Need a Meeting Space?
If you are in need of a meeting space, check out the library. We have a meeting room at both locations that can be used during library hours.
Please read our meeting room policy and call us with any questions. Mt. Victory at 937-354-4445 or Ridgeway at 937-363-3066.
Our meeting room forms are available to be downloaded below. Print them, fill them out and bring them to the library!
Library Meeting Room Policy
The Ridgemont Public Library maintains a meeting room. The meeting room is intended to further the library’s mission by facilitating the exchange of diverse information and ideas.
The primary purpose of the meeting room is to promote library services through programs, meetings and other library activities presented by library staff or other organizations affiliated with the library. When the meeting room is not being used for a library activity, the space will be available to the public for governmental, non-profit, civic, cultural or educational programs or meetings. Access will be provided on equal terms, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting use. The library does not advocate or endorse the viewpoints of any group or individual. Trade or professional associations are interpreted to be educational groups. Artistic performances by individuals will be permitted only when co-sponsored by the library.
Types of Meetings
All meetings must be free and open to the general public. Organizations conducting business meetings or presenting programs may wish to restrict or limit public comments during all or part of their meeting or programs. Any such restrictions should in no way interfere with the public’s ability to attend, observe or listen to the program.
Educational courses conducted by non-profit agencies may charge fees for learning materials or course credits, but the program must be open for observation to members of the general public who do not pay fees.
For the purpose of fundraising or book signings, only events sponsored by the library, or other
organizations affiliated with the library are permitted.
Meeting room programs must not interfere with library operations or cause a disturbance in the library.
Usage
The meeting room is available on a first-come, first-served basis during normal library hours. Library sponsored or co-sponsored programs take precedence over other groups at all times. The library reserves the right to cancel a reservation if the space is required for use by the library or a library-related organization. Except in an emergency, two (2) days notice will be given for any cancellation made by the library. The library will make every effort to avoid a cancellation but does reserve the right.
Groups can schedule regular meetings no more than eight (8) weeks in advance. All organizations or groups must complete a Meeting Room Contract form each time they reserve space. Either at the time of application or after review, verbal or written confirmation from the library must be received before a request has been formally approved.
The meeting room is available during the hours that the library is open to the public. All meetings must be completed no later than fifteen (15) minutes before the library closes.
Meeting room reservations are scheduled for specific prearranged times. All meetings and events including time to set up and clean up must take place within the prearranged times.
The library cannot guarantee to have assistance available at the time of the event.
Refreshments and light catered meals may be served. Cooking is not permitted. Nor is use of the staff lounge/kitchen area. Food and beverages must be consumed in the meeting room only. Groups must supply their own serving supplies. Any leftover food or beverages will be disposed of at the discretion of the library. Users are responsible for cleaning up and restoring the room to its original condition before leaving. The $25.00 deposit fee for janitorial services will be reimbursed if the meeting space is returned to original condition/order. Please see the “Fees” sections for more information.
Burning candles, Sterno or other flammable substances are prohibited.
Without prior approval from the library Director, live animals are prohibited unless they are needed to assist a visitor with a disability.
No smoking or alcoholic beverages are allowed in the library.
Nothing may be affixed or mounted in any way to the walls or ceiling (without approval from the staff).
Information Materials and Endorsements
Use of a meeting room does not constitute library sponsorship and/or endorsement. No individual or group may state or imply library endorsement or sponsorship of events in the library meeting room without written approval from the library director. To establish the fact that the Ridgemont Public Library is not sponsoring the event, all publicity which uses the name of the library must include the statement: “Sponsored by...” (the name of the organization reserving the room). Announcements or publicity must include an address or telephone number other than the library as a contact for information.
Material such as pamphlets and flyers may be posted or distributed within the meeting space.
Failure to comply with meeting room policy or rules may result in loss of meeting room privileges including immediate termination of a meeting by appropriate library personnel.
Liability
The library assumes no liability for theft or damage to property brought onto library property or for injuries which occur as a result of actions of sponsors or participants during activities taking place in the meeting room.
The individual or group reserving the meeting room will be held responsible for the order and conduct of the group and for any loss or damage to library property. Young children accompanying adult users of the meeting room shall not be left unattended in the library. Minors are not permitted to use the meeting room without adult supervision.
Any abuse or misuse of facilities will be sufficient cause to deny the use of library meeting rooms in the future.
Contracts, Fees and Refunds
Persons or groups must submit a completed Meeting Room Contract form to the Circulation Desk or via email at least ten (10) days before the event. The reservation is not confirmed until the form has been submitted, approved and full payment has been made.
Charges for use of the meeting room:
FREE - during open hours, as long as you’re not bringing in food and not for profit
$30 - during open hours, and/or for profit
$30 - After hours
Separate $25 deposit fee for janitorial services if the meeting space is being used with food, art supplies, and/or after hours. This fee can be applied as necessary by the Director. This fee will be reimbursed if the room is left clean and in its original condition.
All fees are due when the application is submitted. All monies paid will be refunded if the library, for whatever reason, is unable to provide space. If there is a cancellation by the group itself, notification must be received by the library.
Cancellations should be made as soon as possible in order to make the space available for others. See refund section below.
The library retains the right to deny the space to any user whose planned use of the space does not comply with these terms. The library Director has final say in meeting room decisions