General Use of Library Spaces  

The County of Hunterdon maintains its lands, facilities, and meeting rooms for the purpose of “official business and for public uses within its governmental functions. It permits private citizens and groups to use certain spaces, with limitation and under certain conditions, to enhance the educational, cultural, and community life of County residents.” (See: Hunterdon County Policy for Use of County Lands, Facilities and Meeting Rooms)  

Library spaces are intended for use for library purposes, which may include public programming, staff meetings, temporary storage, planning or preparation, or any other use required by the library. When spaces are not needed for library purposes, reservations are allowed for County Departments, individuals, and groups.  

Any and all individuals and groups using County facilities may have future privileges refused for infractions of rules or regulations of the County of Hunterdon and the Hunterdon County Library or for consistent or frequent no-show reservations.

LIBRARY SPACES: LIBRARY MEETING ROOMS 

Hunterdon County Library rooms are considered a “limited public forum.” In accordance with County Policy #2010-04, Section 3, it is determined that approval for the use of Limited Public Forum space is viewpoint neutral. The restrictions on the type of uses of Limited Public Forum spaces are related to the suitability of the type of space for public use. These restrictions deal mainly with public safety and crowd control and the nature of the space. Also taken into consideration are factors which relate to the potential of the event to interfere with the use of adjoining spaces for their primary function. The use of these spaces is limited to educational, civic, charitable, or cultural purposes. Staff-only spaces are not included as Limited Public Forums and may not be requested.  

Hunterdon County Departments may reserve a room on library property six months in advance of the date requested on a twice-a-year schedule (in August and in February). Room bookings that are not requested by County Departments, but from other community individuals or groups, may be made two months in advance of the date requested.  

All requests should be submitted via online form or directed to Library Administration. Scheduled use of any room may be subject to cancelation. There is also a larger public Quiet Study area at Headquarters Library that may be used without prior reservation.  

Meeting Room Requests and Requirements 

• Typically, the scheduling of rooms is on a first-come, first-served basis.  
• Scheduling of rooms is made at the sole discretion of the library administration, and the library reserves the right to limit the frequency of a group’s use or to reassign rooms based on projected attendance, meeting requirements, and available space.  
• All requests must be made a minimum of 14 days in advance.   
• Requests are limited to two per month unless otherwise authorized by administration.  
• All gatherings and meetings must be open to the general public.  
• No gambling, smoking, alcohol, or weapons are permitted on library premises.  
• Library spaces may not be used for partisan political activity.  
  • In accordance with County policy, partisan political purposes are defined as “meetings or gatherings for the promotion or opposition of any candidate for public office, the selection of candidates, conventions, meetings of political parties or advocacy groups or organizations, and solicitation of political contributions.  
  • No public official, employee or appointee may solicit, commit to pay or receive payment, or commit to contribute to any candidate, public official or political organizations.  
  • Partisan political purposes do not include candidate town halls or informational meetings.  
• Use of space for commercial purposes is generally prohibited.  
• No admission fees shall be charged, no promotional or advertising campaigns directed at profit making are permitted, nor is sale of any product or service allowed.  
• Sale of books or other materials related to the presentation may be allowed by approval.  
• Voluntary donations may be solicited with written authorization from administration.  
• Any group who utilizes County space shall submit, with its application for use, the name and contact information for an individual who accepts responsibility for the group and its use of County property.  
• Permission to use a County facility or land is limited to only those approved rooms or spaces described in the Application. No permission is granted to enter any other room, except for nearby rest rooms, stairwells and entryways which must be traversed to gain access to the requested space.  
• Use of library spaces must not interfere with government functions, operations, or business, or with the public’s use of and/or access to the library and its services.  
• Public attendance is limited to room capacity limits.  
• Groups are responsible for the proper supervision of all participants/invitees who are on County property in connection with that group’s use of County property. All users of library spaces must adhere to the Hunterdon County Library Use Policy.  
• Groups are responsible for room arrangement, including set-up and break-down of library meeting rooms. Application requests must include any necessary set-up and/or break-down time needed. Groups may not have access to the room prior to the reservation time.  
• Groups may not have access to the library outside of regular hours of operation without prior administrative approval.  
• Groups must pick up after themselves, including replacing furniture as originally found and generally ensuring the room is neat/clean and returned to its original state.  
• All groups must agree to adhere to the operating hours of the library and must vacate meeting rooms no later than 10 minutes prior to closing. Staff will make every effort to provide the group with reminders of library closure.  
• Any and all individuals and groups using County facilities may have future privileges refused for infractions of rules or regulations of the County of Hunterdon and the Hunterdon County Library or for consistent or frequent no-show reservations.  

Use of Technology and Equipment 

• The library is not responsible for providing storage of equipment, supplies, materials, or any other items owned by a group and used in the building.  
• Groups may request use of the library’s screen and projector when available.  
• No additional furniture or equipment may be used other than what was approved on the application.  
• The library is not responsible for technology instruction or assistance. Staff are not able to provide technical assistance except when library equipment is not functioning properly.

9/19/2025