The library’s meeting room is for meetings or programs of an educational, cultural or civic nature, primarily presented or co-sponsored by the library or by not-for-profit groups or agencies. Only library sponsored or co-sponsored meetings or programs may involve the sale of items, fund raising activities or solicitation of donations. Events of a strictly social nature such as receptions, parties, weddings, and showers are not permitted. Library sponsored programs and programs of the library’s affiliated organizations will be given priority in the reservation of meeting room space. Thereafter, requests are considered in the following order: 

-Agencies of Saline County Government
-Community non-profit cultural or civic organizations
-City of Benton or Bryant agencies
-All other uses, including individuals or groups whose primary purposes are religious, business and for-profit entities.

Businesses may use the meeting room for not-for-profit activities. Programs involving the sale, advertisement or promotion of commercial products or services are prohibited. Organizations may not charge an admission fee. Fees for items such as a meal or program materials are permissible as long as attendance is not dependent upon the payment of such fees.

Meetings or programs which, in the sole judgment of the library staff, would interfere with the functions of the library or of patrons using the library will not be permitted. Groups using the Library meeting rooms must observe the building’s scheduled opening and closing times. All meetings should be over and the room vacated 15 minutes before the Library closes. The Library Director must approve exceptions.

The library can provide the following audiovisual items:

•    TV
•    DVD player
•    Laptop
•    Podium
•    Overhead Projector
•    Slide Projector
•    LCD Projector

Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be made more than 4 weeks in advance of the requested date. Organization or individuals are allowed one meeting per month at each of the two library locations.

Food or drink is allowed only by special permission. Only catered meals, covered-dish meals or light refreshments shall be served. No red punch, kool-aid, or grape juice will be allowed. Dishes, paper towels, kitchen utensils, and coffee accessories must be furnished by the user organization. All groups are responsible for food and/or trash cleanup. Garbage must be placed in trash receptacle.

Damages to the room or library property shall be charged to the person/group using the room. No group is allowed to attach anything to the walls. No candles with lighted flames are allowed.

Scheduling of a meeting or program of a group or organization in the Library does not in any way constitute an endorsement by the Library of the group or organization; its activities; or of the ideas and opinions expressed during the course of the meetings or programs held at the Library. The use of the name, address, or telephone number of the Saline County Library as the address or headquarters for any group or organization using the Library for meeting purposes is prohibited. Publicity generated by a group or organization for a meeting or event in a Library meeting room may recite the Library name, address and appropriate room designation only.

The Saline County Library currently assesses no deposit for the use of its meeting room except in the case of persons or groups wishing to make crafts or items that require hammers, nails, glue guns, paint, and other like items. A craft deposit will be required and refunded after inspection by a library employee. Charges may be assessed against groups or individuals who fail to leave the room in a clean and orderly condition. Groups and individuals which abuse or damage the meeting room may be denied future access to Library facilities. Setting up tables and chairs not normally provided by the Library is the responsibility of the sponsoring individual or group. Meeting rooms must be returned to their original positions.

When scheduling meeting room time, remember to allow your group sufficient time for any necessary set up or clean up. Any organization or group wishing to use the meeting room must complete the Application for Meeting Room Use and receive approval of the Library Director or his/her designee before a meeting room reservation will be finalized.