Statement of Purpose

     The meeting room of the Sulphur Springs Public Library is primarily intended to support the goals of the library. It is to further the educational, informational, and cultural services of the community and to provide space for the ongoing activities of the library. The meeting room is secondarily available to organizations and groups for the purpose of providing programming and information in the public interest such as discussion groups, panels, lectures, seminars, conferences, exhibits, displays, children's activities, and films.

     The following policies and procedures are established to help insure this intent may be achieved.

Policies

I. A Fee of $125.00 (includes deposit) will be charged for use. ( Large meeting room only. The small conference room is available free of charge to groups of 3 or more individuals depending on availability.) The deposit ($25.00) will be returned if the room is left in a clean satisfactory condition.

II. The room may be used for organizations for non-profit purposes. It may NOT be used for personal or business advancement. No private parties, showers, reunions, etc. are allowed.

III. Fundraising within the library is prohibited unless it is to directly benefit the library. No admission charges, collection, dues or sales shall be made upon the audience or required for participation in any meeting or function held in the room.

IV. All meetings must be open to the public without regard to race, sex, age, religion, national origin, political affiliation or handicaps. Information about all scheduled events will be posted at the library.

V. Use of the library's meeting room does not constitute library or city endorsement of viewpoints expressed by participants in the program. No advertisement or announcement implying such endorsement will be permitted.

Reservations

I. The room may be reserved a minimum of 3 weeks in advance.

II. Reservations must be paid in advance.

III. The group's representative must apply with the library to complete an application form.

IV. This person must be at least 18 years of age and he or she MUST be present at the meeting.

V. This individual, as well the group, will be held responsible for any and all damages that may occur as a result of the use of the facility.

Cancellations

I. The Library Director, City Manager, City Council and Library Advisory Board each reserve the right to refuse the room to any individual or group.

II. All reservations are subject to cancellation in instances where the city and/or the library requires the room for their own purposes.

III. Notification that the group wishes to cancel the reservation should be made at least 7 days in advance in order for the deposit to be refunded. Any cancellations with less notice will not receive any refund.

Use and Care of the Facility

I. Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the library. Smokers must go outside of the building.

II. No physical changes are permitted in the meeting rooms and auditorium except for the rearrangement of furniture. No additional furniture or equipment other than audio/visual aids may be used without prior approval.

III. Nothing may be attached to the walls unless item and method of attachment have prior approval of the Library Director. No decorations, additional furniture, or equipment other than that provided by the library is to be used unless prior approval has been obtained.

IV. Equipment, supplies, or personal effects should not be stored or left in the library meeting room after use. If anything is left, it will be disposed of.

V. Persons/groups renting the facility will be responsible for bringing their own supplies.