Mission Statement:

Louttit Library’s mission is to provide library materials, programs and services to enrich, enlighten and enhance the lives of all members of our community.

 

The staff of the Louttit Library offers programs intended to further the Library’s mission. The Library functions as an informational, recreational, and cultural resource for the community. Programs are a means through which the public can share experiences, explore ideas, appreciate special interests, exchange information, and connect with each other and with the Library itself.

Programs can be ongoing, a series or a one-time event. Programs are attended and/or presented and overseen by library staff. Acceptable behavior is expected at all library programs to ensure the enjoyment of all attendees and to provide consideration of the presenter(s).

Attendees not exhibiting acceptable behavior may be asked by a staff member to leave the program. See Rules for Patron Conduct Policy for more details.

Registration may be required for planning purposes or when space or supplies are limited. When space, seating, or materials are limited, preference may be given to West Greenwich residents. Programs may be held on site, off site or virtually. Some programs may only be offered for specific ages or at specific times or places. Library programs are free, though some specialty programs require a $10 refundable deposit. See Adult Program Registration Deposit Policy for more details. 

Any sales of products at library programs must be approved by the library Director. Programs may not be used for commercial, religious, partisan political purposes or for the solicitation of business.

Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by the participants. When programs are sponsored in cooperation with other community organizations, all policies remain the same.

Library programs will be carefully produced or selected by library staff. Ultimate responsibility for programming rests with the library Director, under designated authority of the Board of Trustees.

The library’s staff use the following criteria in making decisions about programs:

  • Support of the library’s mission
  • Community needs and interests
  • Availability of program space
  • Presentation quality
  • Presenter background/qualifications in content area
  • Budget
  • Historical, educational or artistic significance
  • Connection to other community programs, partners or events

The library often collaborates with other community organizations, agencies or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored public programs. Professional performers and presenters that offer specialized or unique expertise may be hired for library programs.

The library reserves the right to cancel a program for any reason at any time. Programs may be cancelled for reasons beyond the library’s control such as absence of the presenter, physical location problems, low registration and inclement weather. The cancellation will be posted on the library website and whenever possible those who registered will be contacted. Cancelled programs are not automatically rescheduled. 

If a patron has a question about a particular library program, they should first address the concern with a library staff member. Patrons may request a review of a library program and should submit the Request for Reconsideration form. This form will be evaluated by the Director and, if necessary, the Board of Trustees. See Request for Reconsideration of Library Program: Form.

 

Storytime

The Louttit Library employs a full time Assistant Director/Youth Services Librarian who conducts a developmentally appropriate “storytime” focusing on early literacy. The Assistant Director/Youth Services Librarian or library staff designated by the Assistant Director/Youth Services Librarian are the only individuals that run library sponsored storytimes. If any individual/group would like to conduct a “storytime,” they are welcome to reserve/rent the Community Center in accordance with the policies and procedures that govern that space. See our Meeting Room Policy for more details.

 

Outside Groups

The Louttit Library offers space to outside groups for programs and meetings. These are outside room reservations with no implicit or explicit collaboration between the group and Louttit Library. See our Meeting Room Policy for more details.

 

Approved by the Board of Trustees on 12/16/25

Attachments
Request for Reconsideration of Library Programs Form_0.pdf