Policies

Meeting Room Policy

Richards Free Library  58 N. Main Street Newport, NH 03773

The Richards Free Library Board of Trustees offers four meeting rooms for use by community members. The Hale Room has space for groups of up to ten people, the Yeomans Room up to eight people, the Orange Room up to ten people and the Ballroom is available for groups up to fifty people with approval of the Library Director.

These rooms are available free of charge to Newport nonprofit organizations engaging in educational, cultural, or charitable activities or events, although donations to help with the upkeep of rooms are always welcome. These rooms can be reserved by contacting the Library Director. Library sponsored events and activities are given priority.

These rooms are offered to commercial organizations or for private social functions. The Ballroom is available for $50.00 a day.

Rules Governing Use of Library Rooms

1. The responsible person must be over 18 years of age and be a resident of Newport or have a Richards Free library card in good standing.
2. Rooms may be reserved for no more than once a month by one organization. Exceptions to this rule may be approved by the Library Director.
3. Reservations can be scheduled up to one month in advance.
4. The Library reserves the right to cancel any reservation in case of emergencies.
5. The Library reserves the right to revoke the use rooms at the discretion of the Library Director.
6. Any organization renting a library room is responsible for letting it be known that their meetings or events are not endorsed by the Library.
7. Rooms are only available during regular library hours.
8. Rooms must be left clean and orderly.
   1. All rubbish must be removed.
   2. Furniture replaced to original position.
   3. Windows closed and locked.
   4. Floors swept or mopped if necessary.
   5. Bathroom cleaned if necessary.
   6. All lights turned off.
   7. Nothing may be attached to the walls of any meeting room.
9. No alcoholic beverages may be served at non-library events.
10. No smoking is allowed on library property.
11. Groups or organizations using the library rooms are subject to all Library rules and may not disturb others.
12. The Library must be notified as soon as possible of cancellations.
13. The Library does not provide audio-visual equipment.
14. Individuals must provide proof of a certificate of insurance before approval.

Meeting Room Reservation Form

Library Cards

Library Cards are free to all residents and property owners of Newport and anyone who works or attends school in Newport. Proof of residence is required to obtain a card. A fee of $1.00 is charged for replacement of lost or damaged cards. Non-residents may obtain a card by paying a non-refundable fee ($50.00 per person for the year or $25.00 per person for three months) which is set by the Trustees.

The library loans books, magazines, videos, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, learning kits, and a telescope. Card holders may also access research databases, downloadable audio and e-books from computers anywhere.

Loan Periods

Books, DVD/Video,  Magazines  2 week
Telescope 24 hours
Other materials  2 weeks

Fines & Fees

There are no fines for overdue materials.

Items long overdue will be considered lost and an invoice will be sent with the cost of the materials and restocking fees. Anyone with an invoice for materials will forfeit their library privileges.

Inter library Loan (ILL)

Inter library loan is offered as a service to registered borrowers when material is unavailable in this library. For questions or to place a loan request, please contact Sally Bernier, sbernier@newport.lib.nh.us

Internet Access

Access to the internet is available to the public, no library card necessary. Laptops can be checked out for use in the reference area of the library.