[Publib] "community night" type programming

[Ben Haines]

I know this is a pretty nebulous idea, but I'm hoping somebody's done
something like this before and can help me out.  We get phone calls from
people all the time who want to do programs at the library: "I was
abducted by aliens," "Get rich through tarot cards," "The history of
Canadian flower arranging," etc., etc. I'm reluctant to put the
Library's money and reputation behind programs like this. The bulk of
our programming and marketing budget has to go towards programs that are
guaranteed to draw high attendance and are put on by established and
reputable presenters.

But it's also frustrating every time we have to tell somebody "No." In
most cases, we're struggling to convince people we're worthwhile; here
are people who are already convinced, and we have to send them away.
What I'd like to set up is some kind of "Community Night", maybe once a
month, where anyone who wants to put on a program can do so using the
Library's space.  The Library, in turn, could promote the event as a
whole without having to promote (i.e. endorse) any particular program
individually.  In effect, we'd be marketing ourselves as a free venue
for the voices in our community--and since the other civic institutions
charge for facilities rental, we'd hopefully be filling an empty market
niche.

Has anyone implemented a program like this at their library? Are there
guidelines for what kind of programs are acceptable (e.g. educational
vs. religious/political)? How do you handle scheduling? Etc., etc.  Any
guidance would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

--
Ben Haines
Reference/Technology Librarian
Forest Park Public Library
bhaines at fppl.org