New user fees and clearer messaging about library endorsements are among the changes Soldotna’s Library Advisory Board made last month to the policy that applies to the facilities at the Soldotna Public Library.
Affected facilities include the library’s two conference rooms, as well as the large community room. The changes are the first modifications to the policy in more than a year and took effect April 15.
The library is now charging a $30 fee for some users of the community room, including those who use the room outside the library’s normal operating hours and those who charge an attendance fee for events held in the space. Groups that both charge admission and use the space after hours must pay $60. Discounted fees are available to tax-exempt organizations.
Fees must be paid before the reservation, either in person or over the phone during the library’s normal operating hours.
The new policy also clearly states that any materials promoting an event at a library facility must be clearly worded to state that the event is being held at, but is not endorsed by, the Soldotna Public Library. Noncompliance with that policy can lead to cancellation of the event by the library.
Promotional materials must also clearly state who is sponsoring the event, where more information about the event can be found and must include the phrase, “This event is not sponsored or endorsed by the Soldotna Public Library.”
Library and city programs are given priority when it comes to reservation of library facilities, followed by public programs and meetings, private conferencing and other private study.
The new policies come roughly four months after public outcry over a drag story hour that was scheduled to be held at the library. The event, organized by Soldotna Pride, was postponed due to the backlash. The incident prompted many to question the Soldotna Public Library about the event, which was not sponsored or endorsed by the library.
Soldotna Librarian Rachel Nash said Thursday that the library has always required groups using its facilities to say that their event is not endorsed by the library, but that groups haven’t always followed that rule.
“This leads to confusion when people need more information about events held at but not hosted by the Library, and contact library staff rather than the event organizer,” Nash said. “The drag story hour hosted by Soldotna Pride was just one example of this.”
All policies for the Soldotna Public Library can be found on the City of Soldotna’s website at soldotna.org/departments/library.
Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.
