Community Rooms

Community rooms are provided to enhance library service to the citizens of Lincoln and Lancaster County.

• General Information
• Locations and Capacities
• Rules

General Information

Who can use the community rooms?
In accordance with the goals and objectives of Lincoln City Libraries, community rooms are provided to enhance library services to the citizens of Lincoln and Lancaster County. Community rooms are primarily for the use of library-sponsored programs. When not in use for library-sponsored events or other city uses, community rooms are available for use by groups which meet the library's guidelines. Community rooms are open to all groups in the community, regardless of the beliefs and affiliations of their members, for educational, civic, and cultural purposes. The community rooms are intended for the use of groups and organizations rather than for use by individuals or for personal, social activities. The community room may be used when one individual tutors another in literacy skills.

To arrange a meeting
Contact the Administration Office at Bennett Martin Library (402-441-8503) to book a meeting or obtain information about the community rooms. Library-sponsored events have first priority for use of library facilities. Advance scheduling and approval by the library is required. At least five business days prior to the event, one completed copy of the the application is to be returned to the library's Administrative Office along with payment for the applicable fees. Applications must be approved by the library, the booking confirmed, and all fees paid before the group can use the community room. Bookings may be made up to one year in advance for non-profit groups and up to thirty days in advance for for-profit groups.

To cancel a meeting
Groups cancelling a meeting booking must report the cancellation to the Administration Office (402-441-8503). The application form signed by the group representative constitutes an agreement that a meeting will take place. If a meeting is cancelled, the library must be notified as soon as possible so the space is available to others. If the group has paid a fee, the fee is forfeited if the cancellation occurs five business days or less from the meeting date.

Food/Refreshments
Light refreshments (snacks) may be served by a group. Arrangements must be made and a snack fee paid in advance. Meals may not be served. Beverages may be served. Groups must provided their own coffee makers, cups, and any other equipment or supplies. Groups are expected to leave the room clean for the next users. Alcohol and smoking are not permitted in the library.

Library Furnishings and Equipment
All community rooms are supplied with chairs and tables. Setting up and taking down folding tables and stacking chairs is the responsibility of the group using the room. The community room must be left in good condition. The person who signs the facility use agreement is held responsible for damages or cleanup requiring custodial service. The library does not assume responsibility for damaged, lost or stolen property of users of the community rooms. Library equipment must be reserved in advance, and all applicable fees paid no less than five business prior to the meeting. Depending on equipment booked, a valid library card may be required. The group must provide supplies such as marker pens, flip chart paper, etc.

Equipment Storage
Storage is not provided for equipment owned by groups using the community rooms. Groups using their own equipment must remove that equipment after each meeting.

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Fees and Fines

Use
There is no fee for government agencies or non-profit groups for use of the community rooms during regular service hours of the library building in which the room is located. All other groups may reserve community rooms for a fee of $10.00 per hour or fraction thereof.

Snacks
Any group serving light refreshments or snacks must pay a fee ($5.00) in advance of the meeting. Meals may not be served. There is no fee if only beverages are served.

Equipment Fees and Availability
Various audio/video equipment is provided for a flat fee of $10.00. Equipment will vary with location.

Fines
All community rooms must be cleared and attendees must be out of the building by closing time. Users violating this policy will be assessed a charge to compensate for staff overtime. The group will be held accountable for damages to the room or equipment. Repair and/or replacement costs associated with any such damage will be charged to the person who signs the facility use agreement.

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Community Room Locations and Capacities

Bennett Martin Public Library
14th & N Streets

Auditorium (4th floor):
100 people seated auditorium-style, or 10 tables (60 people), or 200 children sitting on the floor (there must be one main aisle to the exit and one aisle down the center of the children).

Conference Room (4th floor):
39 people seated auditorium-style, or 6 tables (36 people), or maximum of 49 children sitting on the floor.

Anderson Branch
Fremont & Touzalin

Community Room:
60 people seated auditorium-style, or 7 tables (42 people), or maximum of 110 children sitting on the floor.

Eiseley Branch
1530 Superior Street

Room 1:
9 tables (56 people)

Room 2:
6 tables (38 people)

Both Rooms:
15 tables (94 people)

Gere Branch
56th & Normal

Room 1:
70 people seated auditorium-style, or 7 tables (42 people), or maximum of 102 children sitting on the floor.

Room 2:
40 people seated auditorium-style, or 3 tables (18-20 people), or maximum of 60 children sitting on the floor.

Both Rooms:
120 people seated auditorium-style (7 chairs per row with an aisle down the middle), or 10 tables (60 people), or maximum of 162 children sitting on the floor.

Walt Branch
6701 South 14th Street

Room 1:
9 tables (56 people)

Room 2:
6 tables (38 people)

Both Rooms:
15 tables (94 people)

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Community Room Rules

All meetings conducted by groups using community rooms for non-library related activities shall observe the following rules, and other such rules as may be adopted by the Library Board from time to time and published. The library reserves the right to deny the use of the community rooms to any party not complying with the rules in effect at the time of request or violation. The library reserves the right to interrupt or cancel any meeting that interferes with routine library operations.

1. Groups authorized to use library community rooms must provide information and program services to all persons without regard to race, age, color, national origin, sex or physical challenge.
2. Meetings must be open to the public. Public attendance cannot be restricted through tuition or admission fees.
3. Use of the community rooms for political campaigning is not permitted.
4. No meeting which interferes with the operations and purposes of the library in providing public library service is allowed.
5. Community rooms cannot be used for profit-making purposes, fundraising, or the sale of goods or services.
6. All users of the community rooms must conduct themselves in an orderly manner.
7. Approval to use the library community room is not transferable to another person or group.
8. Groups must not exceed the legal posted capacity of the community room.
9. All community rooms must be cleared and attendees must be out of the building by closing time.
10. No user of a community room shall imply or represent in any way that their activity is sponsored by Lincoln City Libraries without the express written consent of the Library Director. No publicity in connection with any meeting to be held at the library is to make reference to the library except to designate the meeting location.