Anchorage Public Library

Loussac Facility Use Policy

 

Definitions:

 

“APL” when not referring to Anchorage Public Library physical facilities and/or grounds means the  Library Director or designee.

 

“Users”, “Group,” “Organization(s),” means the organization or individual using library facilities and/or grounds.

 

Policy:

 

It is the policy of the Municipality of Anchorage to make rental facilities available on a nondiscriminatory basis while maximizing revenue opportunities to offset expenses.

 

The primary use of APL facilities is that of a public library. When designated areas within the Z.J. Loussac Public Library are not in use for a library function, these areas may be made available for rental on a first come, first served basis. These are referred to herein as meeting areas.

 

APL follows the American Library Association’s (ALA) guidelines (http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/otherpolicies/guidelinesdevelopmentimplementation.cfm) regarding access to library facilities. APL meeting areas are made available, on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use. Permission to use APL facilities and/or grounds, whether rented or provided at no charge does not constitute an endorsement or sponsorship of any group, individual, organization or event.

 

The Grounds Use Policy covers areas outside the building available for public use and are available only during library open hours.

 

Areas set aside for the conduct of library business are not available for use by the general public at any time.

 

Meeting areas covered by this policy include the Wilda Marston Theatre, Public Conference Room, Mayor’s Conference Room, Ann Stevens Room/Galleria and Assembly Chamber. The Ann Stevens Room/Galleria is available for use only when the library is closed unless approved by APL.

 

A signed copy of the Facility Use Agreement must accompany all payments whether made in person or by mail.

 

General Terms and Conditions of Use and Operations:

 

1) A confirmed Facility Use Agreement is required to reserve any meeting area.   A signature and payment is required to confirm. By signature, user agrees to comply with Anchorage Public Library Facility Use Policy and procedures.   Set up, take down, and rehearsal time must be included in a reservation.

 

2) A minimum reservation of two hours is required for any area. Set up, take down, and rehearsal time must be included in a reservation. Reservations are limited to those dates, times, rooms, and areas listed in the Facility Use Agreement.

 

3) Status order of a reservation is determined by date of receipt by APL of the signed Facility Use Agreement and payment of fees, not the date of initial inquiry.,. Applications for use during any calendar year (January 1 - December 31) are processed as received during that year. Applications for the following year are accepted beginning October 1, and are processed in the order received. Facility Use Agreements for the following year submitted prior to October 1, will not be accepted. Groups/Users who utilize APL space on a regular basis are required to submit a new application each year.  A reservation not confirmed within one week of the event may be canceled.

 

4) Fees: Fees are due within thirty (30) days of confirmation for advance booking with a signed Facility Use Agreement or immediately if reserved less than thirty (30) days.  Users will be billed, in half-hour increments, for pre- or post event use not previously negotiated in the Facility Use Agreement and for unpaid, un-canceled reservations. All measures necessary to insure safe and lawful conduct of activities, including but not limited to, crowd control measures and fire prevention shall be undertaken and financed by the user.  Two security officers are required for any use of the Ann Stevens/Galleria area. Security service must be provided through the library security contractor at user’s expense. APL may, at its discretion, require additional security for certain events.  User is responsible for contacting Loussac security at 343-2851 to arrange for extra security when required. Specialized technical assistance for teleconferencing, lighting etc., where required, is at user’s expense.

 

5) Any cancellation or change to a confirmed reservation must be in writing (addressed to: Anchorage Public Library - Attn: Facility Use Coordinator, 3600 Denali St., Anchorage, AK 99503), by email (sent to: APLRooms@ci.anchorage.ak.us) or faxed (907-343-2930). Specify the room(s), date(s) and time(s) of use to be canceled and/or changed. Cancellation/change notification must be received a minimum of 30 days prior to the scheduled event to be eligible for a refund of fees.  No refunds can be made for events booked and canceled and/or changed within 30 days of the scheduled event.  Failure to notify APL of a cancellation; non-payment of fees for a confirmed reservation; abuse of meeting room privileges; or noncompliance with Facility Use Policy may result in immediate cancellation of use, denial of future use and forfeiture of fees.

 

Groups booking the Assembly Chamber or Mayor’s Conference Room may have their reservation canceled if the needs of the Assembly or Mayor’s office require utilization of the facilities.  APL may cancel a reservation because an area is needed for the purpose of conducting Library or other Municipal business. A refund will be issued in these cases.

 

6) Conditional use: The user shall defend and hold harmless from, and indemnify the MOA for liability and claims arising out of acts or omissions of the library, employees, participants, agent or contractors. A certificate of insurance may be required.

 

7) Additions to or alterations of APL equipment, electrical or mechanical systems are prohibited. All decorations, scenery, etc. shall be erected without defacing the facility in any way, are subject to the approval of the library and shall be installed and removed from the facility within the time reserved. No items/materials may be affixed to walls, doors, flooring, furniture, etc. that will leave a residue, stain, scratch or otherwise mar these surfaces. Tape of any type may not be used on any walls, furniture, fixture, window, stage, or any other article in or around any part of the building.  The following are not allowed in any APL facility: smoking, candles, open flame, flammable, combustible, or smoldering decorations, smoke or fog generating equipment or apparatus.  Public Address systems may be used to play recorded music in designated rented areas as long as it does not interfere with library operations.  Stand-alone sound systems may not be tied into any facility sound system.  Use of any item requiring 220 volt current, including items utilized by catering firms, requires submittal of a written request, within 30 days of the proposed use, outlining the type of equipment and location desired for use before consideration will be given to such requests. Other than the back stage lighting panel, use of the theatre lighting system including the “catwalk” lighting, requires use of a lighting technician, approved by the Facility Manager, within 30 days of the event. Lighting technicians are required to return the theatre lighting system to its original configuration within the time the user has reserved.  “High Arc” follow spotlights may not be added to the existing lighting system in the Wilda Marston Theatre.

 

8) Interruption or Termination of the event. APL reserves the right to interrupt, terminate or cancel an event when, in the sole judgment of APL, such act is necessary in the interests of public safety and/or user is in violation of this policy. User waives any claim for damages or compensation should the event be interrupted, terminated or canceled.

 

9) Users are financially liable for any damage to the facility or library equipment caused by or as a result of their use and are required to report such damage as soon as possible after the incident and shall take only such action as is reasonably necessary to stop or contain damage. APL will repair, clean or take such other reasonable action as is necessary to clean and/or repair such damage. Payment for any damage(s) is the responsibility of the user and shall be made to APL within thirty (30) days of receipt of any billing.

 

10) Laws and Ordinances: Use shall be in accordance with all applicable Federal, State and Municipal ordinances, statutes, rules and regulations.

 

11) Users must check in and out with the security office on Level 2 of the Z.J. Loussac Public Library.  Government-issued photo identification is required to access any rented area and/or equipment. The identification will be retrieved when equipment has been returned, user has restored the area to original configuration, and the area has been checked out by security.

 

12) Users are required to post meeting/event information on the tack board outside their meeting area to enable the general public to locate their events. No flyers, banners or other type of advertisement may be posted in the windows or outside the building advertising events within the library.  Simple signs including group name and directions to room used may be placed for the sole purpose of directing users to the room.  Use of any type of tape is explicitly forbidden for any purpose.

 

13) Users agree to observe posted room capacities and to insure that their use shall not adversely affect the needs of APL and shall be conducted so as not to disturb others using the library.

 

14) Users are responsible for their own supplies, specialized equipment, set up and clean up. Tables, chairs and equipment must be returned to the original configuration, arrangement and/or storage location within the time reserved. Movement of furniture in the Ann Stevens Room at Z.J. Loussac Library is strictly prohibited.   A mounted, LCD projection system is available in the Wilda Marston Theater only.  Easels may be available.  There is no LCD projection system available in the Ann Stevens Room, Mayor’s Conference Room, Public Conference Room or Assembly Chambers.

 

15) No items may be stored for any user/group in any APL facility. All supplies and equipment used in an event must be removed from the facility at the completion of each reservation period. All APL equipment made available for use must be checked out and checked in through the security office on level two. APL is not responsible for items left in, lost, or stolen from APL facilities and/or grounds.

 

16) Food and drink are allowed only in designated areas. Those areas are: Z.J. Loussac Public Library Level 1 Lobby, Public Conference Room, Ann Stevens Room (when use is for authorized rental or program activities) and Galleria. The sale of food or drink in APL facilities and on library grounds by rental groups is prohibited. Food or drink in any other area unless authorized by the Library Director is forbidden. Any violation of this policy is grounds for expulsion from the facility.  Kitchen facilities are available in the Ann Stevens Room and Public Conference Room.  Use of kitchen areas requires full rental of those rooms.  Use of kitchen areas is not included in the rental of the Wilda Marston Theatre or Assembly Chamber.

 

17) Serving alcoholic beverages, in meeting areas, is subject to obtaining or possession of an Alcohol Beverage Control Board permit, Municipal Manager’s Permit and any other permit or temporary license which may be required by law. Copies of all permits must be submitted to the rental office a minimum of five working days prior to the scheduled event. Copies of permits must be posted in the area where alcoholic beverages are to be served. No alcohol may be served in meeting rooms/areas during hours of library operation.

 

18) Advertising/Promotion of events, meeting programs etc., for which space within APL facilities has been reserved, must clearly state the sponsor of the event and a local contact telephone number. Promotional materials, press releases etc., must be worded so that it is clear to the general public the event is held at, not sponsored by APL. Non compliance with this policy may lead to immediate cancellation of the event and forfeit of rental fees paid.

 

19) Holiday Use of any library rental room will require the user to hire one security guard at their expense.  Security service must be provided through the library security contractor.  Due to the nature of APL operations, holiday closures may extend before and after the actual date on which the holiday occurs.

 


Employee Use:

Municipal and APL employees and volunteers are expected to follow the Facility Use Policy for rental and specialized public areas whether for personal or staff use.

 

Areas set aside for the conduct of library business:

Areas not specifically included in this document such as, staff conference and boardrooms, branch program rooms or employee work areas are available for use only by APL staff for the conduct of APL operations, employee training and/or department use.

 

Procedures:

The Anchorage Public Library Facility Use Policy is made available upon request.  The requestor may have this information mailed or faxed or may pick up or view the policy at the Z.J. Loussac Public Library, at any branch library or on the library website (www.anchoragelibrary.org). The Facility Use Agreement may be completed by telephone, in person or by email with the Facility Use Coordinator. Set up, take down and rehearsal time must be included in a reservation.

 

Reservations are placed on the calendar in the order received and are considered to be tentative reservations until the Facility Use Agreement is signed by the user, received and confirmed by the library Facility Use Coordinator. A tentative reservation may remain on the calendar until or unless another application is received for the same meeting area, date and time.

 

Users must check in with the security office on Level 2 at the Z.J. Loussac Public Library.  Government- issued photo identification is required to access any rented area and/or equipment. The identification is returned when Security has secured the rental area after the rental period.  Users may contact Security at 343-2851 for access before and after hours.

 

Users are responsible for their own supplies, specialized equipment, set up and clean up. Tables, chairs and equipment must be returned to their original configuration, arrangement and/or storage location immediately following the event within the time reserved. Movement of furniture in the Ann Stevens Room at Z.J. Loussac Library is strictly prohibited.  

 

All supplies and equipment utilized for an event must be removed from the facility at the completion of each reservation period. All APL equipment made available for use must be checked out and checked in through the security office on Level 2 at the Z.J. Loussac Public Library.

 

It is the user’s responsibility to be familiar with and observe the library Facility Use Policy in its entirety.

 

User is required to report any damage to equipment and/or facilities and must report all spills, damage and accidents to APL by filing an incident report with the security office on Level 2 at Z. J. Loussac Public Library as soon after the event as possible. This report may initially be made by telephone or in person and will be followed by a written report stating the type and extent of damage, breakage, accident or other matter to be reported. The report will include the name, address and telephone number of the individual making the report as well as the time and date of the report. User shall take only such action as is reasonably necessary to stop or contain damage.

 

APL may impose such other reasonable conditions in addition to those specified herein as deemed necessary.

 

A copy of this policy is available for viewing during regular hours of library operation at the Z.J. Loussac Public Library, 3600 Denali St., Anchorage, Alaska.

 

The above policy statement applies unless a waiver has been approved by the Library Director.

 

Recommended for approval: Library Advisory Board.   April 19, 2006

Revised and recommended for approval: Library Advisory Board. June 18, 2008

 

Approved by: Karen Keller, Library Director.  June 18, 2008