These facilities are available without charge to local educational, civic, cultural and governmental organizations for single meetings. They are not available for social occasions such as parties, showers, and wedding receptions or for commercial purposes. Viewing copyrighted films and videos in these facilities is restricted to those that are licensed for public performances.

The Meeting Room has the capacity to seat 150 people "theater-style" or 96 at tables. The Conference Room seats 24 at tables. Additional chairs may be used if needed. The tables cannot be moved from the Conference Room.

The Library Director is responsible for the meeting facilities' schedules. Decision in scheduling will be made at the discretion of the Director.

Procedures Governing the Scheduling and Use of the Farmers Branch Manske Library Meeting Facilities

1. The person making the application must be a Farmers Branch resident or work in a business located in the City, and be in attendance at the meeting.
2. Requests for the use of the facilities will be made in writing on the “Application for Use” form.  The application includes the name of the organization, date and time desired, person responsible for the group, and a description of the program content.
3. Requests are made for a single meeting, i.e. no multiple bookings in advance.
4.  Requests should be made at least one week prior to a meeting and written application should be received at the Library no later than 24 hours before the meeting.  Cancellations should be made at least 24 hours before the scheduled meeting time, if possible.
5.  Meetings are held during regular Library hours.  In exceptional cases, when the request is granted for room use after regular hours, a fee will be charged for staff overtime.
6. The organization using the meeting facility is responsible for setting up the room as needed—chairs, tables, etc.  No additional furniture or equipment other than that provided by the Library is to be brought in or used during the meeting without prior approval of the Library Director.
7. No physical changes may be made in the facility except for the arrangement of furniture.  If the podium is to be moved or if auxiliary sound systems are needed, this must be done by City staff with prior approval of the Library Director.
8. The organization using the room is responsible for returning the tables and chairs to their original location before the meeting, unless otherwise notified by the Library staff.  Sufficient time must be allotted by the organization to replace the furniture before the Library closes.  See attached sheet for meeting room placement.
9. The room must be left clean of trash and personal belongings.
10. The organization using the room assumes responsibility for any damage to the room and its contents.
11. Before leaving the building, the person in charge must notify a staff person at the Youth Services desk.
12.  Non-alcoholic drinks and light refreshments such as cookies or cake may be served in the Meeting Room and Amphitheater.  Drinks only, no food, are allowed in the Conference room.  All serving utensils are to be provided by those using the facility.
13.  No fund-raising activities may be held unless all proceeds are donated to the Library or the City (e.g. Friends of the Library events).
14. Commercial organizations sponsoring an educational program of a non-profit nature may request the use of the facilities if the meeting is open to the public.
15. Political meetings open to the public and involving all candidates may be requested.   (See Political Meeting Policy for City Facilities adopted by the City Council in March 1987.)

November 2002