PURPOSE
- Oshawa Public Libraries (the “Library”) offers library programs that are educational, cultural, or recreational and are designed to enrich the community by providing experiences and resources that allow discovery, learning, and growth.
- This policy will provide staff with the necessary guidelines to develop the Library’s programs, and will inform the public on the principles and criteria by which programs are selected and developed.
- The Library is mandated to provide information by various means and in various formats, and to make available all points of view including those which may be unpopular or controversial. The Library may decline to offer programs serving an interest which is in conflict with the Library’s principles concerning access to information, freedom of expression, and the value of the public library institution. Offering a program does not constitute the Library’s endorsement of the ideas contained therein.
SCOPE
This policy applies to all Library organized, co-sponsored and collaborative programs and events offered to the public by the Library. This policy does not apply to:
- Events that are for the purpose of fundraising
- Programs offered by other organizations on Library premises where space is rented and governed by the terms and conditions of the Library’s Facility Rental Policy.
Additionally, programs shall not be offered by the Library when the main purpose or effect is commercial gain by a separate interest.
GUIDELINES
- All programming, including collaborations, will be developed and delivered in compliance with the Library’s policies, procedures, vision, mission, and strategic directions.
- The Library upholds, promotes, and advocates for the principles of Intellectual Freedom as a basic tenet of offered programs. As such, all programs adhere to the Canadian Federation of Library Associations’ Statement on Intellectual Freedom and Libraries and the Ontario Library Association’s Statement on Intellectual Freedom and the Intellectuals Rights of the Individual.
- All programming, including collaborations, must be carried out in accordance with all applicable legislation, including but not limited to, the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
- The Library offers a wide selection of programs inspired by the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs and interests of the diverse communities it serves. Programs may showcase the Library’s collections, resources, or services. Such programs may be conducted by the Library’s staff or utilize the skills, experience, knowledge, or talents of individuals from outside the Library. The genesis, purpose, nature, and conducting of such Library programs, and the eligibility and registration requirements must comply with Library policies.
- Programs designed and/or offered in collaboration with external organizations or individuals may serve a broader but Library-compatible goal of community information or public service. External organizations or individuals delivering programs will not solicit business, customers or volunteers, or market their commercial products or services. Programs will be developed and delivered in compliance with all applicable Library policies. The Library reserves the right to request an organization’s terms of reference or bylaws before deciding whether it wishes to offer a program co-operatively.
- The Library strives to offer all programs free of charge, as charging for programs creates a participation barrier that excludes some community members. In some instances, there may be a need to charge for a program. Charging a fee for a program must receive prior approval from the Library’s CEO, or designate.
- The Library may set age or other guidelines for participation in any Library program when the program is designed for a particular audience.
- The Library reserves the right to cancel programs as deemed necessary.
- The Library recognizes the right of any individual or group to reject Library programs for personal use, but does not accord to any individual or group the right to restrict the freedom of others to attend that same program. Library customers who object to specific programs may submit a Request for Reconsideration of Library Programs.
Revised: November 21, 2024
