DPL Programming Policy

1. Mission Statement

The Denver Public Library offers programs intended to further the Library's mission: Together, we create welcoming spaces where all are free to explore and connect.

2. Purpose of Program Policy

This Program Policy, approved by the Library Commission, outlines our philosophy and guidelines regarding programming. It assures that programming at the Denver Public Library reflects community needs in Denver.

The Library Commission serves in the role otherwise provided by a library board of trustees in other jurisdictions under applicable law. In accordance with Section 24-90-122(2), Colorado Revised Statutes, this Programming Policy complies, at a minimum, with the following standards:

  1. A public library serves as a center for voluntary inquiry and the dissemination of information and ideas; 
  2. The public has the right to access a range of social, political, aesthetic, moral, and other ideas and experiences through a public library;
  3. Each library resource is provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of the community and should present diverse points of view in the collection as a whole;
  4. A public library shall not exclude a library resource because of the ethnic origin, ethnic background, or gender identity of those contributing to the creation of the library resource or because of the topic addressed by the library resource or the opinions expressed in the library resource;
  5. A public library shall not proscribe or prohibit the circulation or procurement of a library resource because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval of the library resource;
  6. It is the responsibility of a public library to challenge censorship in the fulfillment of its responsibility to provide information and enlightenment;
  7. A public library shall consider the perspectives of marginalized groups, including those identified in Section 22-1-104(1)(a), Colorado Revised Statutes; 
  8. For a public library that provides facilities to the public, the library shall make the facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use; and
  9. A public library shall prohibit discrimination based on age, background, political or religious views, origin, disability, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, or ancestry in the selection, retention, display, use, or reconsideration of library resources and public meeting spaces.

 

3. Philosophy and Scope of the Program

Programs at the Denver Public Library support our strategic initiatives, collection of materials, services, resources, and facilities along with city-wide goals. In addition, programs serve the popular, recreational, informational and social needs of the public and reflect equitable outreach and engagement to a diverse community promoting a culture of inclusion.

Inherent in the program philosophy is an appreciation for each user of the Denver Public Library. The library provides programs to support individual’s journey and does not place a value on one user’s needs or preferences over another’s. The library upholds the right of the individual to access information, even though the content may be controversial, unorthodox or unacceptable to others. The views and opinions of program presenters do not constitute endorsement by the Denver Public Library.

 

4. Program Selection and Design

Presenters will be chosen from local, regional and national talent. Requests to present programs, including author readings and signings, are approved according to the public’s demonstrated interest in the topic, as well as the availability of financial resources. See also DPL’s Purchasing Guidelines for Authors.

Criteria for program selection and design include:

  • Advances library’s mission, vision and values (Welcoming, Connection, Curiosity, Equity, Stewardship)
  • Service area demographics
  • Strategic Plan alignment
  • Relevance to the needs and interests of the community
  • Current demand and frequency of use
  • Accuracy and timeliness of program content
  • Availability elsewhere
  • Continuous evaluation to maintain programming vitality and usefulness to the community
  • Cost and budget considerations
  • Impact and capacity of internal, tangential partners within the library

Furthermore, the library reserves the right to not schedule a program and/or cancel a scheduled program.

 

5. Programming Guidelines

The Denver Public Library supports free and open access to information and ideas as stated in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to View policies of the American Library Association. (Refer to E-3, Library Bill of Rights and E-5, Freedom to View).

  1. Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by presenters or participants. The library does not offer programs that are purely commercial or religious in nature.
  2. Programs may be canceled due to weather, low registration or absence of the presenter. Canceled programs are not necessarily rescheduled.
  3. The library welcomes groups and organizations to reserve meeting spaces at our facilities and requires customers to comply with the Denver Public Library Meeting Space Policy.
  4. Library programs are free and open to the public.
  5. Appeals to this policy or reconsideration of a program may be submitted via the Request for Reconsideration of a Library Program form, which is available at any library location.

 

Approved by the Library Commission on October 17, 2024