The Chappaqua Central School District Public Library (“Library”) develops and presents programs that provide additional opportunities for information, learning, and entertainment. Programming is an integral component of library service that:
- Expands the Library’s role as a community resource
- Introduces patrons and non-users to library resources
- Provides entertainment
- Improves access to information
- Provides opportunities for lifelong learning
- Expands the visibility of the Library
Ultimate responsibility for programming at the Library rests with the Library Director, Department Heads and Cultural Programming Specialist, who are accountable to the Library Board of Trustees.
The Library’s staff use the following criteria in making decisions about program topics, speakers, and
accompanying resources:
- Community needs and interests
- Availability of program space
- Treatment of content for intended audience
- Timeliness of topic
- Relating to existing services
- Alignment with long-range plan of service
- Presentation quality
- Presenter background and qualifications in content area
- Cost versus overall budget and potential audience size
- Historical or educational significance
- Connection to other community programs, exhibitions or events
- Relation to Library collections, resources, exhibits and programs
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. Professional performers and presenters that reflect specialized or unique expertise may be hired for Library programs; performers and presenters will not be excluded from consideration because of their origin, background, or views, or because of possible controversy. Library staff who present programs do so as part of their regular job and are not hired as outside contractors for programming.
All Library programs are open to the public. The Library’s philosophy of open access to information and ideas extends to Library programming, and the Library does not knowingly discriminate through its programming. Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by participants, and program topics, speakers and resources are not excluded from programs because of possible controversy.
The Library welcomes all community members and tries to make services and programs available for patrons of all abilities, including those with disabilities. To request specific accommodations, please contact the Library at least five days ahead of the program.
Our staff often take photos at library events to use in library publicity materials. If you prefer your image not be used, notify the staff before the end of the program. The Library will honor that request. We will not use your personal information such as labeling, tagging, etc. in our library publicity materials.
Registration may be required for planning purposes or when space is limited. Anyone who is registered but cannot attend is required to cancel. This will allow someone on the waiting list to attend. Programs may be held onsite at any Library agency, or offsite. In the event the Chappaqua Library building is closed due to an emergency, our on-site programs are cancelled. If the Library needs to close for any reason, it will be announced through the Library’s website and social media accounts, as well as posted conspicuously at the Library.
Programs are not used for commercial, religious, or partisan purposes or the solicitation of business. External organizations or individuals partnering with the Library on programs must coordinate marketing efforts with the Library’s designated marketing staff.
The Library welcomes expressions of opinion from customers concerning programming. If a customer has a suggestion for a program or questions a library program, the Library would like to know. Patrons wishing to express their opinion on the suitability of a Library program or service should contact the appropriate Department Head or the Library’s Program Director. The Program Director may be contacted by phone at 914-238-4779.
Adopted July 17, 2001; Revised October 21, 2003; Revised July 2023