The Fairfield County District Library maintains meeting room facilities in the Main Library and some branch locations. Meeting rooms are intended to further the library’s mission by facilitating the exchange of diverse information and ideas.
The primary purpose of meeting rooms is to promote library services through programs, meetings and other library activities presented by library staff, the Friends of the Library or other organizations sponsored by or affiliated with the library. When a meeting room is not being used for a library activity, the space will be made available to the public for governmental, non-profit, civic, cultural or educational programs or meetings. Access will be provided on equal terms, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting use. The library does not advocate or endorse the viewpoints of any group or individual. Trade or professional associations are interpreted to be educational groups. Artistic performances by individuals will be permitted only when co-sponsored by the Library.
The terms for public use of meeting rooms are as follows:
Types of Meetings
All meetings must be free and open to the general public. Organizations conducting business meetings or presenting programs may wish to restrict or limit public comments during all or part of their meeting or programs. Any such restrictions should in no way interfere with the public’s ability to attend, observe or listen to the program.
For the purpose of fundraising or book signings, only events sponsored by the library, the Friends of the library or other organizations affiliated with the library are permitted. Otherwise, no products or services may be advertised, solicited or sold in library meeting rooms or on library property nor collections taken. Educational courses conducted by non-profit agencies may charge fees for learning materials or course credits, but the program must be open for observation to members of the general public who do not pay fees.
Meeting room programs must not interfere with library operations or cause a disturbance in the library.
Except for events hosted by the library, the Friends of the Library or other organizations affiliated with the Library, the use of the library premises for social functions such as parties or receptions is not permitted.
Liability
The library assumes no liability for theft or damage to property brought onto library property or for injuries which occur as a result of actions of sponsors or participants during activities taking place in meeting rooms.
The individual or group reserving a meeting room will be held responsible for the order and conduct of the group and for any loss or damage to library property. Young children accompanying adult users of the meeting room shall not be left unattended in the library. Minors are not permitted to use meeting rooms without adult supervision.
Any abuse or misuse of facilities will be sufficient cause to deny the use of library meeting rooms in the future.
Usage
Meeting rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Library sponsored or co-sponsored programs take precedence over all other groups. The library reserves the right to cancel a reservation if the space is required for use by the library or a library related organization. Except in an emergency, two (2) week notice will be given for any cancellation made by the Library. The library will make every effort to avoid a cancellation but does reserve the right.
With the exception of library sponsored programs, meeting room space may be reserved no earlier than twelve (12) weeks in advance. Library meeting room use is limited to once a month for outside groups and cannot be booked for regularly scheduled meetings on an ongoing basis. On a contingency basis, organizations or groups may call a day or two ahead in the current week to see if meeting space is available. Such requests will be considered and space made available if possible.
All organizations or groups must complete a Meeting Room Contract each time they reserve space. Confirmation from the library must be received before the request is formally approved.
Meeting rooms are available during public service hours. Meeting room reservations are scheduled for specific prearranged times. All meetings and events including time to set up and clean up must take place within the prearranged times. All attendees must be gone and the space cleaned up at least fifteen (15) minutes before the library closes.
At the sole discretion of the library, meeting space may be reserved outside of normal library public service hours. The library will not approve overtime for library employees to accommodate meetings which are held outside of normal public service hours. Library facilities may not be used unless one or more library staff is in attendance at the meeting or working in the building during the meeting.
There is no charge for ordinary use of a meeting room which includes a standard set up of tables and chairs. Additional chairs and tables may be requested. Use of other equipment must be requested in advance. The library does not guarantee that staff assistance will be available at the time of the meeting to modify the room arrangement or instruct in the use of equipment.
Occupancy is limited as follows:
| Main Library | 150 |
| Main Library Boardroom | 25 |
Refreshments and light catered meals may be served. Cooking is not permitted. Food and beverages must be consumed in the meeting room space only. Groups must supply their own tableware, napkins, serving supplies etc. Any leftover food or beverages will be disposed of at the discretion of the library. Users are responsible for cleaning up and restoring the room to its original condition before leaving.
Burning candles, Sterno or other flammable substances is prohibited.
Without prior approval from the Library Director, live animals are prohibited unless they are needed to assist a visitor with a disability.
Smoking and alcohol consumption are prohibited within any library facility. Devices which produce smoke, fog or mist are prohibited inside library facilities.
Cancellations should be made as soon as possible in order to make the space available for others. See refund section below.
The library retains the right to deny the space to any user whose planned use of the space does not comply with these terms.
The required Meeting Room Contract must be submitted at least ten (10) days before the event. The reservation is not confirmed until the form has been submitted and approved.
Information Materials and Endorsements
Use of meeting rooms does not constitute Library sponsorship and/or endorsement. No individual or group may state or imply Library endorsement or sponsorship of events held in the library meeting rooms without written approval from the Library Director. To establish the fact that the Fairfield County District Library is not sponsoring the event, all publicity which uses the name of the library must include the statement: “Sponsored by…” (the name of the organization reserving the room). Groups may not use the Library as a contact for information.
Material such as pamphlets and flyers may be posted or distributed within the guidelines of the Library’s Policy on the Distribution of Informational Materials.
Failure to comply with meeting room policy or rules may result in loss of meeting room privileges including immediate termination of a meeting by appropriate library personnel.
Passed by Resolution Number: 59-21
Date: July 20, 2021