Community Room Policy

Philosophy:

As a basis for use of Community Room space, Monroe Free Library subscribes to the philosophy stated in Article VI of the Library Bill of Rights that facilities are made available to the public served by the given library "on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use." Further, according to Article V "a person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views."

Rules of Use

1. There are two Community Rooms available to the Monroe Free Library cardholder: A and B.
2. The library Community Rooms will be available for the use of established and recognized institutions, groups, and associations, with educational, cultural, or civic purposes. There is to be no charge for any scheduled meeting itself although it is permissible to charge a fee for materials that are provided for an activity. Any request of the use of the Community Room must be reviewed by the Assistant Director or Executive Director with 24 hour advance submission of completed Community Room Application.
3. Meetings must be held during regular library hours, except when library related meetings and programs are scheduled. Evening meetings may be held with the requirement that the meeting sessions end at/before a half hour before the library closes. The library reserves the right to revoke permission to use a Community Room if the room is needed for library purposes.
4. No Tutoring. See Tutoring Policy.
5. It is not the intent of the library to provide space on a permanent basis to support the primary activities of a group or organization. The library limits use to 4 sessions per 30 consecutive day period and a maximum of 3 hours per session.
6. Smoking, consumption of alcohol and games of chance will not be permitted in the building.
7. The organization using the Community Room will be responsible for returning it to its original state before leaving. It will also be responsible for any damage to library equipment, books, or furniture.
8. Any request to use the Community Room must be reviewed by the library Executive Director or Assistant Director via a completed Community Room Application.
9. If any programs include children, an adult, 21 or over, must be present at all times.
10. Community Rooms may not be used for religious services, sales promotion, social meetings, or for the benefit of private individuals or commercial concerns engaged in marketing goods or services. Sale of merchandise is strictly prohibited. Exceptions shall be: Programs or sales conducted by non-profit Library Friends' groups, the proceeds of which shall go to the direct benefit of the library.
11. Community Rooms may not be used for parties, showers, memorial services or receptions.
12. Community Rooms many not be used for political campaigning on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for elected public office.
13. Community Rooms may not be used for any illegal or potentially hazardous activity. The use of open flames or candles is prohibited in the room.
14. Groups may not publicize their meeting or event in such a way as to imply library sponsorship or that the meeting is open to the public. Groups cannot use the library’s name, address or telephone as their official address or contact information.
15. Monroe Free Library shall assume no responsibility whatsoever for personal injury to any member, affiliated person, guest, etc. who uses or participates in any program utilizing the Community Room. In addition, the Library is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.
16. All persons attending meetings at MFL are subject to the User Behavior Policy.
17. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to terminate the license for use of the Community Room for any reason at any time.

Note: No Community Room space may be booked more than three (3) months in advance. If a meeting must be cancelled, primarily the Library Assistant Director should be notified at least 24 hours in advance of the date. Applicants will be denied future reservations if he/she fails to notify/show two (2) times.

No group will be permitted use of a Community Room if that use poses a potential disturbance to the normal operation of the library (e.g. excessive noise, a safety hazard, or a significant security risk). The library Executive Director or Assistant Director may also deny the use of Community Room use to groups that violate Community Room rules and/or User Behavior Policy.

Revised 09/2017