The Worcester Public Library and Branches encourage neighborhood and community groups to take advantage of the library’s versatile meeting rooms. Rooms are available to the public by application when these rooms are not needed for library purposes. These rooms are for non-commercial purposes and are open to organizations or individuals engaged in educational, cultural, intellectual, civic or charitable activities. Programs with the purpose of informing attendees of other programs or services for which fees are charged are not eligible. Applicants must be 18 years old or older.

Reservations and Applications (during normal library hours)

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance and no more than three months in advance. Only one reservation may be made at a time. If a subsequent reservation needs to be made, you may do so on the day of the first scheduled meeting. Reservations for meetings in series are exceptions and require approval of the Executive Director.

To make a reservation, fill out the online form on the library’s website at: http://www.mywpl.org/meeting-rooms. Please note, reservations are not approved until you receive confirmation from Worcester Public Library.

Open Access

All meetings must be open to the public. No fees may be charged in any form at any time. The Board of Directors may waive this regulation for library-sponsored events held at times other than normally scheduled hours of opening. The Board of Directors may permit the Friends of Worcester Public Library or the Worcester Public Library Foundation to charge admission for programs held to benefit the library. If there is a charge to enter a program during hours the library is open, this activity may not restrict access to regular library services.

Permission for a group to meet at the library does not in any way constitute or imply an endorsement of its policies, beliefs or program by the City of Worcester, any library official, or the Board of Library Directors.

Study rooms, which can accommodate up to 4 people, and study pods, which can accommodate up to 2 people, may be used at no charge on a walk-in basis or by reserving online or calling the library at 508-799-1655 option 3 depending on availability. See our guidelines at: http://www.mywpl.org/meeting-rooms.

Regulations and Requirements

The applicant is expected to adhere to the stated purpose of the meeting and to conduct it accordingly. All notices, petitions and publications, for distribution within the library, must have prior approval of the Executive Director. Press releases and meeting notices must comply with the description as listed on the application and must state sponsoring agency. The library may not be identified as a co-sponsor of a meeting without prior approval.

The applicant is responsible for obtaining any necessary permits for the activities it is planning for the room and must provide documentation at least one week prior to the event. The applicant must comply with any and all applicable laws and is responsible for any injuries or damages that may occur as a result of its use of the room. The library reserves the right to require the applicant to obtain insurance coverage for any special events. Public performance rights are the responsibility of the applicant. The library reserves the right to request this documentation.

Coffee/refreshments may be provided and served by the applicant organization. Alcohol is strictly prohibited. Groups may not conduct financial transactions on library property. The library has the right to preempt any event for library use. In such rare instances, the library will make every reasonable effort to assist the group in reserving another date, library facility or meeting room. 

Public Inquiries

The application form includes permission to release the group contact person’s name and phone number in the event of public inquiries.

Penalties and Appeals

Failure to comply with the meeting room regulations or these guidelines may result in denial of future use of a library meeting room, financial liability for damages, and/or immediate removal from the room. Any question of interpretation of eligibility for meeting room use will be referred to the Executive Director. Final determination rests with the Board of Library Directors. Appeals for exceptions to these policies must be made in writing to the Library Board.

If the meeting runs after the time the library closes, the organization using the room is responsible for paying overtime costs of the custodians and staff who must remain to close the building, in addition to the after-hours rental fee of $250.00.

Program Publicity Material Within the Worcester Public Library

The Worcester Public Library promotes Worcester Public Library and Worcester Public Library Cooperative Partner events only. Outside organizations are responsible for promoting their events.

Fees for Special Events

Organizations must notify the library at the time of booking that the program will extend additional hours. The library reserves the right to reject requests beyond regular library hours if it is unable to staff the premises. Regular library hours can be found at https://mywpl.org/locations-hours.

Special Event requests may be submitted by emailing: meetingroombook@mywpl.org.
Special events hosts will be charged a rental fee of $250 in addition to paying overtime costs of the custodians and staff.

Make a Payment for a Special Event

Payment must be received one week prior to meeting or event. Mail a check or money order made payable to the City of Worcester, along with a copy of your confirmation to:

Office of the Executive Director Worcester Public Library
3 Salem Square
Worcester, MA 01608 .

Cancellations

The applicant must cancel a reserved space at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled time. The library reserves the right to cancel for unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather conditions, utility outages, or other unforeseeable circumstances. 

Parking

Metered parking is available at the Main Library in the McGrath parking lot in front of the library’s main entrance. Handicap parking is available in the McGrath lot. For fees or more information, please visit: https://www.worcesterma.gov/parking/municipal-lots.

Contact

For additional questions, please email: meetingroombooking@mywpl.org.

Revised and Approved by the Library Board of Directors February 2016