Programming Policy (2026)

Penn Hills Library schedules, develops, and presents a wide variety of programs that provide opportunities for information, learning, and entertainment. Programming is an integral component of library services that:  

• Extends and promotes the role of the library as a community resource.  
• Introducing patrons and non-users to Library resources.
• Provides entertainment. 
• Provides opportunities for lifelong learning.
• Enhances the information found in library collections.
• Encourages participation in civic life.
• Help to address the cultural and leisure-related interests of the community. 

Penn Hills Library provides meeting room spaces as library resources to promote the education, amusement, engagement, and enjoyment of our community. These are not considered library programs.  Please see Meeting Room Policy.

Program Conception and Planning Process 

The Penn Hills Library’s Executive Director delegates the authority for program development and management to departmental programming staff. 

Programs are selected based on staffing, community interest, community needs, departmental budget, the Penn Hills Library Strategic Plan, and the ALA Library Bill of Rights. 

Program Content 

• When selecting a program, the following will be considered:  
  • Relevance to the library’s mission, strategic plan, and service goals.
  • Community needs and interests
  • Potential to promote, supplement, and encourage use of collections and resources.
  • Presentation quality
  • Presenter’s background: records of presentation, and qualifications in the content area
  • Historical, cultural, or educational significance
  • Space, budget, and staff requirements
  • Age appropriateness and treatment of content for the intended audience.
  • Diversity and balance of current programs being offered at the library
  • Connection to other community programs, exhibitions, or events
  • National, state, and local observances or commemorations,

• Presentation of political themes must be framed from a nonpartisan perspective. Programs may not promote a political party or political group. 
• Library programs may address religious themes to educate or inform, not to promote or observe religion. 
• The library is not obligated to represent multiple and/or opposing viewpoints within any one program or series. The library welcomes the opportunity to have other perspectives represented in a separate program or series.
• Presentation of a program does not constitute the library’s endorsement of the content or views expressed by participants. 

Presenters, Partnerships, and Volunteer-Led Programs 

• The library may choose to schedule presenters to teach a variety of subjects.
• Promotional materials will be created or edited by library staff. 
• The library may partner with community organizations for programs and events. Please see the Partner Agreement Form.  

 Sales and Fees 

• All library programs are offered free of charge to the community.
• Book/CD sales by authors, musicians, and storytellers are permitted at the discretion of library staff and must be approved before the program. No other sales of goods or services are allowed on library property.
• Presenters or organizations may not advertise their goods or services as part of their presentation or activity if there is a charge for those goods and services. Passive displays are allowed. 

Attendance 

• All programs must be open to the public except when: 

• • Attendance is limited.
  • Registration is required because of program cost constraints, or the room capacity is reached.
  • Programs designed for a specific audience may have attendance restrictions based on age.