IRVINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 

FACILITY AND MEETING ROOM USE POLICY

 

The Irvington Public Library welcomes the public use of its meeting facilities in keeping with the Library’s mission to enrich our community by providing unlimited opportunities for information, education and recreational needs.  

 

The Library’s facilities are to be used to enhance the educational, cultural and community life of the residents of Irvington Township, in accordance with the Library’s mission and the American Library Association’s “Library Bill of Rights” which states, “Libraries that make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.”

 

Facility/Meeting Room Use, Priority and Scheduling

In allocating the use of the meeting rooms, the Board of Trustees and library staff shall not discriminate on the basis of political, social, or religious beliefs of applicant groups.  The Library will make decisions without regard to race, sex, age or national origin. However, the provision of meeting room space is not the primary mission of the Library, and must always be subordinate to the need to provide a safe and respectful environment in which to read and study.  

 

No use of the meeting rooms will be allowed during Library operating hours that is likely to disturb Library patrons in their customary use of Library facilities or impede Library staff in the performance of their duties.

 

The Library reserves the right to prioritize facility and meeting room use as follows:

 

  1. Library meetings, Friends of the Irvington Library meetings and Library sponsored programs.
  2. Irvington Township official meetings (including Irvington Public Schools-related meetings).
  3. Groups and organizations based in Irvington Township.
  4. Other groups and organizations, subject to the provisions below or to any modifications that may be made by the Library’s Board of Trustees.

 

Permission to use the Irvington Public Library facilities or meeting room in the Library does not imply endorsement of the organization or approval of the program contents by the Township of Irvington, the Library or the Library Board of Trustees.

 

 

Rules and Regulations

  1. All meetings scheduled in the Library must be open to the general public and free of admission charges. No group or individual may have an admission charge or require a purchase of a good or service, in exchange for attendance or participation in a program or event held at the Library.  Promotions or sales of services, products, merchandise, materials or other items are prohibited.  
  2. Fundraising is prohibited, except for the benefit of the Irvington Public Library.
  3. Authors are permitted to offer their books for sale after a speaking engagement. Musicians are permitted to sell their CDs after a performance.  Sales of services, products, merchandise or solicitations for donations by a Library sponsored program or event, or by the Friends of the Library are permitted.
  4. As a convenience, dues may be collected from members of an organization holding a meeting at the Library. However, dues collection cannot be used to exclude members of the public from a program, event or meeting.
  5. Meeting rooms may not be used for any unlawful purposes and must conform to all local, state and federal laws and regulations.
  6. The Library reserves the right to designate an event monitor to observe all aspects of the event and compliance with the Library meeting room policy, rules and regulations.
  7. Meeting room applications must be signed by a sponsoring adult when the facility is used by minors. That adult must also be present for the duration of the program/meeting.
  8. Tobacco, alcohol and games of chance are prohibited.
  9. Open flames, including candles and solid gel fuels, incense, and other hazardous materials are prohibited.
  10. Food is not permitted in the History Room.
  11. Any promotional material created to announce an event in the library by an unaffiliated group must include the following statement: “This even is neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Irvington Public Library.” All advertisements and notices must clearly designate the sponsoring organization.  Copies of the advertisement materials shall be provided to the Director.  No signs may be posted inside or outside the Library premises without permission of the Director.
  12. Meeting rooms may not be used for personal celebrations including, but not limited to showers, birthday parties or anniversary parties.
  13. Attendance size will be limited to the number of people authorized by the Fire Department for the particular room. (See below).
  14. Meetings are to be held during the Library’s public hours unless specific arrangements have been made with and approved by the Directors. Barring extenuating circumstances defined by the Director, an additional room fee will be charged for meetings that are held outside the Library’s public hours.
  15. Set up preparation must be included in the regular meeting schedule. Access to the meeting room prior to the Library’s public hours will not be permitted.
  16. Decorations must first be approved by the Director or his/her designee and may not be affixed to the walls. All decorations must be free standing.
  17. Supplies may not be stored at the Library for groups using the meeting rooms on a regular basis. At the conclusion of the event, the sponsor shall promptly clean up any debris and remove from the premises all materials and equipment provided by the sponsor.   The Library shall not be responsible for receipt, storage or disposal of equipment or supplies furnished by the sponsor.  The Library shall not be responsible for loss or damage to property of the sponsor or invitees of the sponsor.  Sponsor and its invitees shall bear the risk of any property brought into the Library.
  18. The electrical capacity of equipment used should not exceed circuit limits. This must be cleared with the Director’s representative.
  19. No activities will be allowed which create noise or which disturbs the normal affairs of the library.
  20. Neither the name or the address of the Irvington Public Library may be used as an official address or headquarters of any organization.
  21. With proper notice and sufficient reason, the Library reserves the right to revoke permission for the use of a meeting room; or to change the meeting location to another room.
  22. Groups that fail to follow the above regulations may lose the privilege of scheduling space in the future.

  

Political Activity

Candidates for elective public office, holders of elected public office or their agent or representative(s) are prohibited from soliciting campaign contributions or disseminating campaign information or materials on Library property. This shall apply to any persons, groups, entities or organizations utilizing the Library facilities or renting meeting rooms in the Library.