BETHEL PUBLIC LIBRARY
BUILDING AND GROUNDS USE POLICY

The Bethel Public Library Board of Directors views the use of the library’s meeting space and the library grounds as an extension of library services. The meeting space and property should be available to the community and should reflect the educational, cultural, social, and recreational role the library plays.

The Board subscribes to Article IV of the Library Bill of Rights which states that facilities should be made available to the public served by the library on an equitable basis, regardless of beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

You may link to an On-line Use of Building form here.

1. GENERAL
   1. Smoking is not allowed on the north side of the building including the parking lot, sidewalks, and main library entrance.
      
      
   2. Library sponsored events receive priority in scheduling. The availability of meeting space or library grounds at all other times shall be on a first-come, first served basis.
      
      
   3. Groups wishing to use the library’s meeting space or grounds must complete a Meeting Space and Grounds Use Application. Applications shall be submitted at least one month prior to the desired date of the event.
      
      
   4. Reservations must include name of organization, time and date desired, number of persons expected, and name and telephone number of person responsible.
      
      
   5. The library reserves the right to seek references of any group before booking meeting space or the library grounds.
      
      
   6. The use of alcoholic beverages by groups when using the library’s meeting space or grounds is not permitted.
      
      
   7. If a group requires the library’s audio-visual equipment, the user must be thoroughly trained in advance and be held responsible for any damage to hardware or software. No additional furniture or equipment will be furnished by the library without prior arrangement.
      
      
   8. The Library Board of Directors must approve all fees charged to the public in connection to the group’s event.
      
      
   9. Each group is responsible for returning meeting space and/or library grounds to their original condition and is responsible for any damage to the area’s contents. Monetary remuneration will be assessed commensurate with the damage.
      
      
2. BUILDING USE
   1. The library’s meeting space may be reserved for use by non-profit groups and organizations whose aims are educational, cultural or for civic betterment. Exceptions may be made for town-wide events with the approval of the Library Board of Directors. Such use must not interfere with library functions and all meetings must be open to the public. For profit organizations (businesses) may not use meeting space independently. Personnel affiliated with for-profit groups may participate in library sponsored or co-sponsored programs.
      
      
   2. Any meeting extending beyond the hours of the library must have a pre-arranged qualified staff member in attendance. The Friends of the Bethel Public Library will be exempt from the requirement to have library staff on the premises for activities that last beyond normal library hours.
      
      
3. GROUNDS USE
   1. 1. The grounds are available for use by non-profit community groups and organizations whose aims are educational, cultural or for civic betterment. Exceptions may be made for town-wide events with the approval of the Library Board of Directors. Such use must not interfere with library functions and must receive prior approval by the Library Director following the initial approval of the organization by the Library Board of Directors.
      
      
   2. 2. Signs of a non-partisan nature and of community interest may be placed on the grounds with prior approval of the Library Board of Directors. The maximum size for signs is four feet by eight feet (4’ x 8’.) The library assumes no responsibility for the maintenance of the signs. The group placing the sign is responsible for its secure and stable placement. The group is responsible for the removal of the sign within 48 hours of the event or will be required to pay for its removal. The use of banners on the building is limited to publicizing library events.
      
      
4. VIOLATIONS
   1. Anyone violating this policy may be asked to leave and/or be denied future use of the facilities.
      
      
5. DISCLAIMER
   1. The fact that a group is permitted to use meeting space or the library grounds does not in any way constitute an endorsement of the group’s policies or beliefs by the library. The Bethel Public Library Board of Directors and their employees and agents are not liable for any claims arising out of the use of library meeting space or library grounds.
      
      
6. POLICY EFFECTIVE DATE, AMENDMENTS, AND REVISIONS
   1. This policy is effective upon approval of the Library Board of Directors. Amendments and/or revisions to this policy shall be formulated and recommended to the Board by the Policy Committee. The policy may then be amended and/or revised at the regular meeting of the Board, following the meeting at which the amendment and/or revision was proposed.
      
      

Adopted by the Library Board of Directors June 28, 1977
Revised 6/13/80 Revised 6/22/81 Revised 5/31/83 Revised 4/22/85 Revised 5/23/88 Revised 10/28/91	Revised 11/22/93 Revised 5/23/94 Revised 9/12/94 Revised 5/19/97 Revised and approved 9/23/02 Revised and approved 5/22/06

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This page last updated 8/10/2010

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