Programming Policy

Adopted by the Board of Trustees 4/20/2010
Programming Policy PDF

Programming is an important part of the East Greenbush Community Library’s mission and Plan of Service

Programs are defined as any group activity offered to the public that library staff have coordinated, planned, and/or presented, whether offered in or out of the library. Programs include, but are not limited to:  book discussions, story times, demonstrations, musical and theatrical performances, lectures, films, instructional classes, tours, and information literacy instruction.

Groups that use the meeting room for their own purposes are not covered by this policy and must adhere to the Meeting Room Policy. 

  1. Library programs are free and open to the public.  With the approval of the Director an optional charge for materials or books that participants will keep may be levied
  2. Selection of topics, presenters, and performers for programming is made by professional library staff on the basis of interest and needs of the library users and the community.   Professional qualifications and references of presenters and performers will be fully vetted by professional library staff.  Final review and approval of topic, content and presenter will be the responsibility of the Director. Unsolicited offers from individuals or organizations to present programs will be subjected to the same standards used by library staff when planning library-originated programming. The number and frequency of library programs vary.
  3. When it furthers the library’s mission to do so, the library may participate in cooperative programs with other agencies, organizations, institutions, or individuals.
  4. Programs sponsored by the library shall be designed to appeal to a broad range of ages, tastes, and interests.  Some programs for youth, geared to their specific interests and developmental needs, may be restricted by age level. All programs targeted toward specific audiences will be publicized as such.
  5. 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 conduct programming that is purely commercial or religious in nature.
  6. Every attempt will be made to include all who wish to attend a program.  However, when safety or the success of the program requires it, attendance may be limited.  When limits must be established, registration will be required and may be restricted by residency. Attendance at non-registered programs will be determined on a first come, first serve basis.
  7. Programs may be cancelled for a number of reasons, chiefly:  severe weather, absence of the presenter, or low registration.  Cancelled programs are not automatically rescheduled.

Suggestions, questions or concerns about library sponsored programs should be referred to library administration.

Return to Policies
Subject East Greenbush Card UHLS Card UHLS MyCard
Library Card Registration Free to any individual who resides or pays taxes in the East Greenbush Community Library taxing district or Town of Schodack. Cards expire and must be renewed every three years.

Free to any individual who volunteers or works at the EGRN Library. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

Free to partner educational agencies with verified employment. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

Those that live outside the UHLS area may purchase a temporary card at the price established by our Table of Fines and Fees. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly.

All ages eligible. Youth under age 16 must have their application completed and signed by a parent or guardian, who provides acceptable identification for them.

Card blocked at $5 or more in replacement costs or fines/fees

Fines vary according to individual library rules and UHLS resource sharing rules. The EGRN Table of Fines and Fees are applicable for items which are checked out from the East Greenbush Community Library

 Free to residents residing in a community served by a UHLS library.

All ages eligible. Youth under age 16 must have their application completed and signed by a parent or guardian, who provides acceptable identification for them.

UHLS library cards expire and must be renewed every three years.

Card blocked at $5 or more in replacement costs or fines/fees

Fines vary according to individual library rules and UHLS resource sharing rules. The EGRN Table of Fines and Fees are applicable for items which are checked out from the East Greenbush Community Library

 The UHLS MyCard is a fine-free, limited-access library card for youth. It is intended to address multiple barriers to serving youth and families, including:

  • Barriers to access related to fines (e.g. computer access, checking out materials)
  • Parents not present for a child’s library card registration
  • Previous fines on a child’s card

Free for youth residing in a community served by a UHLS library.Applicants 18 and under who are applying for a limited use, UHLS Youth Only MyCard, need to provide name, address, and date of birth.UHLS library cards expire and must be renewed every three years.Youth ages birth to 18 can register unaccompanied, or with the help of a caregiver or relative who is not the child’s parent/guardian.This card may be used at all UHLS Libraries except for the Colonie Town Library.

Card blocked at $10 or more in replacement costs.

No fines for late items
Limits on # of Materials Borrowed Unlimited checkouts Unlimited checkouts Limited total items: Can only have 3 items checked out on their card at a time
Types of Items All eligible item types. All eligible item types except Museum Passes, ILL, and Hot off the Press. Active paid members of the Friends of the East Greenbush Community Library have access to all lending collections. Only items eligible to be borrowed are books (any age level), juvenile and young adult (teen) audiobooks, and juvenile and young adult (teen) DVDs.
Databases/Digital Content EGRN and UHLS subscription databases and digital content UHLS subscription databases and digital content Only items eligible to be borrowed are books (any age level), juvenile and young adult (teen) audiobooks, and juvenile and young adult (teen) DVDs.
Interlibrary Loan Nationwide UHLS Libraries UHLS Libraries
Program Registration Unlimited except by limited program capacity Preference given to resident cardholders Preference given to resident cardholders