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Public Use of Community Rooms Policy (4.501)

This policy replaced by Use of Meeting Rooms Policy, beginning April 1, 2018.

Scope

This policy applies to all individuals or groups who use a Library community room.

Definitions

Commercial: Designation given to groups or individuals that receive a commercial benefit by using a Library community room. This may include active solicitation of donations, fundraising activities, charging admission fees, offering money making activities or promoting a commercial business. Meetings or programs do not have to be open to the public.
Library co-sponsored: Program is jointly created by the Library and group or individual. Groups or individuals may be involved in a community partnership with the Library. Library has the discretion to charge entrance fees or allow sales of products. Meetings or programs must be open to the public.
Library sponsored: Program is created by the Library or Friends of the Library. Library has the discretion to charge entrance fees or allow sales of products. Meeting or programs must be open to the public.
Non-commercial: Designation given to groups or individuals that receive no commercial benefit by using a Library community room. Meetings or programs must not require payment to enter, but passive solicitation of donations is acceptable. Meetings or programs do not have to be open to the public.

Policy/Conditions

  1. Library offers the use of its meeting rooms to the community.
    • As an extension of its mission to serve as the community’s access to the world of information, the Library welcomes the community’s use of its meeting rooms for informational, cultural or civic meetings and programs. In accordance with the Washington State Constitution, Community Rooms are not available for religious worship.
  2. Community Room use is made available on an equitable basis.
    • Space is made available for use by the public on equal terms, regardless of the beliefs, affiliations or viewpoints of the groups or individuals requesting their use.
  3. Library does not endorse the activities or viewpoints of those using its Community Rooms.
    • Publicity for meetings or programs being held in Library meeting rooms will clearly state the Library does not endorse the activities or viewpoints of the group presenting the event. If the Library sponsors or co-sponsors a meeting or program this will be clearly stated in the publicity for the event.
  4. Library-sponsored or co-sponsored meetings or programs have priority for Community Room availability.
    • The remaining Community Room space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  5. Library charges fees for the use of its Community Rooms.
    • The library has two fee rates: commercial and noncommercial. Library staff will determine the appropriate rate after consultation with the group or individual requesting a reservation.
  6. Library requires completed registration before Community Room use.
    • Registration includes a signed agreement that the group will abide by all Library policies and procedures.
  7. Library Board reviews this policy.
    • This policy is periodically reviewed, revised, or reaffirmed by the Library Board of Trustees.

References

Title: 4.501 PUBLIC USE OF COMMUNITY ROOMS POLICY
Code: 4 Public Services
Chapter: 4.500 Public Use of Facilities and Equipment
Type of Policy: Departmental
Date Developed: 9 July 2007
Date Revised: 16 March 2010
Developed by: Pam Kiesner
Approved By: Library Board of Trustees
Cancels: 4.501 Meeting Room Policy
See Also: Codes and Laws
Washington State Constitution Article 1, Section 11 Religious Freedom