Meeting Room Policy

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of the meeting room policy is to provide a basis for equitable service to all customers who request to use the library’s facilities and to clarify the responsibilities of both the library and its customers with regard to the use of the library’s meeting rooms.

II. POLICY STATEMENT

Durham County Library makes its meeting room facilities available to local groups and organizations for lawful public use on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use. All meetings must be free and open to the public. No fees, dues or donations may be charged to or solicited from those attending meetings held in library facilities. Permission by the library to use its facilities does not constitute an endorsement by the library staff, the Library Board, or the Durham County Board of Commissioners.

The library’s meeting rooms are not available for private social functions such as weddings, birthday or anniversary parties, or for individual use.

Reservations for the rooms will be accepted on a meeting to meeting basis. Application may be made no more than 90 days in advance. Meeting rooms may be reserved online (at www.durhamcountylibrary.org), by phone or in person. Meetings cannot exceed room capacity as determined by the Durham County Fire Marshal.

III. REFRESHMENT & MEETING ROOM FEE STRUCTURE

1. Fees

Small meeting rooms, conference rooms, tutoring/study rooms
Free, unless refreshments are served, in which case there is a $25 fee

Main Library auditorium and regional/branch large meeting rooms

• Nonprofits:
  Free, unless refreshments are served, in which case there is a $25 fee
• Commercial/for profit
  Meetings of up to four hours: $100; Meetings of more than four hours: $200

2. Customers are responsible for costs associated with cleaning and/or repairing any damage done to library property.

3. No alcoholic beverages may be served.

IV. AFTER HOURS FEE

There will be a fee of $25 per hour for security services for meetings held outside of regular library hours.

V. RESPONSIBILITY

It is the responsibility of all public service staff and facility supervisors to understand this policy fully so as to ensure fair and equitable application. It is the responsibility of the Deputy Director for Public Services and the Assistant Director for Facilities to interpret, monitor and recommend updates to this policy. The Library Director is the final authority with regard to restrictions on the use of the library.

Effective Date: October 2010

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By clicking the button below it will indicate that you have read the policy of the Durham County Library regarding the use of its meeting rooms and agree to follow the rules and regulations set forth in the policy.

You will be taken to the online Room Reservation System.

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Last Page Update: January 19, 2012