The Peru Public Library provides meeting rooms for nonprofit groups and organizations whose aims are cultural, educational, intellectual, and charitable events.
The Library has two small meeting rooms, the East and West rooms. These rooms will hold 4 persons. There is a room in the Adult area which will hold 10-12 individuals (Pending). The large auditorium will hold 50-74+ people. Chairs and tables are available in these rooms.
Rules of Use
Groups using the meeting room must comply with the Peru Public Library Patron Rules of Conduct.
The use of the meeting room will not be granted to those promoting or operating a commercial enterprise.
Solicitation for business purposes while using a library meeting room is prohibited.
Groups requesting the use of library meeting rooms may be asked to produce verification of nonprofit status.
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. A statement to this effect must appear on promotional materials and handouts.
The library does not assume any liability on groups or individuals attending meetings in the library nor does the library assume responsibilities for any loss, damage, costs and/or expense that may arise during use of library facilities.
Groups are responsible for keeping attendance in compliance with levels established by the fire inspector. Room set-ups must not block access to fire extinguishers or impede emergency exits.
All advertising and all sale of merchandise or other materials is forbidden on the premises unless specific approval from the Library Director is obtained in writing prior to the meeting.
Copyright laws specify that feature films and documentaries shown by outside organizations in library meeting rooms are legally permitted only if they are covered under a Public Performance License.
Please fill out an Attendance Form with accurate attendance figures for your meeting or program and return it to library staff. Blank copies of the form are available in the meeting rooms or from library staff.
Group leaders are responsible for notifying individuals of the need to keep conversations at a low level when exiting the meeting room.
Failure to follow this policy, the library rules, or the terms described in this agreement will result in the cancellation of future room booking privileges.
Meeting rooms are in high demand. In order to continue to provide this valuable free service, we need the help and cooperation of all groups who use our facilities. Please let us know if you have suggestions that would help us to improve this service.
Requests for Meeting Rooms
Patrons with a Peru Public Library card or who live in the Peru city limits have priority when scheduling a meeting room.
Library sponsored functions take precedence. Groups may be denied use of meeting rooms or asked to reschedule a previous room reservation if a conflict arises with a library sponsored function.
Meetings are scheduled on a first-come, first served basis.
An authorized member of the group requesting the use of the meeting room will be required to provide information regarding the program.
Requests must include specific dates, times, room requested and the contact person’s name, telephone number and email. It is the organization’s responsibility to confirm room reservations.
Rooms may be reserved up to 12 times within 365 days.
Reservations are taken no more than 3 months in advance.
If space remains available, additional dates may be granted at the discretion of the Director.
Conditions of Use
General
Meetings must be held during regular library hours, Monday through Saturday.
The meeting room must be vacated at least 30 minutes before building
closing time.
Meetings should end on time so that the room can be cleared or prepared for other meetings.
If food or beverages are served the group is responsible for cleaning up and
reporting spills. Continued offenses will result in the group being denied access to meeting rooms.
The library has the right to request a refundable deposit of $50 for the large
auditorium and $25 for the smaller meeting rooms
General courtesy and safety are required. Individuals responsible for the meeting should be sure all attendees know where fire exits are located.
Set up and equipment
The library cannot provide operators for equipment. If instruction is required for equipment operation, it is suggested that a representative of the group request instruction ahead of time.
The Library may require proof that any public audiovisual presentation is not in conflict with copyright laws.
All groups are responsible for arranging chairs and/or tables for their meeting and returning the room to the arrangement prescribed by the library. Library staff is not available for room setup. The group using the room shall leave it in a neat, clean, orderly condition.
Rooms may NOT be used for:
Any purpose, which may interfere with the regular operation of the library.
Personal, company, or family parties
Programs involving the sale, advertising, solicitation, or promotion of
memberships, classes or other services.
No alcoholic beverages may be served.
No smoking, candles or open flames.
Signs
Any press releases, posters or other publicity may note that events are being held in the library, but may not state or imply library sponsorship or endorsement without express permission.
No signs, working papers or posters may be attached to the walls of the meeting room.
PATRON BEHAVIOR
CHILDREN
CHILD DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR
Staff have the right to ask the child and parent to leave if the child is
disruptive or disrespectful to the library environment/and or library staff.
LOST CHILD AT CLOSING
Make an attempt to contact parents
Turn the child over to the police.
Do not drive the child home
UNSPUPERVISED CHILD
A child’s behavior is the responsibility of their custodial parent or legal
guardian at all times.
Children ARE NOT to be left unattended in the library.
Bill of Rights
For the comfort and safety of patrons, volunteers, and staff, and the protection of Library property, the following actions are examples of conduct not allowed on Library property.
- Engaging in any activity in violation of Federal, State, local or other applicable law, or Library policy.
- Carrying firearms and dangerous weapons of any type (except by law enforcement officers).
- Being under the influence of alcohol/illegal drugs and selling, using, or possessing alcohol/illegal drugs.
- Verbally or physically threatening or harassing other patrons, volunteers, or staff, including stalking, staring, lurking, offensive touching, and obscene acts such as sex acts and indecent
exposure. - Soliciting or conducting surveys not authorized by the Library.
- Stealing, damaging, altering, or inappropriate use of Library property in Library facilities or on Library grounds, including computer hardware and software, printers, copiers, phones, and other equipment.
- Trespassing in nonpublic areas, being in the Library without permission of an authorized Library employee before or after Library operating hours, or camping on Library grounds.
- Fighting or challenging to fight, running, pushing, shoving, or throwing things.
- Creating disruptive noises such as loud talking, screaming, or banging on computer keyboards.
- Gambling and group activities which are disruptive to the Library environment.
- Using audible devices without headphones or with headphones set at a volume that disturbs others. Using cell phones, pagers, and other communication devices in a manner that disturbs others. Cell phone and pager audible ringers must be turned off.
- Using restrooms for bathing or shampooing, doing laundry, or changing clothes.
- Littering.
- Smoking, chewing, and other tobacco including vapor smoking is prohibited on Library property.
- Entering the Library barefooted, without a shirt, with offensive body odor or personal hygiene, or being otherwise attired so as to be disruptive to the Library environment.
- Bringing in garbage, articles with a foul odor, or articles which, alone or in their aggregate, impede the use of the library by other users.
- Using wheeled devices in Library property or on Library grounds, except in designated areas, including skateboarding, roller-skating, bicycling, scooters, and shopping carts (exceptions i.e. wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers).
- Lying down or sleeping in the restrooms or on any floor, couch, table, or seat in the Library, and by blocking aisles, exits, or entrances by sitting or lying down in them.
- Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children.
- Bringing pets or animals, other than service animals necessary for disabilities, into the Library, except as authorized by the Director of Public Services.
The library director reserves the right to deny access to the meeting rooms at any time.