What’s the Community Room?
The primary use of the community room is for library sponsored programs, but may be used by civic, educational, or cultural groups. The room may be used free of charge and all meetings must be open to the public. Nothing may be sold, no orders may be taken, and no fees may be charged to those attending or exhibiting.
How large is the room?
The room will hold approximately 49 people.
How can I reserve the Community Room?
The room can be booked by submitting an application to Patty Sipes or leaving with the public services staff. Email to: psipes@myDPL.org or public@myDPL.org. The mailing address is: P.O. Box 1766, Decatur, AL 35602. Before submitting an application, please contact the library in advance to check on room availability (256.353.2993, ext. 125).
Where can I get the policy and/or application for the Community Room?
What are unacceptable uses of the room?
The room cannot be used for:
- Celebratory or social functions such as birthday parties, baby showers, family reunions, etc.;
- Promotion of commercial products, services, or businesses;
- Political campaign events;
- Religious services;
- Paid tutoring sessions (unless the room is rented);
- Private interviews or counseling sessions (unless the room is rented).
Can children reserve the meeting room?
Children’s groups may use the room provided they are supervised by one or more adult sponsors, and the activity is of a civic, cultural, or educational nature.
What equipment does the library provide for use in the meeting room?
The library provides tables, chairs, podiums, and a drop-down screen. Groups must bring their own audio-visual equipment.
Does the library have Wi-Fi in the room?
Yes. Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.
Will I be allowed to come in before the library opens to set up for my meeting?
Early entrance is not permitted. Please allow for set-up time when scheduling your meeting.
Are refreshments allowed in the meeting room?
Light refreshments and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed, but there are no kitchen facilities. The room must be left in the same condition in which it was found.
Will the library publicize my meeting/event?
No. The library’s calendar of events, website, and newsletters are used to promote library sponsored events only.
Can I put up signs in the library to promote my meeting/event?
Signs, flyers, or brochures cannot be displayed in public areas of the library, but may be posted on the community bulletin board.
I need to have a private meeting. Can I use the library’s meeting room?
Yes. The room may be rented for a private meeting. Sales and solicitations are not allowed. The fee is $25 for each session of two hours or less. Fees will not be pro-rated, (ex.: a group using the room for 4½ hours will be charged $75).
How do I pay for use of the room?
Fees should be paid prior to the meeting day, preferably 7 days in advance. The library accepts cash, check, and credit/debit cards.
What is your refund policy for cancellations?
Meeting room refunds are not available. If a meeting was cancelled due to inclement weather, power outage, etc., the meeting can be rescheduled.
Can I reserve a study room?
The library does not have study rooms. For those needing a quieter place to read or study, the Alabama room and Reference room are available. These areas are not reserved, nor are they private. As a courtesy to others, cell phone conversations are not allowed.