Library-Initiated Programs as a Resource: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights

Library-initiated programs support the mission of the library. They do this by giving users extra ways to access information, education, and recreation. Article I of the Library Bill of Rights states, “Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves.”

These programs may take place on-site at the library, off-site at other locations, or online. They may be provided by library workers, volunteers, or partners.

Library workers use their expertise to highlight:

• community interests;
• collections;
• services;
• facilities; and
• information resources.

These programs help users discover library resources and the library’s role in providing access to information. Libraries may work with other agencies, organizations, institutions, or individuals to create programs that serve the community.

“Socially excluded, marginalized, and underrepresented people, not just the mainstream majority, should be able to see themselves reflected in the resources and programs that libraries offer.”¹ Programming options should represent a diversity of genres, formats, ideas, and expressions. Programming options should provide a variety of viewpoints and cultural perspectives that reflect the diversity in communities. Libraries serving multilingual communities should make efforts to accommodate the needs of those who speak and read languages other than English, including advertising for such events.

Library-initiated programs should comply with all applicable laws. This includes the standards and requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and state and local disability accessibility guidelines.² Program spaces should be safe and accessible for all users (e.g., ramps, pathways, and emergency exit routes). Reasonable accommodation should be made to have interpretation, voice amplification, and/or real-time captioning when needed or requested by library users.

Concerns, questions, or complaints about programs should follow the same policies and procedures used to reconsider other library resources. These policies should apply equally to everyone, including, but not limited to, library users, staff, and members of the governing body. They should also emphasize the library’s commitment to free and open access to information and ideas for all.

Sponsoring a program does not mean the library endorses the content or the views of the participants or speakers. Similarly, adding materials to the collection or curating a display doesn’t mean the library supports the creator or resources’ views. Libraries should vigorously defend the First Amendment right of speakers and participants to express themselves.

Article V of the Library Bill of Rights states, “A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.” The right to use a library includes all the resources offered, including programming.

Libraries may create programs for:

• specific age groups;
• educational suitability; or
• audience interest.

However, restrictions based solely on gender, age, or educational level violate this right. These restrictions should only be enforced if not doing so would have a negative impact on the safety of the participants or the intended purpose of the program.

Parents and guardians may decide whether their own children can participate in library programs. They should discuss these decisions with their children. However, no person or organization may interfere with another person’s access or participation, including decisions about other people’s children.

Users should not be denied access to programs because they owe overdue fines or other fees. If libraries charge for supplies, they should make every effort to reduce economic barriers to participation.³

Libraries should only collect and keep participants’ personal information if they choose to opt-in. Attendees may need to show a library card or student ID to prove eligibility, but their information should not be recorded as a condition for attending the program.

1. “Services to People with Disabilities: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights." Adopted January 28, 2009, by the ALA Council under the previous name "Services to Persons with Disabilities"; amended June 26, 2018; and June 29, 2025.

2. “Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights,” adopted June 27, 2017, by the ALA Council under the previous name “Equity, Diversity, Inclusion; amended May 29, 2025.

3. “Economic Barriers to Library Access: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights,” adopted June 30, 1993, by the ALA Council; amended June 25, 2019 under the previous name “Economic Barriers to Information Access”; and June 29, 2025.

Adopted January 27, 1982, by the ALA Council; amended June 26, 1990; July 12, 2000; June 26, 2018 under previous name "Library-Initiated Programs as a Resource"; June 24, 2019 under previous name “Library-Initiated Programs and Displays as a Resource”; and June 29, 2025.