The Community Room was created to serve the library and the residents of the Borough of Ambler and the townships of Lower Gwynedd and Whitpain (the “Library Community”). Use of the Community Room is governed by the Policy and any applicable rules or regulations adopted by the Board of Trustees.
In the event of conflicts or multiple requests, use of the Community Room will be permitted according to the following priorities
1. Wissahickon Valley Public Library Activities:
Activities or events sponsored or presented, directly or indirectly, by the Library.
2. Library Related Activities:
Activities or events presented or sponsored, directly or indirectly, by the Friends of the Wissahickon Valley Public Library or similar library related organizations.
3. Community Organizations:
Organizations and groups: local governing bodies and administrative boards, serving the Library Community.
4. Non-profit Organizations:
Educational, civic or cultural organizations and groups operating within the Library Community.
5. For-profit Organizations
1. FEES
A. The
Community Room may be reserved free of charge by any non-profit organization
for events which anticipate attendance of less than 50. For events with an anticipated attendance of
greater than 50, a $50.00 fee will be charged per event or session. For events with an anticipated attendance of
greater than 75, a $100.00 fee will be charged per event or session.
B. Organizations using the Community Room may not charge for attendance. All advertising must state: “This program is not sponsored by the Wissahickon Valley Public Library.”
Payment of any applicable fee must be made at least one week in advance or the reservation may be canceled.
2. FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES
There shall be no fund raising activities conducted during any use of the Community Room with the exception of events conducted by the Friends of the Library or library-related organizations, which may conduct fund-raising activities after having obtained advance permission from the Executive Director and receiving the approval of the Board.
3. HOURS OF USE
All meetings shall be held during the Library’s hours of operation and shall end before the Library closes. A Library staff member must be present in the building while the Community Room is in use.
4. LIMITS OF USE
The Board reserves the right to limit use of the Community Room by organizations whose activities interfere with Library operations, adversely affect public safety or cause public disturbances.
The Community Room may not be used for private social functions, e.g. private parties, receptions, etc.
Attendance at meetings is limited to the number permitted by order of the Fire Marshal.
The Community Room may
not be reserved for use on a recurring basis for regularly-scheduled meetings,
i.e. monthly or weekly meetings.
The following are strictly prohibited in the Community Room: (a) smoking, (b) gambling, (c) alcoholic beverages, (d) controlled substances, and (e) pets and animals, other than necessary guide animals.
5. PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION
Organizations using the Community Room must observe the public accommodation provisions of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act under which it is unlawful “to discriminate against any person in the full use and enjoyment of such public accommodation, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, national origin, handicap or disability, use of guide or support animals due to blindness, deafness, or physical handicap or because the user is a handler or trainer of such animals.
6. PUBLICITY
Publicity for any event in the Community Room must clearly state that the organization is the SPONSOR and the Library is the LOCATION. Furthermore, the Library telephone number is not to be included in any news releases or flyers publicizing the event.
7. EQUIPMENT USE
Use of the library’s
audio-visual and projection equipment is limited to library staff and may not
be reserved by outside organizations.
1. APPLICATION FOR USE
Applications for use of the Community Room shall be submitted to the Director or his designee at least one week in advance and no more than one year in advance.
2. USE OF FOOD AND BEVERAGES
The organization shall specify if food or beverage is to be served. If so, an additional fee of $25.00 per function is charged. The organization must agree to clean the area immediately after use and to remove all trash and garbage from the building.
3. ROOM SET UP AND RESTORATION
The organization will be required to set up the room for the desired use and is expected to restore the room to the arrangement and condition in which it received the room. Failure to comply may result in a loss of use privilege and charges for maintenance, repair, or clean-up by the Library.
The Board may modify, amend or supplement this Policy and
any applicable rules and regulations as it deems necessary and
appropriate. At its discretion, the
Board may exempt itself, or any other organization as the Board deems
appropriate, from the restrictions and requirements of this Policy and any
applicable rules and regulations regarding use of the Community Room. The Board reserves the right to administer
this Policy and other matters relating to use of the Community Room through a
duly authorized committee.
Revised January 10, 2002