Becket Athenaeum Program Policy
The Becket Athenaeum offers programs for all ages intended to further the library’s mission to enrich and empower the lives of our community members. Programs are offered by the library to broaden knowledge, share experiences, entertain, exchange information, introduce library resources, and more.
All programs offered by the Becket Athenaeum are free and open to the public. Registration for programs may be required for planning purposes or when space/supplies are limited. Program attendance may also be limited by age or grade level. Occasionally, the library partners with other community agencies, organizations, and individuals to develop and present programs that align with the library’s mission. Requests from individuals to present programs are considered and weighed against community interest in the topic, the library’s program budget, space requirements, relevancy, and staffing availability, along with the presenter’s demonstrated qualifications, expertise, and reputation. The Becket Athenaeum strives to include a wide range of subjects and viewpoints in library programming. Speakers are not excluded based on their origin, race, ethnicity, background, sexuality, gender identity, religion, ability, views, or because a topic may cause controversy. Decisions on which programs to offer are made by the Executive Director and the Head Librarian in conjunction with other library staff and the Board of Trustees.
Reconsideration: The library is willing to re-examine its position on any resource included in its offerings. When a person wishes to request the reconsideration of a program, they will complete the Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources form and submit it to the circulation desk. The Board of Trustees and Executive Director will review the program in question, hold discussion on whether there can be any exceptions to the anti-censorship policy, and find consensus on a decision. No program is to be removed or restricted from the library’s slate of programming because of a complaint except in accordance with this procedure.
Presenters: Presenters must provide invoices for their fees at the time of booking along with a recent W9 to receive payment in a timely manner. The library supports the rights of authors and other creators to sell their works as part of a program to the public. Presenters are responsible for their own sales.
Effective 5/16/24