The Elaine M. Higgs Community Room is available at the Wharton Public Library primarily to support library programs and functions that further the goals of the library. When not being used by the library, the room is available to established not-for-profit groups based in Wharton. In accordance with the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and its interpretation pertaining to meeting rooms, the library does not limit use of the meeting room based on the subject matter or content of the meeting or on the beliefs or affiliations of the meeting’s sponsors.
Except for library and library-related programs, groups may not use the meeting room more than once each month; limited series of weekly or daily meetings may be scheduled at the discretion of the Library Director. The meeting room may be reserved up to ninety (90) days in advance. Fees, rules, and procedures for use of the meeting room are established by the Library Board of Trustees and are reviewed annually. A copy of the fee schedule, rules, and procedures will be provided with the application for meeting room use. A completed and signed application must be returned to the library director within two business days or the reservation may be subject to cancellation. The library board may waive fees under exceptional circumstances.
Groups using the community room are required to set up for their meeting, return furniture and equipment to its original location, and leave the room clean and in good condition. The library will not supply overhead or media projectors, flip charts, computers, chalkboards, coffeepots, etc. Meeting planners are encouraged to provide their own equipment. The library cannot provide consumable supplies (pen, paper).
Use of the meeting room does not imply endorsement, support, or co-sponsorship by the Wharton Public Library of the activities that take place in the meeting room or of the beliefs of the group using the meeting room. Groups or individuals using the meeting room may not imply that the event or program is sponsored, co-sponsored, or endorsed by the library in any advertising or publicity.
No selling, solicitation, or taking of orders may occur without written permission from the library director. No admission may be charged for programs held in the meeting room. Groups failing to comply with any part of this policy or the established procedures will be denied further use of the meeting room. A library staff member may be present at any time during the meeting.
The Community Room may be reserved by professional, business and governmental groups and by any local, organized, non-profit group in Wharton Borough. In accordance with the Wharton Public Library policies, this tax-supported facility may be used only by groups whose membership is open to all without restriction based upon race, sex or religious creed.
A copy of the meeting room policy and application form may be obtained at the Library Circulation Desk.
The Community Room has a capacity of 100 and contains a drop-screen. Fees are as follows:
