Ligonier Valley Library Policies
Supporting Access, Respect, and Community
The Ligonier Valley Library is committed to providing a welcoming space that encourages learning, discovery, and connection. Our policies help support this mission by creating a safe, respectful, and accessible environment for all who visit.
Library Bill of Rights
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
VI. 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.
VII. All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.
Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; January 29, 2019.
Patron Code of Conduct
The Ligonier Valley Library Association (the “Library”) welcomes all patrons who, by their presence, acknowledge their responsibility to maintain an atmosphere conducive to the best use of the Library and its services. Our goal is to enable all Library visitors to enjoy an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Each person, regardless of age, can help by respecting the rights of others and complying with Library rules while on Library property. Thank you for your cooperation.
Conduct that disrupts the normal functioning of the Library, includes but is not limited to:
- Communicating threats of harm to any person or property
- Destroying, stealing, or vandalizing Library property or threatening to damage property
- Engaging in activity prohibited by local, state, or federal law
- Displaying obscene or sexually explicit materials or Internet sites in violation of Section 5903 Title 18 of the PA Constitution
- Being under the influence or having possession of alcohol and/or controlled substances
- Using tobacco or nicotine products
- Bringing in firearms, knives, or weapons except as authorized by law
- Engaging in or soliciting any sexual activities
- Using offensive or abusive language
- Using the Library without outer clothing, footwear, and/or inattention to personal hygiene
- Leaving personal belongings unattended
- Monopolizing Library space, equipment, or staff time
- Leaving children under the age of 12 unattended
- Loitering or sleeping
- Moving or misusing Library furniture
- Soliciting for services, money, items, or signatures, except for Library-related activities
- Bringing pets or animals other than service animals inside the Library
- Bringing bicycles, skateboards, or other wheeled vehicles into the Library unless they are used in facilitating one’s use of the Library
- Consuming food or uncovered beverages unless participating in a Library program where food/beverages are served
- Distributing or depositing flyers, pamphlets, literature, or other items that have not been approved by the Library
- Hiding books on display or purposefully inserting flyers, pamphlets, or other literature into books intending to influence personal beliefs
- Harassing, interfering, or violating another’s privacy
If disruptive conduct persists, Library staff has authority to ask patrons whose behavior monopolizes their attention and/or restricts others’ use of the Library to leave. Patrons involved in criminal behavior against the Library will be prosecuted. Repeat offenders will be denied use of the Library. Return to the Library and reinstatement of revoked privileges are by Director’s permission only.
Approved and adopted by the Ligonier Valley Library Association Board of Trustees October 17, 2022
Ligonier Valley Library Meeting Room Policy and Fee Schedule
The Ligonier Valley Library offers three meeting room spaces to support library programs, community use, and collaborative activities. When not in use for library-sponsored events, these spaces are available to the public for studying, tutoring, meetings, and small group collaboration.
The Smart Room (main floor) and Community Room (lower level) may be used without a reservation when available. These rooms function as extensions of the library’s public space; therefore, privacy is not guaranteed unless the room is reserved. The Smart Room, Community Room, and Conference Room may all be reserved for private use, programs, and meetings in accordance with the guidelines below.
Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Library programs and co-sponsored events receive scheduling priority. Patrons should consult the library’s public calendar and confirm availability with staff at the circulation desk before occupying or reserving a room.
All users must comply with the Library Code of Conduct and all other library policies.
Meeting rooms are available to nonprofit organizations, community groups, businesses, and individuals during normal operating hours.
Room Reservations and Fees
Rooms may be reserved at no charge for nonprofit organizations and individuals as long as the activity being conducted is NOT intended to generate income. For example, tutoring, paid programs, and commercial meetings are considered income-generating activities. Otherwise, rooms may be reserved according to the following fee schedule:
Room | Fee | Capacity |
| Community Room (lower level) | $15/hour $50 half day (4 hrs) $100 full day | 100 |
Smart Room (first floor) | $10/hour $35 half day (4 hrs) $70 full day | 25 |
Conference Room (lower level) | $5/hour $15 half day (4 hrs) $35 full day | 15 |
Reservations may be made up to two (2) months in advance.
All reservations must include sufficient time for both setup and cleanup within the reserved time period. Groups may not enter the room prior to their scheduled start time and must vacate the room by the end of their reservation.
To ensure equitable access, reservations for a single individual or organization may not exceed three (3) days per month.
Additional Fees
The following fees apply to both nonprofit and for-profit reservations:
Food and Beverages
The library does not provide food preparation space. Groups may bring in outside food or catering.
A $25 fee will be charged for meetings or events where food or beverages are provided for a group. This fee does not apply to individuals bringing personal items such as coffee or snacks.
Room Setup
Meeting rooms are designed to be flexible and may be rearranged to accommodate different uses.
Groups may arrange tables and chairs themselves at no cost. If library staff are requested to set up the room in advance, a $20 setup fee will be charged.
Technology Use and Support
The library provides limited technology to support presentations and virtual meetings. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. The Community Room includes a projector and screen with an HDMI connection. The Smart Room includes a large display screen with an HDMI connection. Users must provide their own compatible devices and any necessary adapters. The library cannot guarantee compatibility with personal equipment.
Groups are expected to operate equipment independently. If staff assistance is requested for setup or troubleshooting, a $20 technology support fee will apply.
A conference camera is available upon request for virtual meetings. Use of the camera, including staff setup, is subject to a $20 fee.
All technology requests must be made in advance and are subject to staff availability.
Payment and Refunds
Payment is due at the time a reservation is approved. The library accepts cash or check.
Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance to receive a refund. Reservations canceled with less than 48 hours’ notice are non-refundable.
The library reserves the right to revise or cancel reservations as needed.
In the event of an unexpected library closure (such as severe weather or emergency conditions), every effort will be made to reschedule. If rescheduling is not possible, all associated fees will be fully refunded.
Insurance Requirements
Groups of more than 20 participants must provide proof of Comprehensive General Liability Insurance from an A-rated carrier, with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000 combined single limit for property damage and personal injury.
A Certificate of Insurance must name the Ligonier Valley Library Association as an additional insured.
Disclaimer of Endorsement and Publicity
Use of library meeting rooms does not constitute endorsement by the Library or its Board of Trustees.
The library will not promote events held in meeting rooms unless they are library-sponsored or co-sponsored. Reservations will appear on the public calendar as “Room Reservation.”
All publicity must clearly identify the sponsoring individual or organization. No group may imply library sponsorship.
Signage or advertising may not be posted inside or outside the library without permission from the Library Director. The library logo may not be used.
Solicitation of patrons outside of the reserved room is not permitted.
Terms of Use
All meeting room use must comply with local, state, and federal laws, as well as all library policies.
The individual reserving the room must be at least 18 years old and must be present during the reservation. This individual is responsible for the conduct of the group and for any damage to library property.
The library does not permit reservations for programs that duplicate or closely resemble library programming (e.g., story times, author events, film screenings, book clubs, gaming events). The Library Director will make final determinations.
Rooms must be used within stated occupancy limits and in accordance with fire codes.
Candles and open flames are prohibited. Tacks, nails, glue, or tape may not be used on walls or furnishings.
Meeting rooms must be returned to their original condition at the end of each reservation. This includes returning furniture to its standard arrangement, removing all materials, and disposing of trash.
All meetings must conclude at least 10 minutes prior to the library’s closing time to allow for cleanup and exit.
The library is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal property.
Failure to comply with these policies may result in additional fees, loss of privileges, or denial of future reservations.
The library reserves the right to deny or cancel reservations due to operational needs, emergencies, or policy violations.
Policy Review
The Library Board of Trustees reserves the right to amend this policy at any time.