The Library allows after-hours use of the Nelson Room, seven days a week.
Guests must generally leave the building by 11 pm, though exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Director.
Please note that in accordance with the Town attorney's requirements, the Library reserves the right to cancel reservations during the winter months if the Director has reasonable cause to believe that weather conditions may impede public safety.
Please see the Library's Meeting Room Policy for additional guidelines.
Please note that submission of a request DOES NOT guarantee room booking.
We try to approve or deny requests within two business days, assuming that the request falls within our approval window: 30 days for the Nelson Room during "Prime Time" dates/ times (Mon-Thurs evenings & Sat mornings), and 90 days for other spaces/ dates/ times. (Please refer to our Policy for additional details.)
Room Booking Instructions
1. Search by date, time, amenities, and/or capacity.
2. Once you have made this selection, available rooms will appear. (Half hour blocks in red have already been booked.)
3. Select the room you would like to reserve.
4. Click all corresponding boxes for the time slot that you would like to reserve. For example, if your reservation request is from 3 to 5 pm, click on all the boxes between 3 pm and 4:30 pm.
5. Finally, click Book Room.
Please note that your request is pending until you receive an official notice of approval from the library.
Meeting Room Policy
Individuals booking spaces are responsible for ensuring that use of the Library's spaces complies with all applicable policies. Use of meeting spaces indicates acknowledgment and acceptance of Library policies governing their use.
Important Reminders
1./ Please cancel your reservation if unable to use the space as scheduled. This frees up the space for others and saves on utility costs.
2./ Please check in at the front desk prior to using a library space.
3./ For liability reasons, the kitchen may only be used with prior approval of library staff.
4./ Please clean up after each session.
ROOM FEE SCHEDULE
The Plaistow Public Library permits the use of the Nelson and History Rooms for private meetings or by commercial organizations in accordance with the following fee schedule.
History Room - or - Half of Nelson Room
Up to 2 hours: $20
Between 2 and 4 hours: $40
4 hours or longer: $80
Entire Nelson Room (L&R)
Up to 2 hours: $40
Between 2 and 4 hours: $80
4 hours or longer: $125
Payment must be made at least 7 days before the date of use. All other meeting room policies continue to apply.
Space Descriptions
The Nelson Room is a multi-use room with a folding partition wall to divide the space into two rooms: Left (Kitchen) and Right (Projector & Screen). Features include:
- 27' x 40' full space; 27' x 20' half-space
- Seating capacity of 75 lecture style (100 with minimal spacing); 160 with no furniture
- Carpeted flooring
- Large windows
- Easy after-hours access to parking lot
- 8 large rectangular tables (6 person, 4’ x 6’)
- 4 smaller rectangular tables (2.5’ x 5’)
- Wireless internet access
- Public address system
- Ceiling-mounted LCD projector & screen (6’ x 8’) - on Right side only (or with entire room)
- Podium
- Dry-erase board
- Adjacent to and with direct access to a small kitchen - on Left side only (or with entire room)
- Access to restroom
The Kitchen is a 12’ x 10’ space which may be used in conjunction with the Nelson Room, subject to prior approval. Features include:
- Large counter space
- Electric stove
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Sink
- Coffee pots and urn
The Kitchen must be reserved in advance. The Kitchen is intended to provide a space to facilitate the final stages of food service. It is not intended to serve as a full kitchen for preparing food from scratch. There are no dishes, utensils or pots and pans available.
The History Room serves as the Library’s special collections room (details attached below) and is an attractive space for private meetings of 10 or fewer. Features include:
- Seating capacity of 8 (comfortable), 10 (more cozy)
- Large windows
- Comfortable conference chairs
- Conference table (9’ x 3.5’)
- Podium
- Wireless access
Light refreshments may be served in the History Room with the Library Director’s prior approval.
Three Study Rooms are available for public use. Two rooms are 12' x 8'6", while a smaller room is 5' x 5.5". One of the larger study rooms is available for advance reservation.
Larger Rooms: Seating capacity of 4 to 5. Round table (4' diameter).
Small Room: Seating capacity of 1 to 2. Bench desk (2' x 5.5").
