Room hire in libraries

Many libraries have rooms, or space, that may be booked by individuals and groups for meetings, either private or open to the public. Access can often be arranged outside normal library opening hours. Simple catering facilities and toilets are also often accessible.

The following rules are generally applied:-

Entertainment
If the premises are required for dramatic, musical or film recitals, or if optical projections of any kind are used, the hirer must guarantee that permission, where necessary, has been obtained from copyright holders for public performance and that the requirements of the Licensing Authorities have been met. Gambling is not permitted on the premises.

Refreshments
No excisable liquor may be sold or supplied unless the permission of the Principal Librarian has been obtained and the premises have any necessary license.

Safety
Smoking is not permitted in any part of library buildings.

Nuisance
The hirer shall not do, or permit to be done upon the premises, anything which may be or become a nuisance or annoyance to, the quiet or comfort of the owners or occupiers of adjoining property. Animals are not permitted on the premises, with the exception of guide dogs.

Loss and damage
Any damage caused will be the responsibility of the hirer, who will be asked to pay for repair or replacement. Shropshire County Council does not accept responsibility for any loss or damage to clothing or other personal property arising out of the letting. Screws, nails, drawing pins etc. may not be driven into any part of the premises or furniture. Adhesives, including sticky tape and putty like substances, may not be used to place notices or posters onto walls or furniture.

Equipment
Any crockery used must be washed, dried and left ready for subsequent use. Electrical equipment, including lighting, not belonging to the County Council may not be used unless confirmation is received in advance, on an official form, that such equipment has been tested and is safe.

Access
Unless a member of staff is on duty, keys will be provided and these must be collected in advance when the library is open. Evening meetings are to end no later than 10.30 p.m. All lights and plugs should be switched off and doors locked before leaving. Keys should be returned immediately after locking up by posting through the letter-box.

Booking conditions
The current charges vary across the county but are usually in the range of £6 to £15 per session, being a morning, afternoon or evening. Cheques should be made payable to Shropshire County Council. If paying by post and a receipt is required, please enclose a stamped addressed envelope.

Sub-letting is forbidden. Any abuse of the facilities may lead to cancellation of any further bookings by that individual.