George H. &
Laura E. Brown Library
Meeting Room and Exhibit Policies
As a public institution
dedicated to the free expression and free access to ideas presenting all
points of view concerning the problems and issues of our times, all meeting rooms and exhibit spaces in the George
H. & Laura E. Brown Public Library are available on equal terms for
the lawful activities of all groups and persons of Beaufort County. Use
will not be denied or abridged because of racial, philosophic, religious,
political, social, or economic status so long as use does not conflict
with the policies set forth in this document. It should be explicitly
understood that granting use of the library's facilities does not imply
endorsement by the George H. & Laura E. Brown Public Library of the
group, the meeting, or the ideas presented at the meeting or in the exhibit
space.
1. Meeting areas and
exhibit spaces may be used only during library hours and at other times
with the approval of the library director.
2. All programs and
exhibits shall be open to the public. No fees may be charged or solicited
by the user to any persons attending such functions except with the permission
of the library director to defray the costs of purchased entertainment,
speakers, or production.
3. Programs, meetings,
and exhibits may not disrupt the use of the library by others. Persons
attending the meeting are subject to all library rules and regulations.
Although the library does not censor materials, all exhibits should nevertheless
be in good taste and suitable for display in a public facility.
4. Booking will be
on a first come, first served basis.
5. Library facilities
shall be left in a clean and orderly condition. Any damages occurring
during a group's use of the library's facilities will be the responsibility
of the person who reserved the room for that group. No use of the facilities
may be made for any activities that have a high potential for damage to
the facilities or physical harm to individuals. The group and/or individuals
requesting the use of the meeting rooms should be aware that the signing
of the application by any representative of the group releases the library
of any responsibility for any damage, loss, or personal injury suffered
during the period of agreement. The library will not be responsible for
materials and equipment left in the building by users.
6. Meeting rooms and
exhibit areas may not be used for private social functions, by partisan
political groups, or denominational groups wishing to use the rooms for
worship services. Committees or associations affiliated with one or more
churches will be allowed the use of the meeting rooms for business transactions
when no religious services are involved. Non-partisan political groups
may also be allowed space for educational meetings open to the public.
7. Any group using
a room shall be responsible for any advance preparations their meeting
necessitates. Light refreshments may be served when approved by the library
director. No alcoholic beverages--with the exception of wine--are permitted
at any time. Smoking is not permitted.
8. If in the opinion
of the library director the purpose of a meeting is inconsistent with
the reasons for which the library exists, use of the facilities may be
denied. Also, any group or individual may be rejected for any present
or past violations of the guidelines presented above. Individuals or groups
denied use of the library facilities may appeal to the George H. &
Laura E. Brown Library Board
of Trustees.
Application
for Meeting Room or Exhibit Reservation
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