Ground Rules

A library program is an event that promotes the use of library materials, facilities, or services and/or offers the community an educational, recreational, or cultural experience.  All groups using library facilities must also adhere to these ground rules.  Library programs are prohibited from serving as a platform for generating income for any sponsoring group or individual, except funds to support the library.  Library programs must be noncommercial in nature.  Although a businessperson or other professional expert may present a program, no solicitation of business is permitted, nor admission charged.  The sale of products at a library program is not allowed.  There are two exceptions:

• Writers, performers, and artists may sell their own works at the library following library programs in which they are featured.
• The Friends of the Library may sell items at library programs they sponsor.

Program Content

Library programs are planned for the interest and enlightenment of Missoula County citizens and surrounding communities, and Missoula Public Library (MPL) strives to offer a variety of programs for all ages that support our mission.  Selection of library program topics, speakers, presentations, and resource materials are made by library staff based on the interests and needs of library users and the community.  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.  Library staff use the following criteria in making decisions about program topics, speakers, and accompanying resources:

• Relevance to community interests and issues
• Treatment of content for intended audience
• Presentation quality
• Presenter background/qualifications in content area
• Historical or educational significance
• Connection to other community programs, exhibitions or events
• Relation to library collections, resources, exhibits and programs
• Availability of program space
• Budget

Program Attendance

Attendance at library programs is always free and open to the public and shall not be restricted because of racial, religious, socioeconomic or political status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.  To participate in library programs attendees are expected to adhere to our Patron Behavior policy.  Individuals who attend an MPL sponsored event where photographs or videos are taken have the option to opt-out from appearing in these photos and/or videos.  Individuals desiring to opt-out are required to inform MPL staff.  For more detail please review our Photos/Videos policy.

Program Proposals

Programs may be planned and presented by library staff or by individuals or groups with the library acting as sponsor.  Programs may be offered in library meeting rooms as space permits or at other locations designated by the library.  Members of the public who want MPL to sponsor their program must submit a request to the Programming Committee several months in advance of the proposed program date in accordance with the below Scheduling Timeline; doing so does not guarantee library sponsorship.  Organizations or individuals partnering with the library for programs must coordinate marketing efforts with the library’s Public Relations Specialist.

Scheduling Timeline