Program Room Use Polcy
Purpose Preamble
The library’s program room is a resource of the community which supports the library’s mission as an information and lifèlong learning center. A library program is an event that promotes the use of library materials, facilities or services and/or offers the community informational, entertaining, or cultural experiences in keeping with the mission of the library. This library strives to offer a variety of programs that reflect the broad range of community informational and learning interests.
STATEMENT OF POLICY
Priority and Access
Library sponsored activities take precedence in scheduling the use of the Program Room.
If the Program Room is not scheduled for library or library-sponsored activities, it may be used by organized community groups for public activities of a civic, cultural, or educational nature which advance or complement the library’s mission.
Attendance at library sponsored programs is open to the public; however, the library reserves the right to set age limits for children’s programs as warranted. Attendance at other programs shall not be restricted by age, gender, race, background, or beliefs.
The Program Room may not be used for commercial purposes, for purely social purposes, for religious or political activities with a sectarian or partisan point of view, or for activities that benefit private individuals, companies, or associations.
Library programs shall be free and open to the public, but optional charges for program-related materials or books that participants may keep can be applied. This is the case for writers, artists, and performers at library or library-sponsored programs, the sale of whose works is in keeping with the library mission. Otherwise only The Friends of the Library may sell items at the library.
Scheduling
Continuing or frequent use of the Program Room by any non-library related group is not generally allowed.
Generally, use of the Program Room is restricted to days and hours of library operations. We reserve the right to assess for reasonable costs incurred for any use beyond the normal library hours.
When pre-registration is required, it must be handled by the library.
Press releases and public notification of the programs must be approved by the Library Director.
Responsibility/Authority
The primary responsibility and authority for use of the Program Room shall rest with the Program
Coordinator acting under the responsibility and authority of the Library Director. The Board of Trustees should have an ongoing role in overseeing this policy of’ use and may support the program staff through the establishment and maintenance of a Program Committee.
Guidelines For Use
Organizations wishing to use the Program Room should call or write the Program Coordinator.
At the Program Coordinator’s discretion library equipment may be made available to groups using the Program Room.
Food and drink may not be served in the Program Room without the advance approval of the Program Coordinator.
Liabilities and Considerations for Use
The use of the Program Room for non-library programming does not in any way constitute an endorsement by the library board or staff of the groups policies or beliefs nor are the Municipality, Library Board, or Library Staff responsible for the accuracy, use, or consequences of statements made during such programming.
The library assumes no responsibility for any equipment, supplies, or materials brought to the library by any group or individual attending a non-library program.
The library reserves the right to cancel and reschedule any activity by giving two weeks advanced notice before the meeting. Previous permission for Program Room use may be canceled at any time by the Library Board or Director, if it is determined the program scheduled does not comply with the policy as previously set forth.
The library reserves the right to assess costs for damages to library property as the result of’ an activity.
The library reserves the right to restrict activities that disrupt procedures and operations of the library, as well as the right to intercede in situations of disruption, including the cancellation of an activity or the removal of disrupting parties.
Extraordinary Circumstances
The Board of Trustees recognize that circumstances may arise that can supersede this Program Room policy. These circumstances should be a matter of discussion and decision by the Library Director working the Board or its leadership, unless the matter can await full Board action. Examples might include community emergency, i.e., fire or natural disaster, special community or school uses.
(Attached to the Program Room Use Policy)
I/We have read the Program Room Use Policy, and l/we agree to abide by this policy.
Name/Signature Date
Name of Organization or Group
Title of Program/Activity
Date of Program/Activity