Public libraries have traditionally provided free meeting space for members of their communities to encourage free expression and free access to ideas presenting all points of view on subjects of all kinds.

The Hampton Falls Free Library supports this concept and endorses the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, which states:

Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations or individuals or groups requesting their use

The fact that a group is permitted to meet at the Library does not in any way constitute an endorsement of the group’s policies or beliefs by the Library staff or Board of Trustees.

The Hampton Falls Free Library has a meeting room available to the public, with a maximum occupancy of 50 persons as stated by the Fire Marshal.  As the Library is supported by the taxpayers of Hampton Falls, it is subject to the same general rules and prohibitions that govern the use of other tax-supported facilities in the town.

The meeting room is available for use by local non-profit organizations.  Application for the use of the meeting room is made through the librarian at the circulation desk.  All meeting room users must complete the form “Application for Use of the Meeting Room” before their initial meeting at the Library. Once this form is completed and approved by the Library Director and/or Board of Trustees, users may book additional meeting times by telephone if preferred.

All reservations will be processed in the order in which they are received.

A group wishing to charge a fee may do so only with the permission of the Library Director or the Library Trustees.  The proposed fee must be shown to the necessary to cover the costs of the program or class.

No meetings may be held in any public service areas.

All programs must be free and open to the public.

Library-initiated programs will be given priority in reserving the Meeting Room.

Programs may not disrupt the use of the Library by others.  Attendees must enter and exit the building in a quiet, orderly manner.  All groups shall be responsible for providing adult supervision of children in the building and on the groups and parking lot.  Persons attending the meetings are subject to all Library rules and regulations.

Youth groups must have an adult sponsor and one adult in attendance for every six young people.

The Meeting room must be left in a clean and orderly condition.  The organization is responsible for meeting room setup.  Groups serving food and beverages will be responsible for setup and cleanup, will provide all of their own supplies, and will remove all trash and garbage.  No alcoholic beverages, smoking, or open flames will be permitted.

If the Library is forced to close as a result of inclement weather or other extraordinary circumstances, the Librarians will make every effort to contact the applicant, but it is each organization’s responsibility to notify those who would be attending any meeting.  The Library is not responsible for any costs incurred by an organization as a result of such closing.

Each group shall be responsible for any and all damages caused directly or indirectly to the Library, its collections, equipment, facilities, or services by or during its use of the meeting room.

The Library, its staff and Trustees are not responsible for personal articles.

The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of any property brought onto the premises.

The Meeting Room was not intended for the use of any individual for their private work for tutoring, artwork, office space, or an area to “spread out”.

The Library allows authors and performers to sell their books and recording in the Library as part of their program.

Groups using the meeting room on an ongoing basis may not store items there, except by arrangement with the Library Director.

The Meeting Room is handicap-accessible, as are the rest rooms.  Access is through the meeting room door.

If using the Meeting Room outside of library hours, arrangement must be made in advance with the Library Director.

Meeting room privileges may be withdrawn upon cause.

No organization or individual will be permitted to place in the library and receptacle which solicits donations unless approved by the Library Director as a project which supports the Library’s mission, goals, and/or programs.

Approved 11/18/2001
Revised 10/19/2003