Use of Library Premises Policy

FAIRFIELD COUNTY DISTRICT LIBRARY

Board of Trustees Policy:	Use of Library Premises
Passed by Resolution Number:	92-97
Date:	October 21, 1997

Library meeting spaces are used by the library to promote library services through programs and meetings. When meeting space is not scheduled for use by the Library it may be used by educational, cultural, civic and governmental groups serving Fairfield County to conduct non-profit meetings and conferences. Trade or professional associations are interpreted to be educational groups. Artistic performances by individuals will be permitted only when co-sponsored by the Library.

No admissions may be charged, products sold, or collections taken for events held on library premises except when sponsored by the Library, the Friends of the Library, or the Fairfield County Library Foundation.

The use of library premises for religious services or recruitment is not permitted. However, religious organizations or church affiliates may use library premises to conduct committee meetings, planning sessions, and other business-related meetings provided no religious activity is part of the meeting.

The use of library premises for profit-making enterprises is not permitted. No selling, marketing, or recruiting of clients is permitted on library premises, except by library-related groups (e.g. the Friends of the Library).

The use of library premises for partisan political rallies, meetings, speeches, or recruitment is not permitted. However, political parties may hold organizational or staff meetings on library premises and bipartisan debates of issues or between candidates are permitted and encouraged.

The use of the library premises for private social functions such as parties or receptions is not permitted. Because meeting room space is also used for public exhibits, all meetings and events are open to the public. Library staff have the right to monitor all meetings and programs held on library premises.

All meetings and events must be scheduled to occur during the Library's regular service hours. The library meeting spaces are scheduled for specific times in half-hour increments. Meetings and events, and their preparation (personal equipment or materials placement, refreshments, registration, etc.) must be planned to begin and end within the prearranged times. All meetings must end prior to the library's closing. Meetings requiring clean up must end one half hour prior to the library's closing to allow for timely exit.

Each organization requesting use of library premises must complete, sign and return an application form to the Library to confirm the reserved meeting space. The signer assumes all responsibility for any damages to library facilities, furnishings and/or equipment that may occur. The signer will also serve as the contact person should room and/or equipment requirements need to be changed. The person signing the application should read all relevant library policies and receive copies thereof. The meeting spaces should be left in the condition in which they were found.

The following are prohibited on library premises: consumption of alcoholic beverages, use of tobacco products and burning of candles or open flame containers.

Each organization should dispose of any foodstuffs, supplies, condiments, etc. that it brings into the Library. The Library does not provide table linens, dish towels, dishcloths or disposable paper items. At the Main Library the food, beverage and coffee supplies of the kitchen cupboards and refrigerator may not be used.

The Library reserves the right to change any meeting as necessary. This includes reassigning meeting spaces, and, in emergency situations, canceling meetings.

An organization may use meeting rooms no more than once per month. The rooms may be booked up to one year in advance.

The Library reserves the right to reject any application for use of library premises. Any abuse of meeting room privileges or contracts can result in the suspension of these privileges.

The square footage of exhibit/display space available in each library facility will depend upon the growth of the materials collection and use patterns.

Exhibit space at the library will be used to present visual arts to the community, support cultural activities, and display library materials and collections.

The Library grounds and parking lots are for use of library customers only during the hours the library is open. Vehicles belonging to other persons will be towed at the owner's expense. Inappropriate use of bicycles, skateboards or inline/rollerskates on library property is not permitted.