Council adopts library community‑room rules, keeps fees low and exempts local nonprofits

The Larksburg City Council adopted a package of policies governing the use of the newly opened community rooms at the Larksburg Library, setting booking limits, a modest fee structure, and operating rules intended to keep the rooms available for community use.

Staff proposed a 90‑day booking window for general public reservations, allowance for standing monthly meetings for Larksburg‑serving nonprofits and governmental partners, and a tiered risk assessment to determine when a security deposit or certificate of insurance is required. Council directed staff to allow library programs, city contractors and recognized local nonprofits to reserve space without paying the standard rental fee; other private or commercial uses will be subject to the fee schedule. Council also directed that commercial solicitation and sales be prohibited in the rooms.

To help manage cleanliness and wear, the council approved a $25 cleaning and maintenance fee per reservation; staff may require refundable deposits for events that serve food or otherwise present higher risk. Staff will apply a three‑tiered risk model: (1) low‑risk small meetings — no insurance required; (2) medium risk — assessment and possible deposit or basic insurance; (3) high risk — certificate of insurance or event policy required. Staff will refine procedures, deposits and the cancellation policy and return to council for adjustments after a trial period.

The council also discussed whether to permit political candidate forums and limited public forums in the rooms. City Attorney Sky Whitiff explained the constitutional constraints around public forums and viewpoint neutrality; council members agreed to allow some political/community forums in the building while restricting commercial solicitation. The council adopted the resolution as presented with the agreed exemptions and prohibitions and directed staff to implement the booking system and outreach to community groups.