I. General Policy:
The policies governing the use of the meeting rooms of the Lemont Public Library District are in accordance with Article 5 of the Library Bill of Rights which states that as an institution of education for democratic living, the Library should welcome the use of its meeting rooms for socially useful and cultural activities and discussion of current public questions. Such meeting rooms should be available on equal terms to all groups in the community regardless of belief and affiliations of their members.

II. Priority of Use:
Priority in scheduling the use of the Library meeting rooms shall be given in the following order:
A. Library sponsored programs and meetings
B. Educational, cultural, civic and public information events of organizations whose membership includes at least 50% Lemont Public Library District residents
C. Meetings of official agencies, committees and board of governmental entities located within the boundaries of Lemont Public Library District.

III. Restrictions:
The following restrictions apply to the use of Library meeting rooms.
A. Meetings must be open to the public.
B. No admission charge, collection (except for regular club dues) or other money raising activities may be attached to any meeting in the Library rooms, unless proceeds are to go to the Library.
C. Meeting rooms will not be available for purely social gatherings, religious services, or national political party programs.
D. Meetings which would interfere with the functions of the Library and/or its users because of noise or other factors are not permitted.
E. Classes involving the use of hazardous materials are not permitted.
F. Neither the name, address, nor telephone number of the Lemont Public Library District may be used as the address or headquarters for any group using the Library for meeting purposes.

IV. Reservations:
A. Applications for the use of meeting rooms must be made on the form provided. (PDF)
B. Applications are to be submitted as far in advance as possible. Reservations will not be made more than six (6) months in advance nor less than twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the date required.
C. Application for the use of the library facilities does not guarantee approval. Applications will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis.
D. Confirmation or denial of applications for reservations will be made in writing.
E. Applications and cancellations shall be submitted to the library director. No group shall assign its space or reservation to another group. If a meeting room is not used and a reservation cancellation is not given to the library director, the meeting room privileges may be suspended at the discretion of the library director.
F. The library reserves the right to cancel any reservation by giving at least one (1) week’s notice in writing.

V. General Rules:
A. Groups using the meeting rooms are responsible for setting up the room to their requirements and returning equipment and furniture to its proper place upon completion of activity. Meeting rooms must be left reasonably neat, with all trash in waste baskets provided.
B. The library cannot provide porter service for carrying supplies or materials to the meeting rooms, and custodial help is not available.
C. The library cannot provide storage space for equipment or supplies for groups using the meeting rooms.
D. Alcoholic beverages will not be permitted on the premises at any time.
E. Advertisements for meetings held in the library, but not library sponsored, may not be displayed in such a manner as to suggest library sponsorship.
F. Meetings of groups of individuals under 18 years of age must be attended by an adult sponsor who shall be held responsible for any violations of these rules.
G. The library does not have personnel to assist the meetings or programs, to operate equipment, or to help arrange exhibits.
H. No physical changes are allowed in the library meeting rooms except for the rearrangement of furniture. No additional furniture or equipment other than that already available in the meeting rooms will be provided. No additional furniture or equipment, other than audiovisual aids, may be used without prior approval of the library director.
I. Groups using the meeting rooms are responsible for reimbursing the library for any damage that may occur.
J. The person making the reservation should be present at the time of the scheduled activity. This person, as well as the membership of the entity reserving the facilities, shall be responsible for any and all damages that may occur as a result of the use of the facilities and this provision and condition to use the facilities shall be included in the application for use.
K. Permission to use the library meeting rooms may be withheld from groups damaging the room, carpet, equipment, or furniture, or causing a disturbance or any other failure to comply with these rules.
L. The library director of the Lemont Public Library District is the chief person empowered to make decisions regarding the availability and use of the meeting rooms. The library director may delegate authority to approve meeting room requests in accordance with the above policy. Requests for exceptions to any of the above rules must be submitted in writing to the library director at the time of reservation.