Purpose
The purpose of the library meeting room is to provide space for programs or meetings either sponsored by the library or initiated by the public for cultural, educational, or informational purposes.
Types of Meetings
All meetings scheduled in the meeting room shall be free and open to the public.
The meeting room is not to be used for solicitation purposes. The library adheres to a strict no solicitation policy in the building and on its grounds with the exception of library and Friends of the Library business.
Library premises may be used for non-partisan political meetings or events such as candidate’s nights, which invite all candidates and are sponsored by independent organizations.
Library premises may be used by religious groups in order to hold non-denominational or interdenominational meetings.
Private social gatherings are not permitted.
Only the library or library-related groups may conduct a fundraiser in the library.
Facilities & Fees
The full meeting room has a seated capacity of 125. A half-room divider can create two rooms.
Groups serving food and/or beverages must provide their own supplies. All groups are responsible for cleaning up after their meeting and leaving the room as they found it.
The meeting room is free of charge. Groups who wish to serve refreshments at their meeting must pay a $10 fee to cover cleaning costs.
Scheduling and Reservations
Library-sponsored activities will always take precedence when scheduling meeting room use. Non-library groups who wish to use the room will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. To check meeting room availability, please call (219) 873-3049 on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Meeting room reservations will not be considered final until the library has reviewed the application. The application must contain complete information about the nature and content of the program. The library reserved the right to refuse a group based on an incomplete application and/or a program that is not in keeping with the purpose of the room and the policies of the library.
Meetings are to be scheduled during regular library hours. All meetings must end 15 minutes prior to the library’s scheduled closing time.
Library Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 9:00am to 8:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 9:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday: Closed
The meeting room application and applicable fee must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the desired meeting date. The application may be mailed to the library, faxed to (219) 873-3475, or turned in to the Circulation Desk to the attention of Robin Kohn.
The library cannot guarantee the meeting room to non-library groups more than 90 days or less than one week in advance. No more than four meetings per calendar year may be held by individuals or groups that are not library-sponsored. If your meeting has been canceled or postponed, please notify the library as soon as possible. Another group may be waiting to use the room.
Rules for Meeting Room Use
No activity shall be permitted which shall in any manner be potentially or directly destructive to library property or to the operation of the library. Organizations that reserve the meeting room assume full financial responsibility for any damage incurred resulting from the use of the meeting room.
The library assumes no responsibility for the personal belongings of those attending meetings.
Permission to use the meeting room does not in any way constitute approval or endorsement by the library of the group’s policies, beliefs, or activities.
Medical organizations using the room to perform tests, vaccinations, or other procedures are responsible for the clean up and disposal of any medical and/or hazardous waste.
Alcoholic beverages may not be served or consumed in the library.
No smoking is permitted in the library.
All open flames, including the use of candles, are prohibited.
The use of balloons or other non-secured decorations is prohibited in the library.
ADA Compliance
The library will comply with the provisions of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) by providing a qualified interpreter or auxiliary aids upon request at least ten days in advance of library-sponsored programs. Outside groups using the meeting room must also comply with ADA. They are responsible for providing qualified interpreters or auxiliary aids upon request.