Also available for rental: The Amphitheatre or Harbor Park

The Jean Picker Room

Description

The primary purpose of the Jean Picker Room of the Camden Public Library is to provide a place for cultural and educational programs and exhibits that are free and open to the public. These programs and exhibits should provide an opportunity for aesthetic and intellectual growth and enjoyment. They should also foster public awareness and discourse about issues both local and global.

Procedure

All groups requesting use of the Jean Picker Room must fill out an application at least two weeks in advance of their scheduled program. CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE APPLICATION FORM. The Library Program Coordinator will review the application and contact the applicant to confirm if the Library can or cannot accommodate the request. Once the reservation is confirmed, payment of the full rental fee is required.

Fee Structure

Nonprofit: $25 per hour          For-profit: $50 per hour         Library co-sponsored*: no charge

*The Library may choose to co-sponsor and waive fees for organizations that host meetings, programs, exhibits, and classes that help fulfill the Library’s mission, such as non-profit groups hosting writers, readers, literary events, and community-based events. Such co-sponsorship is available for organizations that are: 1) local/community/non-profit organizations; 2) host events that are open to the public; and 3) events for which no fee or donation is being requested

The Library prioritizes events that are free to attend. However, organizations may ⁠— in certain circumstances ⁠— charge participants small fees, with prior Library permission. The Library will take into consideration the nature of the event and the benefit to the Library and the community.

The Library does not host fundraisers or benefits in the Jean Picker Room for other organizations.

Available Hours

The Library is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; and on Sundays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

What’s Included

The following can be included in the rental of the Jean Picker Room:
– Chairs                                   – 6-foot tables                         – Lectern
– Flip charts                             – Whiteboard                           – Easel
– Kitchenette (sink and countertop only)

Groups may also request access to the following A/V equipment:
– Library laptop                      – Projector                             – Large screen monitor
– DVD/Blu-ray player             – PA system                            – Meeting Owl (compatible with Zoom)

General Guidelines for Using the Jean Picker Room

• All A/V equipment will be set-up and put away by library staff. Instruction regarding how to use the equipment will be provided, but library staff are not available to remain in the room to assist with technology during the rental. The “tech closet” is off limits to everyone but library staff. If there are additional meeting supplies that have been requested, which are stored in that closet, library staff are the only people permitted to retrieve them.

• Groups using the room free-of-charge are expected to set-up and breakdown chairs and tables independently, without the assistance of library staff.

• Groups paying for the use of the room will receive library staff assistance in the set-up and breakdown of chairs and tables.

• Groups are responsible for straightening the room after each use. This includes wiping off tables; cleaning up kitchen area; washing dishes; disposing of leftover food and beverages; and cleaning up of trash. Bottles, cans, and signage must be removed from the room.

• Groups wishing to serve coffee or tea must bring their own coffee pot, water boiler, and all related cups and supplies.

• NO smoking, open flames, or consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted.

• The fire code states that the limit of the Picker room is 75 people. However, we can only comfortable seat up to 30 people if you are gathering around a large table conference-style. The renter agrees not to include more than 75 people in the room and to confine the organization’s activities to the assigned area only.

• Every individual or group using the Jean Picker Room accepts total liability for any damage to Library facilities and /or equipment. If damage does occur to the premises, or the room is left in an unacceptable manner, the group will be charged for any cleaning, repair, or replacement costs, and future requests for room use may be denied.

• The group or individual agrees to indemnify and hold the Library harmless for any personal injury, lost or stolen articles or damaged property owned by anyone using the Jean Picker Room.

• The Library will not accept reservations for meetings that would designate the Jean Picker Room as the regular meeting place for any organization that is not co-sponsored by the Library.

• All publicity for a scheduled event is the sole responsibility of the renter. Any publicity for events not co-sponsored by the Library must clearly state that the Library does not necessarily endorse or support the event. The provision of meeting rooms for public events does not constitute Library endorsement of the beliefs or ideas expressed by organizations or individuals using the space. For events that are not co-sponsored by the Library, please use a statement such as, “This is not a Camden Public Library event; please contact ___________ for more information.” If the Library co-sponsors the program however, the publicity will be shared between the organization and the Library. The Library reserves the right to review any publicity material prepared by the organization before release, in order to guarantee proper representation of the Library. 

Cancellation

If a group has been approved for a rental and has paid their fee, they have the option of canceling one week (seven working days) prior to the scheduled event with a full refund of their money.  If, however, the cancellation is closer to the event than one week, the renter must forfeit the fee. There is no penalty if cancellation is due to inclement weather or is called off by the Library.