Homer library board recommends making its meeting room free after hours

The Homer Library Advisory Board voted Sept. 15 to recommend that the Homer Public Library's meeting room be free for noncommercial users at any hour, which would end a $50-an-hour charge for evening use.

The room is already free during library hours. The after-hours fee covered staff overtime, because someone had to stay late and supervise, according to the board's unapproved minutes. A new security grille at the front entrance, meant to allow access to the meeting room outside library hours, changes that: staff would no longer need to stay. Someone from the group would still need to arrive before the library closes.

Library Director Dave Berry told the board the grille can't be used until the room policies are revised.

Library staff recommended no fees and no damage deposit, saying the community already paid to build the library and the grille and that deposits are a barrier to use and extra work to collect and refund. Of 16 Alaska libraries staff compared, only Nome required a deposit, $250. The Friends of the Homer Library had favored a low flat rate, perhaps $10, with a $50 to $100 deposit.

The board sided with staff but recommended the library keep the right to charge for damage, at the director's discretion. It also voted to bar commercial use of the room after hours. Events meant to raise money would not be allowed, though a for-profit company's board could still meet there, the minutes say.

All the measures passed by unanimous consent. They go next to the City Council, which approves library policies.