Library-sponsored programs versus third-party events

My studies this week concerned library meeting-room policies, an important — and particularly timely — aspect of library administrative practices. And when I thought about library meeting-room policies, especially when I contemplated the difference between library-sponsored programing and third-party use of library space, the example that came to my mind was Scarsdale Public Library (SPL) in New York.

Here is how SPL trustees explained the difference between library-sponsored programming and community use of the space: “A library-initiated or sponsored event is organized and promoted by library staff” (SPL Board, 2022-b, para. 3). Whereas “A meeting room rental is when a group or individual submits an application and pays a fee to reserve a meeting room for their own purposes” (2022-b, para. 4).

“External parties may submit requests for the Library to host programming,” according to SPL trustees, but “a public library is not required or able to put on every program requested” (2022-b, para. 3). Citing Article V of the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, SPL trustees stated that “libraries create programs based on educational suitability and audience interest” (2022-b, para. 3).

When submitting proposals for a library-sponsored programming, applicants must explain how their program helps to fulfil SPL’s mission and the goals of its strategic plan (SPL, n.d.).

The reason that SPL was so prevalent in my mind, and the reason that this focus for my studies seemed especially relevant and timely was because of an annual effort to mass-coordinate fundamentalist Christian storytimes at public libraries throughout the United States. The latest mass-coordination effort is slated for Oct. 3, 2026.

The storytimes are being spearheaded by Brave for Good, a non-profit group formed by Brave Books, a fundamentalist Christian publisher of children’s books. Brave Books’ story hour kit positions itself and its storytime events as being the targets of censorship (Talbot, 2023). It describes its viewpoints as “noble truths” and claims that a “woke mob” is “trying to stifle” those viewpoints (Talbot, 2023, p. 1).

According to Jensen writing for Book Riot (2026, para. 8), these mass-coordinated storytimes are “an opportunity for the group to claim being victims of discriminatory policies.” In 2022, during the first year of coordinated storytimes, Brave Books and its publicist claimed that more than 50 public libraries “denied their offer to host story times” (Jensen, 2026, para. 10).

SPL was one of the libraries that Brave Books accused of censorship, but in a Dec. 15, 2022 statement on the SPL website, SPL trustees explained that Brave Books and its publicist submitted messages expressing interest in scheduling a children’s story hour. The story hour would feature the reading of a book by author Kirk Cameron. The presenter(s) would also “speak to families about following the wisdom of the Bible, as well as discussing the harmful effects of woke ideologies” (2022-a, para 1 and 2). SPL trustees noted, however, that as of Dec. 14, 2022, “neither Mr. Cameron nor his representatives have completed the form to reserve the room.” (2022-a, para. 3).

Or as Jensen summarized: “Cameron, Brave Books, and Amplifi [the publicist] thought they were above the policy and ignored the formal process for using a room” (2026, para. 10).

SPLtrustees issued an additional statement on Dec. 19, 2022 concerning Brave Books’ reserving space in the library. The trustees cited SPL’s conference and meeting room policy, which states that “Granting permission to outside organizations or individuals to use these rooms does not constitute an approval or endorsement of any individual or group by the Library, the Library Board of Trustees, or the Village of Scarsdale” (SPL, 2025, para. 1).

SPL’s policy to me seemed entirely equitable. Library-sponsored programs should advance the library’s goals and values, and even if the library isn’t “hosting” an event, it still makes its facilities available without regard to a presenter’s viewpoint.

In their statement of Dec. 19, 2022, the SPL trustees stated that “First Amendment jurisprudence requires libraries to rent facilities equitably regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of those who seek to use them. Granting permission to use a room does not constitute an approval or endorsement of any individual or group by the Library, the Library Board of Trustees, or the Village of Scarsdale” (para. 3).

References:
Jensen, K. (2026, Aug. 5). Right wing ‘See You at the Library’ event back for 2026. Book Riot. https://bookriot.com/see-you-at-the-library-2026/

Scarsdale Public Library. (n.d.) Application for presenting a library program. https://www.scarsdalelibrary.org/form/present-a-program

Scarsdale Public Library. (2025, Sept. 8). Conference and meeting room policy. https://www.scarsdalelibrary.org/policies/meeting-room-policy

Scarsdale Public Library Board of Trustees. (2022-a, Dec. 15). Library statements regarding Kirk Cameron room rental: Statement 1. Scarsdale Public Library. https://www.scarsdalelibrary.org/library-statements-regarding-kirk-cameron-room-rental

Scarsdale Public Library Board of Trustees. (2022-b, Dec. 19). Library statements regarding Kirk Cameron room rental: Statement 2. Scarsdale Public Library. https://www.scarsdalelibrary.org/library-statements-regarding-kirk-cameron-room-rental

Talbot, T. (2023). Brave Books story hour kit. Brave Books. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CVLk-wBgV9eFOUDiqi0a3OFQLqJYNn4G/view