The definitions used to determine fees for groups wishing to reserve a meeting room are as follows:
1. Non-profit 501c3 organizations with a Manatee County address that have proof of active non-profit status may reserve a MCPLS meeting room free of charge for meetings or for civic, cultural, governmental, or educational programs. 501c3 non-profit status documentation must be provided at the time of reservation. All non-profit 501c3 meetings must be open to the public.
2. Manatee County Businesses, associations, and individuals not qualifying for 501c3 non-profit status, and who match the descriptions below, may rent a meeting room in accordance with MCPLS Meeting Room Fees and Meeting Room Policy. Meeting rooms are not available for personal social or private parties such as birthday celebrations, showers, or receptions, or sports/athletics practices. All functions must be appropriate in a public environment and attendee behavior must conform to the Library’s Code of Conduct
- Any Business or Association
- Any Individual or Private group
- Any private function or fundraising event for a non-profit charitable organization, civic group, or public education agency
Rates are charged in one (1) hour increments:
- $50/hour for auditorium spaces
- $25/hour for meeting rooms
Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis and limited to one (1) meeting per month. Meeting rooms must be reserved at least 48 hours in advance and no more than 45 days prior to reservation date. Notice of cancellation must be made at least 48 hours in advance. There is a $25.00 No-Show Fee. Two cancellations without proper notice or no shows within 12 months will result in forfeiture of meeting room privileges.
A cleaning fee of $25 for meeting rooms and $50 for auditoriums per rental is charged for any group serving food or beverages at their meeting. This applies to both non-profit and business rentals.