Meeting Room Policy – Rampart Library District

Policy Statement

Approved 02/12/2000. Revised 12/14/2021, 04/11/2023, 06/13/2023, 05/14/2024, 06/11/2024, and 09/17/2024.

Rampart Library District (RLD) provides open access to information, including ideas and the free expression of different points of view.

RLD’s Meeting Rooms Policy and practices operate in accordance with CRS 24-216-1(2) declarations as follows:

SECTION 1. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly finds and declares that librarians are highly trained and educated and that they intentionally and thoughtfully select library resources for their specific communities to educate and entertain public library patrons.
(2) The general assembly further finds and declares that:

(a) A full range of books and other library resources should be provided for the interest and enlightenment of all people in the communities that public libraries serve;
(b) The opportunity to be exposed to a wide variety of perspectives and experiences via books and other library materials engenders empathy and understanding;
(c) Recent challenges to library materials have targeted various protected classes, including individuals based on their race and sexual orientation, constituting dangerous discrimination and limiting some individuals from adequate representation and participation in institutional public life;
(d) Community members have challenged the inclusion of library resources in public libraries and have successfully demanded the removal of library resources;
(e) Removing library resources prevents others from examining, enjoying, and learning from the removed library resources; and
(f) It is important that public libraries’ policies for the acquisition, retention, display, reconsideration, and use of library resources and for the use of public library facilities comply with standards that identify the priorities and mission of public libraries.

RLD’s Meeting Room policy and practices operate in accordance with CRS 24-90-122 standards, as added by CRS 24-216-2(2), and as follows:

(a) A PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVES AS A CENTER FOR VOLUNTARY INQUIRY AND THE DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION AND IDEAS;
(b) THE PUBLIC HAS THE RIGHT TO ACCESS A RANGE OF SOCIAL, POLITICAL, AESTHETIC, MORAL, AND OTHER IDEAS AND EXPERIENCES THROUGH A PUBLIC LIBRARY;
(c) EACH LIBRARY RESOURCE IS PROVIDED FOR THE INTEREST, INFORMATION, AND ENLIGHTENMENT OF THE COMMUNITY AND SHOULD
(d) A PUBLIC LIBRARY SHALL NOT EXCLUDE A LIBRARY RESOURCE BECAUSE OF THE ETHNIC ORIGIN, ETHNIC BACKGROUND, OR GENDER IDENTITY OF THOSE CONTRIBUTING TO THE CREATION OF THE LIBRARY RESOURCE OR BECAUSE OF THE TOPIC ADDRESSED BY THE LIBRARY RESOURCE OR THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE LIBRARY RESOURCE;
(e) A PUBLIC LIBRARY SHALL NOT PROSCRIBE OR PROHIBIT THE CIRCULATION OR PROCUREMENT OF A LIBRARY RESOURCE BECAUSE OF PARTISAN OR DOCTRINAL DISAPPROVAL OF THE LIBRARY RESOURCE;
(f) IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF A PUBLIC LIBRARY TO CHALLENGE CENSORSHIP IN THE FULFILLMENT OF ITS RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE INFORMATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT;
(g) A PUBLIC LIBRARY SHALL CONSIDER THE PERSPECTIVES OF MARGINALIZED GROUPS, INCLUDING THOSE IDENTIFIED IN SECTION 22-1-104 (1)(a);
(h) FOR A PUBLIC LIBRARY THAT PROVIDES FACILITIES TO THE PUBLIC, THE LIBRARY SHALL MAKE THE FACILITIES AVAILABLE ON AN EQUITABLE BASIS, REGARDLESS OF THE BELIEFS OR AFFILIATIONS OF INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS REQUESTING THEIR USE; AND
(i) A PUBLIC LIBRARY SHALL PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION BASED ON AGE, BACKGROUND, POLITICAL OR RELIGIOUS VIEWS, ORIGIN, DISABILITY, RACE, COLOR, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, GENDER EXPRESSION, MARITAL STATUS, NATIONAL ORIGIN, OR ANCESTRY IN THE SELECTION, RETENTION, DISPLAY, USE, OR RECONSIDERATION OF LIBRARY RESOURCES AND PUBLIC MEETING SPACES.

RLD also recognizes the Library Bill of Rights, Article 6, which states: “Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.” By allowing the use of the meeting rooms, RLD does not sponsor or endorse the views, purposes, programs, or activities of any group or individual.

In light of these tenets and laws, RLD does not allow requests for reconsideration of meeting room use.

Guidelines

Reserving parties must be 18 years of age or older to reserve space.
Library staff will have access to any meeting room at any time, except for rooms sealed during polling times.
RLD reserves the right to terminate a meeting for any reason, and may cancel or refuse meeting room use at any time.
The reserving party agrees to conduct its meeting in an agreeable and orderly manner.
Meeting room users may not violate any law.
Meeting room activities must not disrupt library use or operations.
Reserving parties must enforce meeting room capacities.
The library may deny subsequent use of any room to groups that violate RLD policies and regulations.
Only the large meeting rooms at the Woodland Park and Florissant Libraries are available for reservations outside of usual operating hours.
At the Director’s discretion, other branch spaces may be used as meeting rooms.
Neither groups nor individuals who reserve rooms may store items at the library.
Neither the name nor address of RLD or its branches may be used as the official address or headquarters of a group or organization, with the exception of Rampart Library District Foundation and the Friends of the Florissant Public Library.
RLD will charge for cleaning, repairs, or replacements due to damage.
Smoking is not allowed in any part of the library at any time.
Alcohol consumption is not permitted except for special events approved by the library board.
Firearms are not allowed in meeting rooms.
Reserving parties must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Reserving parties are responsible for setup, teardown, and cleanup of rooms, including storage of chairs, tables, and equipment. They must return the furnishings to the original configuration at the close of the event.
Meetings must be adjourned, and rooms cleaned, closed, and locked by the end of the reserved time.

Priority for Use

RLD activities have first priority.
Meetings are scheduled in the order in which applications are received.
The libraries are designated as polling places. Meetings may be rescheduled and canceled, with fees refunded, if a conflict with polling requirements occurs.

Use Fees

There is no fee for use by government agencies, non-profit groups, community groups (clubs, collectives, and groups with common interests), and library affiliated groups.
For-Profit and Commercial Groups:
- Large meeting room $50/hour
  Rotary Terrace $50/hour
  Board Room $25/hour
  Colorado Room $25/hour
  RLD Studio $10/hour
  Small Meeting Room(s) $10/hour
Social Events (Wedding, Showers, Birthday Parties, Funeral, etc.):
- Large meeting room $50/hour
  Rotary Terrace $50/hour
Use outside of normal operating hours will require a $100 deposit.

Approved 02/12/2000. Revised 12/14/2021, 04/11/2023, 06/13/2023, 05/14/2024, 06/11/2024, and 09/17/2024.