Programming Policy

Adopted by the Board of Trustees 4/20/2010
Amended 9/19/2023
Programming Policy (PDF)

The East Greenbush Community Library is committed to programming that reflects diverse perspectives, encourages open inquiry, and respects the rights of all library users. Library programming is intentional, thoughtful, and driven by policy, mission, vision, and strategic plan. The Library supports intellectual freedom and resists censorship.

Programs are defined as any group activity offered to the public that library staff have coordinated, planned, and/or presented, whether offered in or out of the Library. Program focus areas include, but are not limited to literature, arts, culture, science, technology, education, and community issues.

 

Policy Guidelines

  • Groups that use the meeting room for their own purposes, while not covered by this policy, must adhere to the Meeting Room Policy.Library programs are free and open to the public. With the approval of the Director an optional charge for materials or books that participants will keep may be levied.
  • The Library will offer a diverse range of programs and events to reflect the needs and interests of the community.
  • Program selection and planning will consider the Library’s commitment to intellectual freedom, ensuring that programs address a variety of perspectives on a given topic.
  • Library staff will fully vet professional qualifications and references of program presenters and performers. Final review and approval of topic, content and presenter will be the responsibility of the Director.
  • Programs sponsored by the Library shall be designed to appeal to a broad range of ages, tastes, and interests. Some programs geared to specific interests and developmental stages may be restricted by target audience. Programs targeted toward specific audiences shall be publicized as such.
  • Every attempt will be made to include all who wish to attend a program. However, when safety or the success of the program requires it, attendance may be limited. When limits must be established, registration will be required and may be restricted by residency. Attendance at programs not requiring pre-registration will be determined on a first come, first served basis.
  • Some programs may be of great interest to the community. By attending a Library sponsored/co- sponsored program, the attendee grants permission to allow filming and broadcasting. The Library reserves the right to photograph Library program attendees for use in Library marketing materials. Those who do not want to be photographed must explicitly notify Library staff verbally or in writing at each program.
  • Programs may be cancelled, typically for severe weather, absence of the presenter, or low registration. Cancelled programs are not automatically rescheduled.
  • In the event of a complaint or challenge regarding a library program, the East Greenbush Community Library will follow the Library’s Request for Reconsideration Policy.
    Adopted, Library Board of Trustees, April 20, 2010 Amended, Library Board of Trustees, September 19, 2023
  • The East Greenbush Community Library encourages community members to provide suggestions and feedback for library programs and events. Suggestions for library programming will be evaluated based on their alignment with the Library’s mission, vision, strategic plan, community interests, capacity, and intellection freedom principles.
  • The Library welcomes partnerships and collaborations with community organizations, experts, and individuals to enhance the quality and diversity of programming.

 

Adopted, Library Board of Trustees, April 20, 2010
Amended, Library Board of Trustees, September 19, 2023

Return to Policies
Subject East Greenbush Card UHLS Card UHLS MyCard
Library Card Registration Free to any individual who resides or pays taxes in the East Greenbush Community Library taxing district or Town of Schodack. Cards expire and must be renewed every three years.

Free to any individual who volunteers or works at the EGRN Library. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

Free to partner educational agencies with verified employment. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

Those that live outside the UHLS area may purchase a temporary card at the price established by our Table of Fines and Fees. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

All ages eligible. Youth under age 16 must have their application completed and signed by a parent or guardian, who provides acceptable identification for them.

Card blocked at $5 or more in replacement costs or fines/fees

Fines vary according to individual library rules and UHLS resource sharing rules. The EGRN Table of Fines and Fees are applicable for items which are checked out from the East Greenbush Community Library

 Free to residents residing in a community served by a UHLS library.

All ages eligible. Youth under age 16 must have their application completed and signed by a parent or guardian, who provides acceptable identification for them.

UHLS library cards expire and must be renewed every three years.

Card blocked at $5 or more in replacement costs or fines/fees

Fines vary according to individual library rules and UHLS resource sharing rules. The EGRN Table of Fines and Fees are applicable for items which are checked out from the East Greenbush Community Library

 The UHLS MyCard is a fine-free, limited-access library card for youth. It is intended to address multiple barriers to serving youth and families, including:

  • Barriers to access related to fines (e.g. computer access, checking out materials)
  • Parents not present for a child’s library card registration
  • Previous fines on a child’s card

Free for youth residing in a community served by a UHLS library.Applicants 18 and under who are applying for a limited use, UHLS Youth Only MyCard, need to provide name, address, and date of birth.UHLS library cards expire and must be renewed every three years.Youth ages birth to 18 can register unaccompanied, or with the help of a caregiver or relative who is not the child’s parent/guardian.This card may be used at all UHLS Libraries except for the Colonie Town Library.

Card blocked at $10 or more in replacement costs.

No fines for late items
Limits on # of Materials Borrowed Unlimited checkouts Unlimited checkouts Limited total items: Can only have 3 items checked out on their card at a time
Types of Items All eligible item types. All eligible item types except Museum Passes, ILL, and Hot off the Press. Active paid members of the Friends of the East Greenbush Community Library have access to all lending collections. Only items eligible to be borrowed are books (any age level), juvenile and young adult (teen) audiobooks, and juvenile and young adult (teen) DVDs.
Databases/Digital Content EGRN and UHLS subscription databases and digital content UHLS subscription databases and digital content Only items eligible to be borrowed are books (any age level), juvenile and young adult (teen) audiobooks, and juvenile and young adult (teen) DVDs.
Interlibrary Loan Nationwide UHLS Libraries UHLS Libraries
Program Registration Unlimited except by limited program capacity Preference given to resident cardholders Preference given to resident cardholders