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Central Library Shared Learning Room Policy link

This policy establishes requirements for the use, care, and reservation of Shared Learning Rooms by members of the public. This policy does not apply to:

  • Meeting Rooms at branch locations, the Austin History Center, or Recycled Reads
  • Rental of Special Event spaces; please refer to the Special Event Policy for a full explanation of procedures, including fee schedules
  • Use of a Library Shared Learning Room by the Library.

The Library Use Rules apply to Shared Learning Rooms. This policy supersedes another Library rule in the event of a conflict. This policy is cumulative of other Library use rules. This policy may be referred to as the Shared Learning Room Policy.

Terms of Use

Terms of Use link

  1. Use of a Library Shared Learning Room by a group, organization, or individual customer signifies the acceptance of the terms of the Shared Learning Room Policy, Library Use Rules, and City policies and procedures.
  2. The Library reserves the right to deny use of Shared learning Rooms to individuals or groups who abuse Library rules or City policies.
  3. There is no charge for use of a Shared Learning Room.
  4. Use of and scheduling of the use of a Shared Learning Room is subject to the needs of the Library and may not interfere with the Library’s operations or the use of the Library by customers.
  5. Use of the Shared Learning Room does not constitute Library or City of Austin endorsement of viewpoints expressed by participants in the room. Advertisements or announcements implying such endorsement are not permitted.

Who May Use a Shared Learning Room?

Who May Use a Shared Learning Room? link

  1. A Library Shared Learning Room may be reserved by any individual, group, or organization.
  2. A reservation may be made in advance to use a Shared Learning Room; however, a reservation is not required. Any individual or group may use a Shared Learning Room and the equipment included in it if the room is available and not reserved.
  3. An individual or group using a Shared Learning Room may not solicit money or anything of value, charge admission, sell, or advertise for sale, goods or services.
  4. A Shared Learning Room may not be used for a social gathering, such as a wedding shower, baby shower, birthday party, dance or similar activity.
  5. A Shared Learning Room may not be used for a political rally or campaign for or against a specific ballot issue or candidate. However, a Shared Learning Room may be used for a forum or study group on a political issue.
  6. A Shared Learning Room may not be used to provide a direct healthcare service, including an examination, hands-on demonstration or treatment. However, a Shared Learning Room may be used for a forum or the sharing of information about healthcare services.

Reserving a Shared Learning Room

Reserving a Shared Learning Room link

  1. To provide an opportunity for others to use the Shared Learning Rooms, an individual may reserve a Shared Learning Room for a maximum of a two-hour block of time during the hours the Library is open to the public.
  2. A Library Card or identification card is not required to reserve a Shared Learning Room.
  3. A valid email address and an individual’s full name are required to make a reservation.
  4. Reservations may be made up to two weeks but not less than two hours in advance.
  5. Reservations and cancellations must be made online.
  6. Individuals can make one reservation per day and up to five reservations per month.
  7. If the reserving party is more than 15 minutes late, they forfeit the reservation.

Care and Use of a Shared Learning Room

Care and Use of a Shared Learning Room link

  1. Occupancy in a Shared Learning Room is limited to the capacity of the individual Shared Learning Room.
  2. Individuals must completely vacate the Shared Learning Room when the Library’s closing time is announced, at the request of Library staff or Library Security, or for another customer who has reserved the room.
  3. Individuals must not bring structures or furniture from other areas of the Library into a Shared Learning Room.
  4. Individuals may not store any personal items, including equipment, materials or supplies, in a Shared Learning Room.
  5. Individuals may not affix, tape or fix with an adhesive items to any part of a Shared Learning Room, including a wall, door, window treatment or woodwork. Individuals may not alter, damage, deface or mark on Library property. Trash must be properly disposed of in designated waste or recycle bins.
  6. The Library does not provide audio, video or other equipment other than that which is already installed in the Shared Learning Room.
  7. Food and Beverages in a Shared Learning Room.
    1. Consistent with Library Use Rules, individuals may not consume any food in a Shared Learning Room. Beverages with lids are allowed.
    2. Food and beverages must be consumed in designated areas (2nd floor or outside porches)
  8. The individual making the reservation, as well as the group as a whole, is responsible for damages that result from the use of the Shared Learning Room.

Accommodations

Accommodations link

The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable accommodations will be provided on request.