The Marin County Free Library supports programs with the mission to create connections for our community to explore, imagine and innovate. Programs will provide additional opportunities for information, learning, community engagement and enrichment. The library does not allow programming that is solely for commercial purposes, is politically partisan, is religious in nature, or is designed to recruit members. Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or views expressed at the program.
Programming is a fundamental component of service that:
- Expands the library’s role as cultural and community center
- Introduces attendees to library resources and materials
- Provides entertainment and learning opportunities
- Raises awareness and visibility of the library to the community
- Attracts new library patrons
All programs will be without charge and open to the general public. Some programs might be directed towards a particular audience, i.e. children, tweens, teens or adults. Programs targeted toward specific audiences will be publicized as such. Program information will be publicized in advance of all events, at the branch and on the library website.
Registrations for some programs might be necessary when space is limited. A sponsored program may be in the library or off site. The library is committed to ensuring access to all, and reasonable accommodations will be made to ensure people with disabilities may attend or participate.
Libraries may partner with other agencies and organizations to present programs. No solicitation of products or services is permitted. If a program is sponsored by a Friends of the Library group, related merchandise may be sold in the library on the day of the program. The Friends group must receive at least 10% of the funds received and library staff may not be involved in the sales process.
The effectiveness of a library program will be based on attendance, audience satisfaction, attracting new patrons to the library, the promotion of other library goals, and addressing the needs of a specific target audience.
The Branch Manager is responsible for programming at each library. The library welcomes opinions from customers regarding programming. If a patron has a concern or question with a program they should discuss the matter with a library staff member. Patrons who wish to formalize the process should fill out a customer comment card.
