The Cary Area Public Library District makes its meeting rooms available, but neither approves nor disapproves of any viewpoint expressed by the users of the meeting rooms. The Library does not endorse any goods or services, makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information, and assumes no liability for the quality or safety of any goods or services which may be the subject of the meetings. When the meeting rooms are not being used by the Library or the Friends of the Library, then the Library will open the space to groups of 10 or more for meetings that are consistent with the Library’s Policy Manual. The following policy for use shall apply to all users except for the Library and the Friends of the Library.
Use of Facility
A. Reservations may be made no more than three months in advance. Reservations will be taken in the following order: Library sponsored programs and meetings; Library related programs and meetings, including the Friends of the Library; not-for-profit community groups and organizations; and for-profit community groups and organizations. Advance notice of forty-eight hours is required if an event is canceled.
B. Rooms may be reserved three times in a three-month period, not to exceed once per month. The person making the reservation must be a Cary Area Library cardholder, at least 18 years old.
C. Facilities will not be made available for meetings where admission is charged or money raised, and will not be available for private parties. The exchange of money for goods or services is prohibited on the Library premises, except by the Library or the Friends of the Library.
D. Babysitting service for children of persons attending meetings is not provided by the Library. Unattended children may not be sent to other areas of the Library while their parents or guardians are attending a meeting or program.
E. The Library will post a sign in all the meeting rooms with a disclaimer stating that the Library does not endorse any goods or services, makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information, and assumes no liability for the quality or safety of any goods or services which may be the subject of meetings. All meetings shall be open to the public.
F. Publicity is the responsibility of any group reserving the meeting room. If requested, the Library will post publicity on the Library’s lobby slatwall, providing it conforms to the Library’s Displays and Exhibits policy. The sponsoring group must be identified on all publicity displayed or published. Publicity may not carry the Library’s telephone number.
G. If light refreshments are to be served, the Library must be informed at the time the reservation is made. No alcoholic beverages may be served. Rooms should be left neat and clean and ready for the next scheduled group. A custodial fee of $50 may be charged for cleanup. Fees will be charged to the library card of the person who reserved the room.
H. The use of meeting rooms shall conform to all local, state or federal laws. State law prohibits smoking in public facilities.
I. Users shall assume responsibility for cleaning up and for any damage to Library property or the facility. The Library may assess charges for damage or cleaning. Fees will be charged to the library card of the person who reserved the room (see fee schedule). The Library assumes no responsibility for personal belongings.
J. Library expects organizations to be considerate of Library patrons and activities. The Library Director or her/his designee has the power to terminate any meeting disruptive to Library operations.
K. Meeting room may only be used for candidate forums when the following conditions are met: a) All candidates are invited to attend b) The forum is sponsored by a non-partisan group c) All candidates for the particular office must agree in writing to attend the forum, or indicate in writing that they do not oppose the forum being held even though they are unable to attend. All of the above criteria are required at the time of application.
L. Deviations from the above policies will jeopardize future access to the facilities.
M. All reservations are subject to the approval of the Library Director or her/his designee.
Procedure
- Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance. Approval is based on Library program scheduling.
- The meeting room is available from:
a. 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday
b. 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
c. 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday - The room may be requested for an additional meeting with 48 hours notice based on availability and Library administration confirmation.