Policy for the Use of Potter Hall

 

“As an institution of education for democratic living, the library should welcome the use of its meeting rooms for socially useful and cultural activities and discussion of current public questions.  Such meeting places should be available on equal terms to all groups in the community regardless of the beliefs and affiliations of their members, provided that the meetings are open to the public.” 
                                      American Library Association/Library Bill of Rights

 

1.   In accordance with the Library Bill of Rights, the Board of Trustees of the South Kingstown Public Library welcomes the use of Potter Hall by all town, state, and federal boards, commissions, agencies, and officials, as well as individuals and non-profit community groups and organizations (hereafter referred to as the users).

 

2.             In general, meetings are open to the public.  Recognizing the lack of meeting room facilities within the town, the Board will allow a user to hold meetings that are restricted to its membership.

 

3.             Potter Hall cannot be used for profit making or commercial activities unless the library is the sole beneficiary of said activities.

 

4.             The fact that a user is permitted use of Potter Hall does not in any way constitute an endorsement by the South Kingstown Public Library of the user’s policies or beliefs.

 

5.             Use of Potter Hall is permitted on Sunday, Saturday evening and holidays with the exception of Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

 

6.             Use of Potter Hall after 10:00 PM is not permitted.

 

7.             There are no kitchen facilities for Potter Hall.  Any user has permission to supply light refreshments providing all refreshments are removed from the hall at the end of the meeting.

 

8.             Smoking is not allowed in the building at any time.

 

9.             Room capacity (112 people), as determined by the Fire Marshal, will be observed at all times.

 

10.           Open flames, flame devices, candles or theatrical smoke are not permitted.

 

11.           The user is responsible for paying for any breakage or damage to library property that may occur while using the room.

 

12.           The library is not responsible for equipment, clothing or other items left on its premises.

 

13.           The library reserves the right to conduct programs at any time under its own direction.  A library-sponsored program has priority over other uses.  In the event of a scheduling conflict, users will be given one month’s notice if possible.

 

14.           When planning publicity for an event, please refer to the meeting room as Potter Hall, Kingston Free Library.
                                               
15.           Any user charging an admission fee or requesting a donation while using Potter Hall will be required to pay a rental fee.  Fee: $50 for up to two hours of use; $75 for two - four hours of use.

 

16.           Any user is required to use the Upper College road entrance to Potter Hall.  Use of the front entrance facing Kingstown Road is not permitted for security reasons.

 

The Board of Trustees through its designated agent, the Library Director, reserves the right to withdraw Meeting and Conference Room privileges from an individual, group or organization not conforming to its policies and procedures.  The Board may also refuse the use of the rooms by an individual, group or organization if its use would interfere with normal library operations.

 

Adopted 4/95

Revised 2/99

Revised 12/04

Revised 9/08

 

This policy is posted on the web for your information. In case of discrepancy, the official policy resides in the administrative office at the central library. A complete list of policies is also available from the administrative office.

 

Potter Hall Procedures Potter Hall Application