All branch libraries of the Pocahontas County Free Libraries (PCFL) have meeting rooms available for use by individuals, organizations, businesses and groups. The following rules apply:

Since PCFL is a public institution supported by public funds, programs may not discriminate or exclude anyone based upon recognized federal and state criteria.

Library related activities take precedence. Library sponsored programs and activities have first priority for use of the meeting rooms.

Meeting rooms are to be use for educational, cultural, intellectual or charitable meetings or programs. Commercial activities including the promotion or sale of items or services are prohibited unless ancillary to a promoted event (i.e. an author’s presentation; the school’s book fair).

The meeting rooms are available for free of charge to non-profit applicants. For-profit applicants or private parties must pay via check or cash before their confirmed meeting date. Each branch determines the nonrefundable fee.

Approval is granted on a first come, first served basis. It is recommended that you call at least three weeks in advance. Reservations will be cancelled ten minutes after the scheduled time if the party that reserved the room does not show up.

Meeting rooms may be reserved for recurring regularly scheduled meetings. Each group wishing to use the meeting room for regular meetings should submit a request with the meeting dates in December for the following year. In order that other groups might have an opportunity to obtain a certain time slot, a particular group may use a locked-in time slot at a library facility only for one year before going on a waiting list. If no other group is on the waiting list, then a one-year extension can be granted.

Use of meeting room does not necessarily constitute library sponsorship or endorsement. The library’s telephone number may not be used for any purpose of an organization. Please limit calls to emergency only.

Contributions may not be solicited nor a fee charged by an organization for programming related to the meeting room.

Smoking is prohibited. Please do not block the exits when smoking outside. Properly dispose of butts and matches.

Rooms must be left in the condition they were found. The organization or person reserving the meeting room is responsible for any and all damages. This includes appropriate responsibility for bathrooms and kitchen. Each branch will have a cleaning checklist to follow and turn in to the librarian.

The library will not be responsible for accidents and injuries and will assume no responsibility for equipment, supplies or other items owned by group or individual and used in the library.

All organizations or persons using the room must adhere to the Code of Patron Behavior. Violation may result in cancellation of future meetings.

Kitchen facilities are available at some branches to those wishing to serve minor refreshments. The kitchen should be requested when the meeting room is reserved. Some branches have a stove, refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker; however, the kitchen is not designed for meals or major food preparation. Groups who plan to use the kitchen facilities must furnish their own coffee, cups, plates, flatware, napkins, and other utensils. Groups serving refreshments are expected to clean up after themselves. Failure to clean up may result in loss of meeting room privileges.

Once the library is closed: No one from your group should be in the main library. No items (books, movies, compact disk, audio tapes etc.) may be taken from the library. The group is responsible to ensure that the outside door is locked when the meeting ends.

Parking: When you have a large meeting during regular Library hours, please park on the side street to allow patrons use of the parking lot. (Durbin, McClintic, Hillsboro).