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Need a place for your group to meet? Check our policy for using our public meeting rooms.

Public Meeting Room Use Policy

Purpose

The library encourages public use of meeting rooms as gathering places to exchange ideas; access and share information and participate in programs created for public enjoyment, public education and civic engagement. The meeting rooms will be available on an equitable basis regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use. Permission to meet at the Library does not in any way constitute or imply endorsement of the users’ policies, beliefs or programs by the Library staff or Board of Trustees.

Apply to use a public meeting room! (Small group rooms do not require an application.)

Virtual Meeting Rooms are now in beta!

Room Use Priority

Priority will be given to: Library sponsored and co-sponsored activities and events. All other groups will be given consideration on a first-come/first-served basis. The Library reserves the right to reschedule confirmed meeting room reservations to accommodate library meetings or events. In such rare instances, the Library will make every reasonable effort to give ample notice and to assist the group in reserving another date or library meeting room.

Eligibility

Meeting rooms are available for non-commercial use by local not-for-profit organizations, governmental agencies, and educational entities.

  • Local refers to non-profit organizations based in or serving residents of the Lake County Public Library district.

  • Groups are considered not-for-profit when their mission serves an educational, cultural, charitable, political or civic purpose. Not-for-profits include 501(c)3, 501(c)4, 501(c)5, 501(c)6, 501(c)7, 501(c)8 corporations. Meeting room reservations requests by not-for-profit organizations must include a copy of the 501(c) certificate. This requirement may be waived by the Director in the case of local, organized, small not-for-profit unincorporated associations that provide other supporting documentation.

  • The person filling out a meeting room reservation request on behalf of the group must have a Full Access library card in good standing from Lake County Public Library and be at least 18 years old. Exceptions to this requirement may be made for representatives of federal, Indiana, or local agencies or political subdivisions.

  • First time users must submit an application for use. The Library reserves the right to review each prospective meeting room request and determine whether the group qualifies and the planned use fits within the guidelines and terms of Library policies and this Meeting Room Agreement.


Meeting Room Fees

Eligible groups may reserve and use library meeting rooms for non-commercial activities without charge under the following conditions:

  • The group is a local not-for-profit organization, governmental agency, or educational entity

  • The meeting is open to all people who wish to attend.

  • No fees or donations are collected or solicited for admission or participation in the meeting or event. No fundraising takes place during the meeting.

A local not-for-profit organization, governmental agency, or educational entity using the room for non-commercial activities will be charged the rental fees* listed under the following conditions:

  • Meetings are not open to and advertised to the general public, e.g., board meetings, committee meetings, training sessions, and the like.

  • A group has restricted attendance to a limited or designated audience.

  • The group requires an exchange of money, goods, or services for attendance (regardless of the exchange being on or off our premises). This includes meetings held by federal tax exempt organizations as well as governmental agencies.


Meeting Room Capacity Fee
Merrillville - Meeting Rm A 150 $150
Cedar Lake 50 $50
Griffith-Calumet 50 $50
Hobart 30 $50
Lake Station-New Chicago 50 $50
St. John 50 $50
Dyer-Schererville - Whole 50 $50
Munster 50 $50
Highland 50 $50
Merrillville - Meeting Rm B 25 $50
Dyer-Schererville - Half 35 $25
Merrillville - Meeting Rm C 15 $25
Merrillville - Meeting Rm D 15 $25

Cleaning Fees: Hourly Rate


Reservations

To insure and promote the accessibility of library meeting rooms to a wide variety of community groups eligible groups may:

  • book three consecutive meetings system-wide at a time on a rolling basis.

  • reserve meeting rooms up to 6 months in advance, as available, up to 20 times a year.

  • only use rooms during normal library operational hours, Monday – Saturday.


Acceptable Use Guidelines

  • No sale of goods or services, fundraising, or solicitation for future sales or services will be permitted without prior Library Administration approval. “Solicitation” is any act or attempt to advertise, market, or sell any product or service; to seek membership in any organization; or to obtain a donation/contribution. This includes the collection of “free-will” offerings. Public property, such as Library buildings, facilities, parking lots, grounds and other real property, is held in trust for the public. It is to be used for governmental and public purposes and governmental property is not to be used for private gain.

  • Library meeting rooms are designed to meet general, non-commercial, informational, educational, cultural and civic needs. Excluded are purely social events which include but are not limited to parties or entertainment and meetings for the benefit of private individuals.

  • The meeting room kitchens are not intended for cooking, but to provide a convenient space for the preparation of light refreshments. No meals may be served unless prior approval is given in writing by Library Administration.

  • All activities and programs conducted in library buildings must comply with federal, state, and local laws and are subject to the rules, regulations, and policies of the Library.

  • Meeting rooms are not available if the Library is closed due to an emergency or inclement weather.

  • Library personnel have free access to enter any meeting room at any time. The Library Board has vested in Library personnel the authority to supervise meeting room use and to interpret policy; however, final authority rests with the Library Director.


Responsibility of User

  • The group must have a signed application on file agreeing to our policies, to be signed on an annual basis by an authorized representative of the group. The individual agrees to be the responsible party. If unavoidable circumstances prevent attendance by the applicant, he/she is still personally responsible for the proper use of the facility and payment for any damage. 

  • Minimum attendance may be required. Groups must stay within the designated maximum seating capacities of assigned rooms.

  • Cancellations by groups must be received by the Library at least 48 hours in advance. A penalty in room use privileges may be imposed on groups who do not cancel their meetings by the designated deadlines.

  • Any publicity materials must clearly indicate that the program is under the sponsorship of the group and not the Lake County Public Library.

  • The Library will provide basic housekeeping service such as regular cleaning as part of meeting room maintenance. Any additional cleaning or repair required beyond normal library maintenance will be billed at an hourly rate. The cost of any materials required for any repair will be billed to the responsible party.

  • Excessive amounts of garbage (beyond the capacity of trash receptacles provided in the meeting room) must be removed by the room user to outside trash receptacles.

  • The Library is unable to provide storage space for materials or equipment between meetings.

  • Children and youth groups are required to use the meeting rooms under adult supervision.

  • All meetings must be over and the rooms vacated 30 minutes before the library closes. 


Meeting Room Amenities

  • Kitchen

  • Screen

  • Podium

  • Wifi

  • Each meeting room is equipped with a standard number of tables and chairs. A group may change this arrangement for their specific use. Furniture should be left in a clean, neat, and orderly arrangement at the close of the meeting.


Revocation and Refusal of Authorization for Use

Authorization to use library facilities may be revoked. Persons or organizations refused the use of the meeting rooms or persons or organizations whose privileges to use the meeting rooms have been revoked shall have the right to appeal in writing to the Library Director. Such appeals must be submitted in writing within 10 days after notice of the refusal to use the meeting rooms or the revocation of use of the meeting rooms.

The privilege of using Library meeting rooms will not be granted or will be revoked if the activities or intended activities of the meeting room users negatively impact normal operations in any of the following ways:

  • The meeting is conducted in a noisy, disorderly or inflammatory manner.

  • The size of the meeting presents personal safety or building security issues, or creates an undue parking demand on library lots or the surrounding neighborhood.

  • The activities of meeting room users disrupt or will be disruptive to other library patrons’ use of library facilities or distract library staff from the performance of their duties.

  • The meeting room users neglect to pay all required fees, or neglect to pay for damages to the meeting room.

  • Misrepresentation of information supplied on Meeting Room Agreement form

  • Repeated failure to show up for scheduled reservations or frequent cancellations

  • Physical abuse of facilities and/or equipment

  • Failure to adequately supervise participants of meeting

  • Failure to vacate the room by the scheduled reservation time

  • Violation of Library Policies

Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Lake County Public Library - 10/26/95
Revised - 3/25/04
Revised - 5/26/16
Revised - 3/23/17
Revised - 8/29/19

*ST-105 General Sales Tax Exemption Certificate is required.

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Small Group Room Guidelines  

Lake County Public Library provides small group rooms for the use of eligible cardholders.

The rooms may be used in accordance with the following guidelines:

  • Eligible Users must be at least 18 years old and and present their own LCPL card for small group room use. (In House Use cards are acceptable for small group room bookings).
  • The library cardholder who booked the small group room is responsible for other users and must remain in the small group room.
  • Users are limited to one 2-hour reservation per day.
    • After two hours of use, users may continue until the room is reserved for a new user.
    • Please be respectful to staff and other users by leaving the room quickly (within 5 minutes) when notified that time has ended.
  • Reservations accepted up to 2 months in advance.
  • Users may have up to 2 reservations at a time – limited to one reservation per day.
  • Room users may not exceed a room’s capacity. Capacity ranges from 1 to 10 people depending on branch; call or email the library to see if your group can be accommodated.
  • Library staff are not responsible for personal belongings left unattended.
  • Small group rooms unoccupied for more than 15 minutes may be reserved by another user.
  • Small group rooms close 15-minutes before the branch closing time.

Violation of these guidelines or the Library’s Rules of Conduct could result in loss of Small Group Room Privileges.

Issued: Administration, 3/8/18
Revised: 1/26/24

Upcoming Events
Fri, Mar 29, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us for a Mario Kart Tournament! Winner gets a prize. Must Register. Ages 11-17.
Registration is now closed

Mon, Apr 01, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Mon, Apr 01, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Purdue Extension Lake County, partnering with the Alzheimer's Association®, will offer 4 classes about the growing need for detection... more
Purdue Extension Lake County, partnering with the Alzheimer's Association®, will offer 4 classes about the growing need for detection and support of Alzheimer's disease and dementia in our community.

Mon, Apr 01, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Four best friends take their book club to Italy for the fun girls trip they never had. However, their relaxing vacation turns into a... more
Four best friends take their book club to Italy for the fun girls trip they never had. However, their relaxing vacation turns into a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country adventure. PG-13; 107mins.

Mon, Apr 01, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Come and enjoy this afternoon movie with us! Popcorn and snacks will be served. Seating is limited. Registration is required.

Mon, Apr 01, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be... more
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be displayed in the library until the next LEGO® Club meeting.

Mon, Apr 01, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Earn volunteer hours and help the St. John Branch create teen programs, displays, and more! Refreshments will be served. Grades 6-12.... more
Earn volunteer hours and help the St. John Branch create teen programs, displays, and more! Refreshments will be served. Grades 6-12. Please register.

Mon, Apr 01, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens in 6th-12th grades are invited to join the Chess Club. Please register and bring your own board.

Mon, Apr 01, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Are you a fan of anime or manga? If so, come to our monthly Teen Anime Club to find new anime to watch. We watch 3-4 episodes of your... more
Are you a fan of anime or manga? If so, come to our monthly Teen Anime Club to find new anime to watch. We watch 3-4 episodes of your choosing each month. Ages 12-18.

Mon, Apr 01, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
April is Financial Literacy Month! Centier Bank associates will be offering a series of four classes on: 1) Budgeting & Savings, 2)... more
April is Financial Literacy Month! Centier Bank associates will be offering a series of four classes on: 1) Budgeting & Savings, 2) Credit & Paying Down Debt, 3) Homeownership, and 4) Retirement.

Tue, Apr 02, 10:15am - 10:45am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help... more
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Apr 02, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Children's Program Room
Toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft.

Tue, Apr 02, 10:30am - 11:30am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Join us for this month's travel film about Prague. Runtime: 60 mins. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Tue, Apr 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, music and a craft that teach early literacy skills. ... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, music and a craft that teach early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Tue, Apr 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote... more
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Tue, Apr 02, 10:30am - 11:00am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Babies and toddlers birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music,... more
Babies and toddlers birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Apr 02, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our storytime for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Storytime attendance is... more
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our storytime for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Storytime attendance is not required.

Tue, Apr 02, 11:00am - 11:30am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help... more
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Apr 02, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
During this themed storytime children, 4 and 5 years old, will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other... more
During this themed storytime children, 4 and 5 years old, will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an emphasis on important early pre-reading skills.

Tue, Apr 02, 11:30am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
In this program, toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft. Registration Required.

Tue, Apr 02, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Wed, Apr 03, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A
Red Cross certified CPR instructors will provide free training for Lake County residents on CPR with emphasis on CPR for babies.

Wed, Apr 03, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the... more
Do you enjoy crafting? Do you wish you had friendly people to work with on those crafts? Bring your current project and enjoy the company every Wednesday! All crafts are welcome.

Wed, Apr 03, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
The Basement Bunch with Debbie Rodriguez will be hosting a series of classes on how to make greeting cards.

Rescheduled
Wed, Apr 03, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
New date Wednesday, April 17, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Merrillville
Learn the basics of crochet and begin creating a hacky sack!

Wed, Apr 03, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake - Public Tables
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or... more
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or bring along a project you're already working on!

Wed, Apr 03, 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Families can join for stories in Spanish and English!

Wed, Apr 03, 5:30pm - 7:45pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Come watch the Tom Hank's starring movie about returning to Earth from the moon and learn some facts about the April 8th Solar Eclipse.

Wed, Apr 03, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us on the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the... more
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us on the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the adventure! Seats are limited, so registration is required.
This event is full

Wed, Apr 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room,Munster Zoom Room
Teens get volunteer hours! In April, bring a friend & get an extra volunteer hour! Interested teens, ages 11 - 17, can attend. Zoom... more
Teens get volunteer hours! In April, bring a friend & get an extra volunteer hour! Interested teens, ages 11 - 17, can attend. Zoom available. Please register.

Thu, Apr 04, 10:15am - 10:45am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
This half hour lap-sit program uses songs and rhymes to foster language development.

Thu, Apr 04, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas... more
Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas with other crafters in this twice-monthly club.

Thu, Apr 04, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the... more
Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the company of others.

Thu, Apr 04, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Author and artist Samuel Love will lead a free 6 week workshop series about developing and executing oral history projects. This... more
Author and artist Samuel Love will lead a free 6 week workshop series about developing and executing oral history projects. This workshop series is designed for ages 65+ but is open to all.

Thu, Apr 04, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
This is a storytime featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft that teach pre-reading skills for kids 4-6.

Thu, Apr 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Elementary aged homeschool students are invited to join us for a unique art or STEM project each month.

Thu, Apr 04, 11:00am - 11:30am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a take home craft, that teach... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a take home craft, that teach early literacy skills. Please register all attending.

Thu, Apr 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Thu, Apr 04, 11:15am - 11:45am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
This half hour lap-sit program uses songs and rhymes to foster language development.

Thu, Apr 04, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
Space themed program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music... more
Space themed program for toddlers, 2 and 3 years of age, accompanied by a caregiver to participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities.

Thu, Apr 04, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the discussion of No Plan B, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for April. Pick up a copy at the Highland... more
Join the discussion of No Plan B, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for April. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.

Thu, Apr 04, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us on our journey: Heroes of Sol'an, 5th edition family friendly Dungeons and Dragons campaign for preteens. New players welcome.

Thu, Apr 04, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Watch some anime episodes and discuss dramatic eclipses before seeing (a likely less dramatic) one yourself on April 8th!

Thu, Apr 04, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own... more
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Thu, Apr 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster Branch Library - Children's Area
In this program children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer. Please register all... more
In this program children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer. Please register all those planning to attend.

Sat, Apr 06, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Join us with your current projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) to chat and create! Bring your own supplies, and... more
Join us with your current projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) to chat and create! Bring your own supplies, and other attendees would be happy to instruct on crochet as needed.

Sat, Apr 06, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Interested in any of the needle arts including knit, crochet, cross-stitch, and more? Join us for an opportunity to chat and create.... more
Interested in any of the needle arts including knit, crochet, cross-stitch, and more? Join us for an opportunity to chat and create. Please bring your own projects.

Sat, Apr 06, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Join us and create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all... more
Join us and create a unique painting with assistance from local artist Mary Stang-Helm. Cash fee of $25 paid at time of event covers all materials. Class begins promptly at 10:00 a.m.

Sat, Apr 06, 10:00am - 10:45am
St. John - Children's Program Room
Stories, fingerplays, music, related activities and a craft are all included in this storytime for children and their family members.

Sat, Apr 06, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room
In this program participants will get the opportunity to read to a therapy dog. Ages 6-11. Registration is required.

Sat, Apr 06, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
You are cordially invited to join us in celebrating the installation of the new elevator at the Hobart Branch of Lake County Public... more
You are cordially invited to join us in celebrating the installation of the new elevator at the Hobart Branch of Lake County Public Library. Light refreshments will be served.