Presenters
Program Proposal Submission Form
Thank you for your interest in presenting a program for the patrons of Mount Prospect Public Library. The Library welcomes program proposals and recommendations from the public, qualified speakers, and performers.
What are the Library’s adult programming objectives?
The Library’s adult programs are planned to meet the informational, educational, recreational, and lifelong-learning interests and needs of adult residents.
What criteria does the Library use to evaluate programming?
The Library uses several criteria when scheduling a program, topic, or speaker including the timeliness of the subject, the potential interest and benefit to patrons, and the expertise and ability of speaker to present effectively.
Can a commercial entity present a program?
Libraries enjoy working with local businesses and knowledgeable speakers. The sale of any material or service, no matter how beneficial, however, can create a commercial tone that undermines the purpose of the program. According to Library policy, “Individuals or organizations who present programs at the Library for public attendance are not allowed to sell their products or services during their presentation.”
The Library cannot share patron/attendee information with speakers; however, speakers are welcome to bring business cards or other promotional material.
What is the process for submitting a program proposal?
Submit your information using the online program proposal form. To effectively evaluate your proposal, we require a summary of your qualifications, your contact information, topic, description of the program you would like to present and why you think it would be of interest to potential attendees. Please include details that provide a clear outline of your topic, fees, equipment needs, and availability. Your submission will be forwarded to the appropriate staff member for review.
How soon will I hear back from the Library regarding my proposal?
Due to the large number of proposals submitted, we cannot respond personally to every submission. Your information will become part of our resource database that we rely on when planning our programs and topics. We will contact you if we are interested in pursuing your topic. Our planning cycle begins as early as six months prior to the date of the program and not all topics are covered each year. It is, therefore, not unusual for the Library to contact a speaker a year or two after the initial receipt of a proposal.
What is the presentation venue like?
Most programs are held in Meeting Room A on the first floor of the Library. This room can accommodate up to 120 patrons. Equipment is available by request. There are a dedicated presentation computer and LCD projector in the room to be used by the speaker if needed. We also can provide a wireless lapel microphone, tables, and flip charts. Presenters who use the computer are requested to bring their presentation on a USB storage device or CD/DVD. Program handouts can be distributed if the material is provided in advance. Usually, programs are an hour long with extra time for Q-and-A.
What are the Library’s guidelines for handouts?
Speakers are welcome to share handouts with the program participants. The most effective handouts focus on the key concepts of the presentation and are easy to read. Handouts are a great way reinforce the presenters’ credibility and professionalism and can provide contact information should the patron want to pursue the topic further.
