The meeting rooms of the Ashby Free Public Library are available for non-profit educational, recreational and civic purposes provided that such use does not interfere with regular library services or programs and that those groups using the facilities conform to the following rules:
- Reservations for use of the meeting space must be made by a responsible member of the organization requesting the use of the room who will see that all library rules are followed.
- Requests for reservations are submitted in person at the Circulation desk. Rooms will be assigned in order of request. Library related activities will receive priority in the use of all of the meeting space.
- Regular library service must take precedence over all other activities and the use of the meeting space must not interfere with the operation of the library.
- Room capacities, limited by Massachusetts Fire Regulations, are given on the Meeting Room Reservation Form. The group using the room is responsible for compliance to the regulations.
- Meeting space is only available during regular library hours. All use of the Meeting Rooms must begin after the library has opened to the public and meeting rooms must be cleared 10 minutes before scheduled closing time. A request to waive this rule must be made in writing at least one week in advance to the Library Director.
- No admission fee may be charged, unless with the express permission of the Library Director or Board of Library Trustees.
- Private parties by invitation only are not permitted unless pre-approved by the Board of Library Trustees.
- No smoking or alcoholic beverages are allowed in the building or near either of the library entrances.
- Groups holding meetings must assume responsibility for any loss or damage to the Library property and must leave the facilities in order. Nothing may be hung on the walls of the meeting room.
- The Library is not responsible for materials, supplies, or equipment owned by the group and used by them in the Library.
- Only light refreshments may be served in the Wilder Craft Room or the Sibley Historic Room meeting spaces. Groups serving refreshments must leave the room clean and remove all left over food and drink and empty all trash.
- The Library Trustees reserve the right to refuse the use of the library meeting rooms or cancel any reservation when they deem the action to be in the best interest of the Library and/or Town.
- The Library meeting rooms will not be available for use in the event that the building is closed due to emergency conditions or inclement weather.
- Use of the Meeting Room by any group in no way constitutes endorsement of that group’s policies or activities by the Library.
- Failure to comply with these policies will result in non-use of these rooms.
- GROUPS USING THE ROOM SHOULD FAMILIARIZE THEMSELVES WITH THE FIRE SAFETY AND BUILDING EVACUATION PLANS. Exit doors are kept unlocked in keeping with fire safety codes.
- Craft supplies that are stored in the Wilder Craft Room may not be used without permission of Library Staff.