Hampden Public Library
625 Main St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Rochford Reading Room usage policy
The Rochford Reading Room opened in October 2013. The Hampden Public Library Rochford Reading Room is used for library sponsored programs and may be used by other local groups when available.
The Rochford Reading Room is only for use during regular library hours.
Monday – Wednesday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Thursday 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The Rochford Reading Room is made available as a public service and booking a room in no way constitutes an endorsement of the program or philosophy of the group or the individuals using the facilities. The Trustees of the Hampden Public Library affirm that facilities should be made available on an equitable basis.
Eligible Groups (in priority order)
- Library programs and meetings
- Library related groups, such as Friends of the Hampden Public Library 501(c)(3)
- Civic, school, and nonprofit groups presenting meetings of public interest
- Other groups not included above, and not specifically excluded in the Hampden Library Meeting Room Policy
Reservations
The Library Director oversees reserving spaces and maintaining the Rochford Reading Room calendar. Individuals and informal groups may have up to 3 reservations at a time, to accommodate the largest number of people. In the event of a cancellation, notify the library as soon as possible. Failure to cancel or to appear for a reservation may result in forfeiture of room use privileges. In case of damage to the facilities or excessive clean-up requirements, the person reserving the room may be charged for the costs incurred.
Room Use Requirements
- Groups sponsoring events are responsible for liability of the participants, both active participants and the audience, in any program on Library property.
- The library will refuse space to individuals or organizations which have previously failed to comply with stated requirements for use. This includes (but is not limited to) failure to allow staff to follow normal lock-up procedures, excessive noise which causes complaints from other Library users, or failure to make a reasonable effort to clean up after serving refreshments.
- All events, including cleanup, must conclude 15 minutes before the library’s closing time.
- Should extra cleaning be required after an event due to unusual wear and tear, the event sponsor will be charged the actual cost of the cleaning.
- Organizations must use Library meeting rooms as they are furnished. Organizations are responsible for leaving the room in the condition they found it. Organizations are responsible for their own meeting room setup.
Use by Political Groups
The Hampden Public Library building and property are subject to restrictions set forth by the State of Massachusetts on the use of public buildings for political use. Elected officials can hold office hours and public forums at the library.
A political party or political group may use space at Hampden Public Library for a program provided that
- The event features a guest speaker on a theme or topic and is not a campaign rally
- The event is open to the public
- An admission fee is not charged
- It is held during open hours and staff are available and present
- No fundraising or collecting of money can take place in the building or on the property
- No distribution of campaign or party/group related buttons, flyers, posters, etc. in the building or on the property
- The event must be advertised as “Presented by [Group name] ” and “held at Hampden Public Library Rochford Reading Room.” Hampden Public Library must not be listed as a host or sponsor on any flyers or advertising.
The Library Director and Board of Trustees reserve the right to cancel an event if this policy is violated.
Policy approved and adopted by the Hampden Public Library Trustees,
December 16, 2023