Attendance & Behavioral Expectations
While all Library programs are open to the public, some programs—like those tailored to the
interests and developmental needs of children and teens—may be created with specific audiences in
mind.
• All programs have the intended age range clearly indicated in all promotional materials.
• The Library uses the child’s age on the day of the particular program as the basis for whether
that child may attend.
• Adults must be accompanied by a child in the advertised age range to participate in a
program intended exclusively for children.
• Programs for tweens and teens are exclusively for them, unless they need an adult
companion or assistant.
• Programs for adults are promoted as Ages 18+ and may not be suitable for anyone under
the age of 18.
• Media selection for programs will not be restricted by the possibility that the media may be
viewed by an unintended audience.
• Parents and guardians are responsible for their own minor children’s use of the Library at all
times and must follow the Library’s Safe Child Policy.
• Due to the potential for food allergies, outside food is not permitted in Library programs.
• The Library’s Patron Behavior Policy applies to all Library program attendees.
Access
Every effort will be made to provide space for everyone who wants to attend a program. Attendance
may be restricted, though, if safety, expense, or program success demand it. Admission will be
decided on a first-come, first-served basis—either through advanced registration or at the door.
• For programs requiring advanced registration, the Library will hold a patron’s spot for the
first 5 minutes of the program, after which the spot can be given to another patron.
• In cases of the same program being offered at multiple branches, patrons should only
register/attend the program at one location. The Library reserves the right to deny
admission in cases of duplicate registration/attendance.
• A program will never be restricted due to its potentially contentious nature.
• Anyone who disrupts the audience or the program facilitator, or who violates Library policy,
may be denied admission or asked to leave the program.
Youth Services and STEM Programming Breaks
In order to provide outreach to Dorchester County schools and continuing education to
programming staff members, the Library recognizes the following breaks in the schedule for youth
and STEM programs:
• The first two full weeks of January (Saturday-Friday)
• May
• August
The Library will alleviate the impact of these breaks through the delivery of passive programs
scheduled during the most popular program time slots.
Cancellations
There are several reasons why programs might be canceled, such as bad weather, the presenter’s
absence, or low registration. Programs that are canceled do not always get rescheduled. Program
cancellations will, whenever feasible, be announced in advance on the Library’s online events
calendar, social media, and through other suitable channels of communication.