Quiet Study Room Booking & Use Policy

1. Purpose

The quiet study rooms at the Fort Erie Public Library are intended to provide a space for individual study and group work. These rooms are available for use by patrons in accordance with this policy, which is designed to ensure fair access and maintain a respectful environment.

1 Booking Time Limits

1.1 Booking Time Limits

1.1.1 Patrons may book a quiet study room for up to two (2) hours.

1.1.2 If a patron wishes to book the room for more than two (2) hours, approval must be obtained from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or their designate prior to the booking.

1.1.3 Bookings for over two (2) hours will not be approved without prior permission.

2 First-Come, First-Serve Basis

2.1 If the quiet study room is not in use, patrons may make a booking for up to two (2) hours on a first-come, first-served basis.

2.2 If there is a waiting list, patrons with an existing booking may be asked to vacate the room at the end of their two (2) hour booking to allow others to use the space.

3 Vacancy and Waiting List:

3.1 If a waiting list forms, patrons who have completed their two (2) hour booking will be required to leave, regardless of the time they arrived, to accommodate those waiting for a room.

2. Conduct and Use of the Quiet Study Rooms

2.01 Respect for Space, Staff, and Patrons:

2.01.1 Patrons must respect the quiet nature of the study rooms and the other individuals using the space.

2.01.2 Any behavior deemed disruptive or disrespectful toward the space, staff, or other patrons may result in the patron being asked to vacate the room or losing future booking privileges.

2.02 Responsibility for the Room:

2.02.1 Patrons are responsible for ensuring the room is left in good condition at the end of their booking. This includes returning furniture to its original arrangement and disposing of any trash.

2.02.2 Damage to library property must be reported immediately to library staff.

2.03 Room Etiquette and Use Restrictions:

2.03.1 Quiet study rooms are intended for studying and group work in a quiet, respectful environment. Any activity that disrupts the peaceful atmosphere, such as loud conversations, phone calls, or group discussions, will not be permitted.

2.03.2 Food and beverages are permitted in the study rooms, but patrons must ensure they clean up after themselves.

2.03.3 The use of the room for meetings, events, or activities not related to quiet study is prohibited unless special permission is granted by the CEO or their designate.

3. Cancellation and Non-Compliance

3.01 Cancellation of Bookings:

3.01.1 If a patron must cancel their booking, they are required to notify the library as soon as possible to allow others access to the room.

3.01.2 Failure to cancel a booking and failure to show up will result in a loss of future booking privileges.

3.02 Non-Compliance with Policy:

3.02.1 Failure to adhere to the terms of this policy, including time limits, room conduct, and behavior, will result in the cancellation of the current booking and may lead to the suspension of future booking privileges.