The Superior Public Library helps people in northern Wisconsin achieve personal and community growth by encouraging young readers, inspiring imagination at all ages, and connecting citizens with one another and the broader world.

Statement of Purpose

As a core community service, we provide free and open access to services, resources, and programs that foster literacy, cultural appreciation, personal growth and community connections. Library programs extend and promote the role of the library as a community resource; enhance the information found in library collections; offer a way for people to obtain information; encourage participation in civic life; and help to address the cultural and leisure-related interests of the community.

This policy addresses programming (1) developed and sponsored by the library and (2) developed by members of the community and cosponsored by the library, not to programs held at the Library by community groups. (If you are interested in information regarding room rental for programs not sponsored by the library, visit the page here.)

Library staff may use, but are not limited to, the following criteria in program planning. Requests from individuals to present library programs are considered using this criteria.

  • Relation to library mission and service goals
  • Community needs and interest
  • Presentation quality and treatment of content for intended audience
  • Presenter background/qualifications/reputation
  • Availability of program space
  • Budget and staffing considerations
  • Connection to other community programs, exhibits or events.

All library programs must be open to the public and offered free of charge. The purpose of programs may not be purely commercial or for the solicitation of business.

Fundraising and sales are permitted with prior approval in the following circumstances:

  • For fundraising to benefit the Library by the Friends of the Library, Foundation, or the Library itself.
  • Sale of items created by authors and artists responsible for the content of a Library program.
    • All plans to sell such items must be arranged in advance and approved by the library staff responsible for the program. Program presenters are responsible for the handling of all sales.

Exceptions to the above may be made at the discretion of the Library Director.

Every attempt will be made to accommodate all who wish to attend a program. However, when safety or the success of a program requires it, attendance may be limited. When limits must be established, attendance will be determined on a first come, first served basis, either with advanced registration or at the door.

Programs will be developed with consideration for the principles of accessibility and equity. These include, but are not limited to, access for people with disabilities, and times and locations that maximize convenience and encourage attendance by the target audience. The library staff has the discretion to cancel programs, to be rescheduled or not.

In some cases, the nature and success of a program may require that attendance is limited based on age, especially programs intended for children and teens that are geared to their interests and developmental needs. In no case will attendance at a program be limited because the content of the program may be controversial.

Presentation of a program does not constitute the Library’s endorsement of the content or views expressed by participants. The Library is not obligated to represent multiple and/or opposing viewpoints within any one program or series. The Library welcomes the opportunity for other viewpoints to be represented in a separate program or series.

The library cannot accommodate events that are expected to exceed our room capacity. The maximum capacity of the largest room, the Meeting Room, is 105. If you anticipate a crowd larger than that, please consider another location.

The library occasionally takes photographs and videos during programs to be used for internal use, publication, promotion, and evaluation purposes. Library staff will inform program participants at the beginning of a program that photographs/video may be taken, and that participants who prefer not to be photographed can opt out by informing library staff.

Staff responsibility for programming rests with the Library Director, who operates within the framework of this programming policy. The Library Director delegates to staff members authority to interpret and apply this policy in daily operation.

The community has a role in shaping library programming by participating in events and/or providing suggestions and feedback. Community partnerships are encouraged to enhance the program experience and reach out to new and diverse community members.

Intellectual Freedom

A democracy presupposes an informed citizenry, and the public library has an integral role in achieving that goal. The library provides an impartial environment in which individuals can attend programs representing many different points of view on a variety of topics. The American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights and Library-Initiated Programs and Displays as a Resource guide the library’s development of programs and can be accessed through the library’s website.

Programming decisions follow the library's mission and its ability to meet the expressed or anticipated needs and interests of the community. Decisions are not made on the basis of any anticipated approval or disapproval of the program. The views and opinions presented during events do not constitute an endorsement from the Superior Public Library.

The library recognizes that some topics may be controversial and may offend some people. Only individuals can determine what is most appropriate for their needs and can define what event or information is consistent with their personal or family values. Individuals can apply those values to the attendance of library programs only for themselves. Parents and legal guardians are responsible for their children's attendance at programs.

Suggestions for Programming

The Superior Public Library welcomes input from the Superior community concerning its programming, and welcomes proposals and suggestions for programs and performances to be presented at our library.

Preference will be given to programs that support and highlight the Library’s mission, services, and collections. Individuals and community groups interested in partnering with library staff to provide library programs can request a Program Proposal form by emailing the library Programs & Partnerships Manager. Please bear in mind that not every program will be approved. After submitting the form, you will be contacted if the program meets our guidelines and fits into our schedule and budget.

All suggestions for programming are subject to the same selection criteria as other programs.