In order to reserve the Community Room at the Derby Neck Library, please fill out an application: DNL Community Room Application. If you have difficulty filling out the form on your own, feel free to call the library at 203-734-1492.

Derby Neck Library Community Room Policy:

The Derby Neck Library Association Board of Directors considers the use of the Community Room as an extension of library services. The room is available to the library community and reflects the educational,
cultural, social, and recreational role the library plays.

The Board subscribes to Article VI of the Library Bill of Rights which states that the facility should be made available to the public served by the library on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting its use. Use of the Community Room in no way implies an endorsement by the Derby Neck Library Association of the individual or group’s beliefs, policies, practices, or program. Use of Library space for a program, meeting, or gathering does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program, or the views expressed by participants.

Availability and Application for Use
● The Community Room is available for use by the public with a capacity of 100. Chairs and tables are available for public use and must be put away properly.
● The Community Room is generally available for use during library hours only.
● An application must be completed by the person who will be held responsible for the group.
● Library sponsored events receive priority in scheduling. Availability of the Community Room at all other times will be on a first come first served basis.
● The Community Room is not available for private parties or social gatherings, unless given special permission by the Head Librarian/Director.
● Written applications for each requested date must be signed and returned to the library for approval.
● The Head Librarian/Director or his/her designee is authorized to determine the appropriate use of the room.

Fees
● There is no fee for the use of the Community Room by nonprofit organizations during library hours. Donations to the Derby Neck Library, a 501C(3) organization, are welcomed.
● For-profit companies may use our facilities for a fee of $100.00 per hour.

Community Room General Rules and Limitations
1. Groups using the Community Room must do so in a manner so as not to disrupt library services, and will be responsible for:
● proper supervision
● restoring the room to the same condition in which it was found
● costs arising from any damage or loss during use
2. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
3. Refreshments may be served in the Community Room under the supervision of Library staff. Events or meetings that are not supervised by Library staff may only provide refreshments if those goods were prepared in a commercial grade kitchen or are purchased pre-wrapped. Groups serving refreshments must provide all supplies, including paper goods.
4. The kitchen area may be used for cleaning and minor food preparation, such as reheating.
5. The Community Room and kitchen area must be left in the same condition they were found. Cleaning supplies are available should they be required.
6. If a group requires the library’s audio-visual equipment, the user must be thoroughly trained in advance and will be held responsible for any damage to hardware or software.
7. Storage of materials before or after the reserved time is not allowed.
8. Materials may not be affixed to wall surfaces or tack boards without prior permission.
9. The Library reserves the right to seek references of any group before booking the room.
10. The Community Room may not be used for commercial purposes.
11. For-profit companies must provide a certificate of insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 Combined Single Limit of Liability for Bodily Injury and Property Damage is required. The certificate may be obtained from your insurance agency and must be provided before approval of your reservation request. The Derby Neck Library Association must be named as “Insured” on the insurance certificate for the time the Community Room is requested.
12. Anyone violating these rules may be asked to leave and denied future use of the facility.
13. The Derby Neck Library Association, its employees and agents, are not liable for any claims arising out of the use of the Community Room.

Last updated 09/11/2025
Approved by Derby Neck Library Board of Directors 09/18/2025