Programming is offered by the library as a service to residents of the municipalities served by the Park Forest Public Library. The number of programs offered and the times at which they are offered throughout the year varies according to demand and the availability of staff and funds. Programming that is offered may encourage the educational, recreational or informational purposes of the library. Programming is offered to spark conversation, create moments where new perspectives are shared, embrace diversity, appeal to a wide audience, and address the needs of the community. Programming also extends the Library’s reach in the community and raises the Library’s visibility within the community.
Occasionally programs offered by the library require advance registration. Such registration enables the staff to prepare sufficient hand-out materials, set age and attendance limits if necessary, and notify registrants of program changes.
If necessary to limit registration, preference will be given to residents of
- Registration may be done in person, by telephone or online for programs with a limited enrollment.
- Registrations are taken up until the limit is reached. A waiting list may be created if program interest surpasses attendance limits; persons on the waiting list are notified of cancellations.
- Those who reserve space in a program are expected to notify the department if they are unable to attend.
- To ensure the safety and well being of children aged nine and under, a parent or other responsible adult or adolescent is expected to remain in the library while programs are in session.
Reconsideration of Library Programs
The library encourages interest in its programming, and patrons have the opportunity to discuss programming decisions with staff through multiple channels, including online and paper comment forms and conversations with staff. Park Forest and Olympia Fields residents who request the reconsideration of library programming may be asked to put their request in writing by completing and signing the form appended to this policy, entitled “Request for Reconsideration of Library Program Form.” Upon receipt of this formal request, the Library Director will discuss the request with appropriate professional staff. The program will remain on the library calendar in the meantime. The Library Director’s decision regarding the reconsideration request will be final. The Library Director will inform the Park Forest Public Library Board of Trustees of all formal requests for reconsideration of library programming. The Director will communicate the decision regarding the reconsideration request, and the reasons for it, in writing, to the person who initiated the request for reconsideration and to the Park Forest Public Library Board of Trustees at the earliest possible date. Reconsideration requests from residents living outside the 60466 and 60461 ZIP codes are not eligible for the formal reconsideration process.