For questions about our Meeting Rooms, please contact our Patron Services Department.

Phone: 603-424-5021

Email: merrimackpl@merrimacklibrary.org

Freedom to Read Statement

American Library Association Library Bill of Rights

MPL Meeting Rooms

The Library has two meeting rooms available for Merrimack residents to use as limited public forum spaces to be used for library programs and community events (not for private parties or private meetings, interviews, etc).

Library staff will reserve the meeting rooms for library program use at their discretion. Library program content is designed and determined by staff. Patrons participating in library programs or community events are expected to follow the Patron Behavior Policy.

These rooms are provided to further the mission of the Merrimack Public Library as adopted by the Library Board of Trustees; priority use will be granted to Merrimack Public Library sponsored events. All activity in the meeting rooms shall comply with established Library policies. All agreements to use the rooms are temporary, revocable and conditional. The Merrimack Public Library reserves the authority to revoke agreements in its sole discretion at any time for any lawful reason prior to expiration without penalty or liability, and to impose conditions upon the agreement in the public interest.

All requests for use shall be processed in order of receipt. To serve the needs of the many individuals, organizations, and groups in Merrimack, limits are placed on the use of the meeting rooms. No user may reserve a room more than 1 month in advance or in perpetuity unless the event is library sponsored and approved by the Library Director.

The Library reserves the right to:

  • Reclaim the use of the meeting room for library programming with advance notice to the user whenever possible; and
  • Relocate a User to the room most suited for its size and function.

Please review our Meeting Room Policy before applying to use one of our Meeting Rooms.

Who can reserve a Meeting Room at the Merrimack Public Library?
  • Town of Merrimack Departments
  • Public agencies serving the Town of Merrimack including Hillsborough County, and the schools
  • The Greater Merrimack Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce
  • Merrimack-based charitable and social welfare organizations
  • Merrimack homeowner’s associations
  • Merrimack sports leagues
  • Organized non-profit groups with current 501(c)(3) or 501 (c)(4) IRS status, whose membership is open to the public and whose primary purpose is to serve the Merrimack community
  • Residents (individuals must reside or own property within the Town of Merrimack)
  • Common interest groups (Groups must have membership made up of at least 51% Merrimack residents)
  • Area businesses (Business facility must be located within the Town of Merrimack. If there is no business facility, person responsible for event must reside or own property within the Town of Merrimack)

 

Personal or family parties such as birthday parties, one on one play dates, baby showers, etc. cannot be hosted at the Library.

Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:
  • The user shall not use the premises in violation of federal, state, or local law, or any policy, procedure, or lawful requirement of the Merrimack Public Library.
  • The user shall not imply in its advertising or during the meeting/use of the premises that the Library has sponsored or supports its meeting/use or group/organization.
  • Neither the name nor the address of the Library may be used as the official address or headquarters of a user.
  • No fees, admission or other charges, sales of any kind, or solicitation of funds will be allowed, unless the use is by or sponsored by the Library.
  • Alcohol and smoking (as well as other tobacco products) are not permitted on the premises.
  • No amendment, alteration or addition shall be made to the Library’s system components (electrical, IT, lighting, network wiring, heating, doors, physical structure or layout) by any user.
  • Fire hazardous materials such as candles, matches, or incense are not permitted on the premises.
  • At no time may fire lanes and emergency exits or handicapped parking spaces and entrances be blocked by vehicles or other objects.
  • Illegal parking may result in vehicles receiving tickets, warnings or towing at the vehicle owner’s own expense.
  • Parents or guardians attending an event/approved use of the premises may not leave children under the age of 11 unattended in the main library or Children's Room. Any older children left there who are in any way disruptive or uncooperative will be asked to rejoin their parent or guardian.

Failure to abide by the rules of the Library or other misuse of a meeting room as well as any misrepresentations in any materials submitted in connection with the application for use of a meeting room may result in cancellation or termination of the agreement and may further limit the User/applicant’s ability to obtain use of the Library meeting rooms in the future.

The meeting room user is responsible for:
  • The user is responsible at all times for the observance of fire and safety requirements including but not limited to maintaining all aisles, doorways, and exits free and clear of all obstructions to permit unimpeded emergency access. If applicable, the user must secure any required permits from local or state governing agencies/bodies.
  • The user is required to have an on-site supervisor who is at least 18 years of age be present at all times during the event/use of the room(s). Youth meetings require at least a 1:10 adult to child ratio.
  • If commercial activity (e.g. caterers/vendors/businesses selling/distributing food, beverages, merchandise, and/or services) will occur at/during the event, the caterer/vendor/business must be licensed (if applicable) and is required to submit proof of licensure and insurance, to include general liability, automobile liability, property and workers’ compensation, which names the Merrimack Public Library and the Town of Merrimack as additional insureds. 
  • Flyers, brochures or other printed information should remain in the meeting room and be removed from the meeting room at end of event/use.
  • The user is responsible for the behavior of and damage caused by all persons attending the event/use of the room(s).
  • The user is responsible for keeping noise levels consistent with the proper atmosphere of the Library at all times. 
  • The user is responsible for set-up and break-down for its event/use in the meeting room and is required to leave the space in a neat and orderly condition.
  • The user must remove all trash from the Library immediately following the event/use and properly dispose of same.
  • The user must provide written notice of any accident resulting in bodily injury or property damage occurring on Library property or in any way connected with the use of Library property within 24 hours of the accident. The notice should be submitted to the Library Director and must include details of the time, place, circumstances of the accident, and names, addresses and phone numbers of any persons involved and/or witnessing the accident. 
  • The Library and Town assume no responsibility for the safety of any private property brought onto the premises, nor for any illness, injury to/death of any persons attending the event/approved use. Any damage to Library property resulting from an event/approved use shall be the responsibility of the user.