

Background Checks

All presenters of library programs, whether paid or volunteer, must submit to background checks as required by law. The required clearance certificates must be submitted to the program coordinator for that program before the performance or presentation will be added to our event calendar or promoted to the public. Any performer/presenter who has not provided clearances 3 weeks prior to their scheduled event will have their event cancelled and, if charging a fee for the event, will not be paid. See here for information about how to obtain a clearance.

Apply to Present

Do you have expertise in a particular topic? Is there something you’re passionate about sharing with others? Consider holding a program at our library. Complete our Program Proposal Form below, and our program coordinators will contact you if your program proposal is accepted. Proposals will be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis. Due to room constraints and a need to schedule programs on a number of topics, some programs will not be selected.

Program Proposal Form