Meeting Room and Study Room Use

The Durham Public Library views the use of the Library meeting rooms and study rooms as an extension of library service. Although the chief use of these spaces is for the presentation of library programs, the rooms are available to the community for civic, informational or cultural activities.

All rooms are handicapped-accessible.

Groups wishing to use the meeting rooms should review the library meeting room policy, below. Meeting rooms may be reserved by filling out the Room Reservation request form (click on “Meeting Rooms” below). Study rooms are currently available on a first-come-first serve basis. 

Compliance with Other Library Policies

Users of the meeting rooms and study rooms must comply with other library policies, including the Patron Responsibility Policy and Food and Drink Policy. Patrons who violate library policies may be asked to leave and future room reservation privileges may be revoked.

Meeting Room Use Policy

Meeting Rooms

The Library provides larger meeting rooms that are available to the community for civic, informational, or cultural activities.

Lower level:

  • Left – Durham Conference Center: Capacity   80
  • Right – children’s activity room: Capacity   55
  • Combined use of both rooms: Capacity 135

Main level:

  • PALS Gallery and Meeting Room                    Capacity   50
    (The PALS Meeting Room is available on a very limited basis. Please contact the Library Director to discuss.)

Rules

  1. The representative filing the application must be 18 or older.
  2. No fees may be charged.
  3. All meetings must be open to the public
  4. Organizations may use the Library’s audio-visual equipment only under the supervision of an available staff member. Arrangements for use of audio-visual equipment must be made at the time of booking
  5. Arrangements for use of the library kitchen in conjunction with a meeting must be made at the time of booking. All kitchen equipment used must be thoroughly cleaned and put away in its original condition
  6. Meeting space must be returned to its original condition or set-up
  7. Groups may not post signs at the library
  8. Library telephone number may not be given out for information about the group’s event
  9. Groups must adhere to posted fire codes regarding the number of persons allowed in the room
  10. The Library reserves the right to cancel any meeting because of adverse weather conditions or for other emergency reasons
  11. Users of the meeting room must be considerate of library patrons and therefore must not disrupt normal library operations

Businesses

The Durham Public Library supports local economic development efforts and therefore makes available the use of the meeting rooms to Durham-based businesses.

  • Businesses may use the meeting rooms for a donation of $50 for half a day   (three hours or less) and $100 for a full day (more than three hours), during library hours
  • All donations will be used to support the Durham Public Library
  • Rooms may be used for informational meetings, no products or services may be advertised, solicited or sold
  • The library may not be used as the official address or headquarters of a business
  • Sponsors of meetings open to the public may not require sign-in of attendees nor should any follow-up contact be made at the sponsor’s initiation
  • No admission may be charged

Businesses must provide a Certificate of Insurance naming the Town of Durham as additional insured, and an Indemnification form (hold harmless agreement).

Please fill out the Room Reservation Request Form to request a library meeting room. Reservations are not confirmed until you receive a confirmation email from the library.

Study Rooms

Study Rooms

The Library provides two study rooms for 1-4 people for the purpose of quiet study and discussion. Please note that the study rooms are not soundproof.

  1. Patrons must be 12 years old or older to reserve a study room.
  2. Groups or individuals may reserve a study room for a maximum of 2 hours per day.
  3. Reservations are limited to one per day, per group.
  4. If it has not been reserved, patrons may remain in a room beyond their scheduled time, but must vacate it when a new patron signs in.
  5. Rooms are currently available on a first-come, first serve basis. Please check in at the circulation desk.
  6. The library is not responsible for equipment, supplies, materials or any other items owned by an individual or group used in the study rooms. Personal items may not be stored in the study rooms.