Selection Criteria
- Haverhill Public Library (HPL) staff use expertise, equipment, collections, and facilities to organize and implement programs for the community. The following criteria are considered in programming decisions:
- Relevance of the program to HPL’s vision, mission, and strategic plan
- Community needs and interests
- Budget and program cost
- Partner background and qualifications in the program topic
- Space and equipment needed
- Staff time and availability
Program Registration & Attendance
- All programs are free and open to the public.
- Programs may be designed for and limited to a specific audience.
- Some programs require advanced registration through HPL. When registration for events fills up, interested attendees are often added to a waitlist. If a patron is for any reason unable to attend a program they registered for, HPL kindly asks that they notify HPL as soon as possible so that someone else may have the spot.
- All program attendees must follow all HPL policies. HPL staff should be informed if any issues arise during a program. HPL staff will make any disciplinary decisions.
Sale of Items & Services at Programs
- Adult Library programs are non-commercial, and they are not intended for the purpose of advertising, recruiting members, or soliciting business. Although HPL welcomes individuals/organizations to present programs, these programs cannot be used to directly further commercial, religious, political, or partisan purposes.
- Partners must gain prior approval from HPL staff to sell sound recordings, videos, and books related to their program. Partners who receive approval may have to donate a copy of the item sold or a percentage of sales made from the program.
Submitting Programs
- Individuals/organizations interested in partnering on a program for adults are encouraged to submit the Adult Program Proposal form found on HPL’s website. Due to the number of proposals received, HPL may only respond if interested in proceeding with the program.
- HPL staff sometimes work across departments to offer programs for various audiences (i.e. for teens and adults, for all ages, etc.). However, proposals for programs intended solely for children or teens should be directed to the Youth Services Department.
- HPL may form partnerships with individuals/organizations that support its mission and strategic goals. This may include a one-time or long-term collaboration. Partners and HPL will work together to determine the schedule, frequency, and duration of programs, with any final decisions at the discretion of HPL. HPL reserves the right to discontinue any programs that no longer fit the selection criteria.
- Partners must follow all HPL policies. HPL staff should be informed if any issues arise during a program. HPL staff will make any disciplinary decisions.
- HPL sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program, or the views expressed by partners or participants. Specific programs, topics, and partners are not excluded because of possible controversy.
Program Contracts & Payment
Partners are asked to provide as much notice as possible in advance of a cancellation. Fee will not be paid in case of a cancellation by the presenter, and every effort to reschedule will be made by HPL. HPL will not cancel the performance unless in the event of an unavoidable closure of HPL due to weather, power outage or similar event. If this occurs, HPL will work to reschedule the performance at a mutually beneficial time. Paid partners will need to complete a Performer Contract or send an invoice with all the information needed.
Program Reconsideration
Any patron who feels that a program is inappropriate may ask for a “Materials Reconsideration Form” from a staff member.
Approved by the Board of Trustees, January 2026