Meeting Room Policy

Policy Statement

As a service to the community, the East Bonner County Library District provides meeting rooms at its Clark Fork and Sandpoint branches for use by individuals or groups “on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.”  [ALA “Library Bill of Rights” 1948-1996]  Approving the use of a meeting room does not constitute an endorsement by the Library District of a program or expressed point of view.

Library programs are given preference in scheduling. Although scheduling is on a first-come, first-served basis, the Library District reserves the right to reschedule or cancel meeting room reservations by members of the public, if the occasion arises, in order to accommodate library programming or other needs.

All parties must understand that

• Presenters and attendees must abide by Library District policies including the Library Code of Conduct (available upon request).
• All activities must be open to the general public and free of charge.
• Attendance may not be restricted, except to conform to applicable building or safety codes.
• Meeting rooms may not be used to raise money, engage in activity for which a person receives payment, solicit customers, sign applications for service, advertise a business or service, or collect fees or tuitions.  Any requests for an exception must be approved by the library director or acting director.
• Each group is responsible for clean-up of the meeting room, the kitchen (if used), and proper maintenance and storage of equipment.
• Unless authorized in advance by Library administration, all meeting rooms must be cleaned and vacated 15 minutes prior to closing.

Reservations

• The person who signs this agreement must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and assumes full responsibility for paying any charge that may result from damage to a meeting room, furnishings, or equipment while being used by the individual or authorized group.
• The signatory agrees to hold the East Bonner County Free Library District harmless for injury to any person, or persons, caused in connection with use of Library District facilities, furnishings, or equipment, or for loss of or damage to personal property belonging to persons who participate in the meeting or activity. A certificate of insurance coverage may be required before a reservation is approved.
• A room reservation is accepted only when a completed (Meeting Request Form) has been received and signed by the library director or his/her designee. Applications are available online or at any branch of the Library District.