Community Space Usage Form
Our Mission
Recognizing literacy as the keystone to education, Fletcher Memorial Library is committed to providing our community with the opportunity to learn, grow and acquire knowledge independently via a diverse, relevant and current collection of materials and on-line resources. With Public Internet Access available 24/7, the library serves as the community’s link to the information superhighway
Community Meeting Space Usage & Forms
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FLETCHER MEMORIAL LIBRARY Community Meeting Space Policy:
Fletcher Memorial Library [FML] is pleased to make our Community, Historical, Activity Room and Kitchen available for use by Non-profit 501 (c) 3, and For-Profit organizations within in our service area of Ludlow, Plymouth, Mt. Holly & Cavendish. There is no fee for Non-Profits. For-Profit entities have a suggested donation of $50.
FML space is available for the purpose of education, community outreach or support. Requests filled are based upon availability, during or after FML hours. Meetings may not interfere with library operations, patrons, or adversely affect the library atmosphere. See any library staff for space requests with approval w by the library director. FML policy is signed in agreement by the organization wishing to use Fletcher Memorial Library’s community space. FML does not offer our space to special interest political or religious organizations.
GROUPS OR INDIVIDUALS USING FML SPACE ARE REQUIRED TO ADHERE TO LIBRARY POLICIES.
§ While using our space NO FEE may be charged to attendees by your organization.
§ For Profit organizations must provide a Certificate of Insurance
§ A Designated Member [DM] of the organization requesting our space is accountable for the meeting.
§ Room set-up and break down is the responsibility of the DM.
§ The DM may request to be shown how to operate the lift. Our REAR ENTERANCE is to be used to enter and exit the library.
§ During Library Hours, the DM is required to check-in/out at the Main desk.
§ FML space is to be left as it was found – clean, neat and with trash removed.
§ For emergency use – there is a phone in the Kitchen.
§ Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug use is PROHIBITED inside or outside on library property or consumed during any function in the library or on library grounds.
FML is a 501 (c) 3 PF with complete governance by our Board of Trustees. We are not a Municipal Department.
Our Space is to be left as you found it, if you notice damage please report it immediately to library staff.
General Library Use Info:
- For your use, folding tables are available in the room or in the hallway beyond our kitchen.
- The rear entrance is the only entrance available for your use.
- Room is to be left arranged as found – please be careful of our walls if moving tables.
- Chairs are not to be stacked more than 4 high.
- As you leave, be sure all lights are turned off behind you.
- Children are to remain with their parents/guardians unless otherwise arranged.
- Children are not to be unattended.
- Keys are to be left in the basket to the right of the back door as you leave
- Patrons and visitors are asked to observe the following:
- No Cell Phone Use INSIDE the Library (exceptions made with staff permission
- Quiet voices so that others are not disturbed
- Appropriate dress, shoes and shirts required
- Appropriate, non-boisterous and non-harassing behavior
- Appropriate supervision of children
- No use of abusive language or behavior towards staff members or other Library patrons
- No soliciting or selling
- No smoking, loitering, or alcoholic beverages on library property
- Photocopying (printing) - .25 per side
- Scanning documents to email - no charge
- Tax form as available during tax season
An EMERGENCY phone is located in our Kitchen
Following these simple guidelines will ensure the continued availability of our Community Space.
Thank You!
Confidentiality of Library Patron Records ~ VT State Statute
ACT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Title 22 : Libraries, History, and Information Technology Chapter 003 : Public Libraries, Subchapter 001 : FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICE (Cite as: 22 V.S.A. § 67) § 67. Public libraries; statement of policy; use of facilities and resources (a) The General Assembly declares it to be the policy of the State of Vermont that free public libraries are essential to the general enlightenment of citizens in a democracy and that every citizen of the State of Vermont should have access to the educational, cultural, recreational, informational, and research benefits of a free public library.
(b) The trustees, managers, or directors of a public library may use library resources as a community center. Community centers may serve as forums and exhibition areas for the exchange of ideas that encourage the growth of artistic, educational, literary, and scientific knowledge as well as the intercultural understanding of the Vermont citizenry. Public libraries may cooperate with community groups to provide these services.
Chapter 004 : Library Patron Records (Cite as: 22 V.S.A. § 172) § 172. Library record confidentiality; exemptions (a) A library’s patron registration records and patron transaction records shall remain confidential.
(b) Unless authorized by other provisions of law, the library’s officers, employees, and volunteers shall not disclose the records except:
(1) with the written permission of the library patron to whom the records pertain;
(2) to officers, employees, volunteers, and agents of the library to the extent necessary for library administration purposes;
(3) in response to an authorized judicial order or warrant directing disclosure;
(4) to custodial parents or guardians of patrons under 12 years of age; or
(5) to the custodial parents or guardians of a student, in accordance with the federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, by the library at the school the student attends.
(c) Statistical records pertaining to the patronage, circulation activities, and use of any service or consultation the library provides, provided that they do not contain the names of patrons or any other personally identifying information, shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter. (Added 2007, No. 129 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2023, No. 85 (Adj. Sess.), § 244, eff. July 1, 2024; 2023, No. 150 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. July 1, 2024.)
(c) To ensure that Vermont libraries protect and promote the principles of free speech, inquiry, discovery, and public accommodation, it is necessary that the trustees, managers, or directors of free public libraries adopt policies that comply with the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and State and federal civil rights and antidiscrimination laws. (Added 1997, No. 73 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2023, No. 150 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.)
