The meeting space at the Hatfield Public Library is available to civic, cultural, charitable, and educational groups and organizations that have a substantial connection to the Hatfield community and are engaged in activities consistent with the library’s mission. Meeting space is not available to businesses or for-profit organizations.

The rooms are not to be used for partisan religious or partisan political purposes. A political party or political group may use space provided that

• The event features a guest speaker on a theme or topic and is not a campaign rally
• The event is open to the public
• An admission fee is not charged
• It is held during open hours and staff are available and present
• No fundraising or collecting of money can take place in the building or on the property
• No distribution of campaign or party/group related buttons, flyers, posters, etc. in the building or on the property
• The event must be advertised as “Presented by [Group name] ” and “held at Hatfield Public Library.” The Library must not be listed as a host or sponsor on any flyers or advertising.

Questions of interpretation will be referred to the Library Director. Final determination rests with the Board of Trustees. Permission to meet at the library does not in any way constitute or imply endorsement of the users’ policies, beliefs, or programs by the library staff or Board of Trustees.

Guidelines for Use

All groups who wish to use the library facilities must contact the Library Director with the specifications for time, regularity, and organization of meetings. All groups who use the library facilities must follow these rules:

• All groups must bring their own equipment, refreshments, paper towels, utensils and anything else necessary.
• All groups must bring equipment for clean-up after programs and meetings, especially when food is served.
• No group is to use the library work areas, or move library materials.  No one may remove or check out library materials unless it is during library open hours and staff is available to help them.
• The room should be left as it was found.  All furniture should be returned to its original location if moved.
• If the library is open, make sure not to block the nonfiction section so that patrons and staff can still access books.  Patrons and staff may need to enter the room during the meeting.
• All groups must have permission to adjust the thermostat and be shown how.
• Any group remaining in the building after the staff has left is responsible for locking all exit doors and shutting off lights.
• Meeting groups must remove their own trash.
• If these rules are not followed, groups may be denied further use of the meeting room.

Approved by the Board of Trustees, 1/4/24