Phoenix Public Library works collaboratively with community partners and presenters to develop programs for all ages that reflect the interests of Phoenix’s diverse community and supports the libraries’ strategic plan. Successful programming includes several of the following objectives. 

Community needs and interests 
Treatment of content for the intended audience

Presentation quality

Presenter background/qualifications in content area

Relevance to community interests and issues

Historical or educational significance

Connection to other City of Phoenix programs, exhibitions or events

Relation to Library collections, resources, exhibits and programs

Availability of space

Budget

Phoenix Public Library programs must be free and open to the public regardless of race, ethnic origin, place of origin, citizenship, color, ancestry, language, creed (religion), age, sex, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, and will be developed with consideration for the principles of accessibility, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Reasonable accommodations will be made to ensure that programs are accessible.   

Partner & Program Applications   

Individuals and organizations wishing to present or partner with the library must apply to be on the Screened Partner/Presenter List.  Applications may take up to 45 days for review.  Programs are not to be used for commercial, religious, or partisan purposes. The Library reserves the right to decline any program as it sees fit. 

Solicitation of sales, funds, business, and personal information from program attendees is prohibited except for the sale of author book sales or permission from Administration. No individual or organization may use a Library program to advertise or recruit members or customers.  

Selected Partners and Presenters are required to complete a Letter of Agreement.  If payment is involved, a presenter may be asked to register as a vendor with the City of Phoenix prior to any programs being scheduled.  The City of Phoenix terms of payment are net 45 days from the completion date of the program. 

Learn more and apply to be a vendor.

All program flyers, graphics and promotional materials will be created by the Library’s Community Relations department.  Presenters will at no point use library branding on promotional materials not approved by Community Relations. 

Partners/Presenters will at no point use the Library’s name in promoting a commercial business or entity. The Library reserves the right to use video or photographs taken of program participants for internal use, publication, use in Library promotional outlets, and evaluation purposes. 

Before applying, please read the guidelines for programs by topic. 

Arts & Culture 

Programming should celebrate the culturally diverse community of the City of Phoenix.  Programming can consist of live performances, lectures, music, film and visual art exhibitions.   

The Library requires that performers and musicians obtain any necessary copyright permission and/or license for any non-original works used for any library program. This includes works performed live and/or use of recorded music in library programs.

Author Programs 

Authors may submit their work during the Library’s Call for Authors which opens annually on April 1.  Selected authors will be invited to take part in the Local Author Fair and other programming throughout that year.  Submissions will only be accepted during Call for Authors. 

An author’s work must be part of the Library’s collection for program consideration. 

Check the library catalog.

Authors can submit a Suggest a Purchase request.

Additional author events in partnership with local bookstores, organizations, and educational institutions may be scheduled at the Library's discretion.  

College Planning  

All college planning partnerships and programs are under the direction of College Depot, Phoenix Public Library’s full-service college access center. 

For more information, please email college.depot@phoenix.gov 

Entrepreneurs 

StartUpPHX programming targets entrepreneurs deciding whether to start a business or who are in their first year of business. Presenters are prohibited from promoting their business and recruiting clients or memberships.

For more information, please email amarone.thach@phoenix.gov 

Exercise/Fitness/Yoga  

These programs are only provided in partnership with government entities such as Area Agency on Aging. 

Finance and Money Management 

These programs are required to provide fair and impartial information without direct or indirect influence.  Presenters are prohibited from promoting their business and recruiting clients. Presenters are prohibited from collecting personal information.  Presenters must provide qualifications and experience to present on this topic. 

General Health  

Health programs are provided with the guidance of the City of Phoenix Office of Public Health. Public Health programming is dedicated to evidence-based public health approaches to inform and implement public health practice.  Programming is provided by Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and organizations that have federal, state, county, city contracts or grants to provide free services to the community.  Organizations who do not meet these requirements will not be considered for programming.   

Medicare 

Medicare programming is required to provide fair and impartial information without direct or indirect influence.  Medicare Brokers are prohibited from promoting their business and recruiting clients. Brokers are prohibited from collecting personal information or recruiting customers. Preference will be given to non-profit organizations and SHIPS. 

Mental Health 

All mental health programming is provided by Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and organizations that have federal, state, county, and city contracts or grants to provide free services to the community.  Organizations who do not meet these requirements will not be considered for programming. 

Workforce 

Preference will be given to non-profits that assist marginalized populations gain employment and other City of Phoenix departments. 

Youth Services 

Children 

Programming should support literacy, the sciences, technology, arts and culture, and/or improving the quality of life for families. Presenters may be asked to obtain fingerprint clearance through the City of Phoenix.   

Teen  

Programming should support literacy, entertainment, STE/AM, and/or improving quality of life.  Presenters may be asked to obtain fingerprint clearance through the City of Phoenix. 

Rules and Restrictions 

To be considered for programs and/or presentations, applicants must be on the Screened Presenters List. The process for getting on the list is explained below.  
Topics to be presented are selected to fit program needs and the interests of each library. Presence on the Screened Presenter List does not guarantee a minimum number of presentations will be scheduled. 

Submit application and marketing materials.

A review of the application will be conducted to determine suitability of the presentations and to ensure there is no potential harm to customers or liability to the City.

Review process can take up to 45 days .

An approved applicant will appear on the Screened Partners/Presenter Approved list for 24 months. At the end of the two-year period, the applicant must reapply.

The selling of products or soliciting services on-site is prohibited.

Applicants will be required to follow all programs restrictions listed above or risk removal from the Screened Presenter Approved List. 