MEETING ROOM POLICY

Cranberry Public Library provides meeting and program space for library and municipal programs and for other meetings and programs of an informational, educational, cultural, or civic nature.

The Library Board of Trustees subscribes to Article VI of the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights which states that facilities shall be made available to the public served by the given library on an equitable basis, regardless of beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Granting permission of the Cranberry Library meeting room does not in any way constitute an endorsement of the group’s policies or beliefs by Cranberry Public Library.

I. Availability and Application for Use

a. The meeting room will only be available for use during days that the library is open.

b. All groups wishing to use the room must read and agree to the Meeting Room Policy and complete an application for use form.

c. Groups will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

d. The meeting room cannot be scheduled more than 1 year to date in advance.

e. Weekend use of the room by groups is limited to 1 time per month during each calendar year.

f. Priority for use of the room will be will be given to the Library and Cranberry Township programs and meetings.

g. Preference will be given to meetings open to the public.

h. Preference will be given to non-profit, educational, and/or community service organizations.

i. The library meeting room may not be scheduled for social purposes.

j. The room may be used by profit-making groups for educational purposes only. Use of the room by groups and individuals shall be at the discretion of the Library Director and the Library Board of Trustees.

k. The Library Director and the Library Board of Trustees reserve the right to cancel a room reservation at any time and for any reason. A full refund will be issued if this were to occur.

l. Groups who have reserved the room on a recurring basis that do not show up for 2 consecutive bookings will forfeit use of the room during the scheduled time and other groups will be permitted to schedule the forfeited timeslot.

II. General Use

a. Groups will assume responsibility for set-up, clean-up, and any damage to library property. Clean-up is to include making sure all refuse is deposited in one of the trash cans provided.

Approved 09/2010 Effective 01/01/2011

b. Groups will report any damage to a library staff member. Damage done by a group is the financial responsibility of the group leasing the space. Damage may also result in denial of future use of the space.

c. Library staff must have access to the room at all times.

d. Emergencies should be reported to library staff immediately.

e. Light refreshments may be served, but cooking is not permitted. Groups may use the kitchenette area for set-up/cleanup purposes, but are to provide their own soap and dish towels.

f. Furnishings may not be moved from the public service are to the meeting room. No additional furniture, other than that furnished by the library, is to be used without library approval.

g. No audio-visual equipment, extension cords, or copies of any kind will be provided. Groups must provide all equipment needed.

III. Restrictions

a. Groups may not exceed the room capacity of 50 persons.

b. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted anywhere inside the building.

c. There is no smoking (except outdoors) on the building premises.

d. Gambling is prohibited in the building and on the grounds.

e. Soliciting of any kind is not permitted.

f. Groups are not permitted to charge a fee for meetings, programs, and/or events held in the room.

g. Group activities involving more than normal wear and tear on the meeting room space will not be permitted. For example, classes in handicraft projects involving paint or hot glue will not be permitted.

h. Nothing may be affixed to the walls or ceiling.

i. The Library will not be responsible for the loss or theft of any personal property.

j. Loud noise and/or music that is disruptive to library operations will not be permitted.