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Blocher Community Room

The Blocher Community Room is an ideal space for community meetings, clubs, parties, showers, large meetings, or special events. The North Manchester Public Library Board of Trustees welcomes the use of the Blocher Community Room by responsible North Manchester area groups, organizations, and individuals. A major goal of the Library is to provide for the informational, recreational, cultural, and educational needs of the community, and it is expected that this room will be used to accomplish this goal.

The room has a kitchenette facility which is available for serving light refreshments; a projection and speaker system; a podium and hand-held microphone; as well as access to library Wi-Fi.

Blocher Room

CAPACITY: 60 people using tables (8 tables available) and chairs; 80 people using chairs only. The Blocher Room is approximately 34 feet by 32 feet.

Blocher Room Hours

The operating days and hours of the Blocher Community Room are Monday through Saturday, 7am to 10pm. Events may only be held during these operating times. The room is not booked on Sundays or on holidays.

Applications and Scheduling

Library sponsored meetings and programs have preference over all other requests. The Library reserves the right to revoke reservations for the Blocher Community Room at any time for Library functions; notice of such revocation will be given no less than two weeks prior to the date of reservation. An application shall be provided by the Library and executed by the applicant or an authorized representative of the applicant. Applicants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.

Deposits or rental fees shall accompany each application. A deposit must be made or a rental fee paid for each reserved day on the application. Bookings may not be made more than six (6) months in advance. Applicants may have up to three (3) bookings per six (6) month period.

Prohibitions and Limitations
  • The capacity of the Blocher Community Room is 60 people using tables & chairs or 80 people using chairs only.
  • Children may use the Blocher Community Room only when under adequate adult supervision. No fewer than 2 adults must provide supervision for every 20 children in attendance, with a minimum of 2 adult supervisors for any children's group.
  • The following activities are expressly prohibited: buying, selling, advertising, or trading products or services for cash or other consideration, except in support of the Library or other nonprofit organizations with permission of the Board/Director. However, groups may restrict meetings to their own members and make normal collection of the dues/fees.
  • A kitchenette facility is available for serving light refreshments. Preparation, catering, or serving of meals are not permitted. Alcoholic beverages and smoking are not permitted in the Blocher Community Room.
  • Decorations are limited to table decorations only. No decorations may be attached in any way to the walls or ceiling. (A magnetic dry-erase board is available for signage & decoration.)
  • The use of glitter products, tapes, adhesives, tacks, open flames (including but not limited to lighters, candles, and stoves) is prohibited.
Applicant's Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the applicant include but are not limited to:

  • Obtaining keys
  • Keys may be obtained up to one (1) day before scheduled event. However, applicants are only permitted into the Blocher Community room during their scheduled hours.
  • Only applicants or members of the applying organization may obtain a key.
  • Keys will be checked out to applicant’s Library account. If applicant does not have an account with the Library, a name and phone number will be required.
  • Groups are responsible for loading, unloading, and operating supplies, materials, and equipment. Library staff will be unable to provide assistance.
  • Returning the room to its standard set-up as depicted in the application form diagram. The diagram is also posted in the kitchenette and storage closet).
  • Leaving the Blocher Community Room, kitchenette, restrooms, and accessible areas in a clean, neat, and orderly condition (refer to Checklist).
  • Powering off projector/speaker system and placing any equipment in Equipment Bin or Equipment Drawer (if used).
  • Securing the building after the meeting has ended (refer to Checklist).
  • Promptly reporting any damages to Library staff.
  • Returning keys to front desk and obtaining deposit (if applicable). Keys must be returned during Library open hours, within two (2) days after the reserved event.
Loss or Damages

The Library assumes no liability for any loss, damage of property, or injury to people arising from the use of the Blocher Community Room by the applicant, the applicant organization’s members, and/or guests.

However, damages to or misuse of the Blocher Community Room or of Library grounds may result in additional charges and fees. Charges in excess of the amount of the deposit or rental fee shall be billed to and must be paid in full by the applicant.

Suspension of Privileges

Misuse, destruction of property, or violation of this policy may result in suspension of privileges to hold further meetings in the Blocher Community Room.

The Blocher Room must be booked at the front desk of the library, during library open hours. A deposit fee (if applicable) must be paid and an application form must be filled out in order to book the room.

​To check availability for a specific date, call the library at (260) 982-4773.

Deposit Fees

For private events, such as birthday celebrations, baby showers, graduation parties, business meetings, bridal showers, etc, a fee will be charged at the time of application. If scheduling more than one event, separate rental fees must be brought in for each scheduled date, whether paying by cash or check.

  • There is a rental fee of eighty dollars ($80.00) per booking. The fee must be paid by either cash or check in order to book the room.

Rental fees will be deposited by the Library after the reservation date, on the next Library operating day. The applicant will be charged any expenses incurred by the Library for any check returned for lack of sufficient funds, a “stop payment”, forgery, etc. 
For public and non-profit events, applicants must put down a deposit for each scheduled date in the amount of forty dollars ($40.00). 
Ten (10) calendar days following the event, if deposit has not been claimed, the deposit will be handled as follows:

  • If cash: deposit will be considered a non-refundable donation to the Library.
  • If check: deposit will be marked void.
Cancellations

The Library must be notified of cancellations. Cancellations must be made within twenty-four (24) hours of Blocher Community Room bookings. The Library shall not offer a refund of deposits or rental fees without proper notice of cancellation.

The Library will provide notice if a Blocher Community Room booking must be canceled by the Library. Notifications will be made via the provided phone number. The Library will not be held liable for any failed notifications owing to invalid contact information provided by the applicant.

In the event that the Library cancels a Blocher Community Room reservation, refunds of deposits/rental fees will be offered for each canceled event.  

Deposits and rental fees will be held for ten (10) calendar days after cancellation. After ten (10) days, if a deposit or a rental fee has not been claimed, the deposit or fee will be considered a non-refundable donation to the Library.

The Blocher Room must be booked at the front desk of the library, during library open hours. A deposit or renters fee must be paid and an application form must be filled out in order to book the room.

Download the Application