Reserving and Using IQ Kitchen Policy

Public gathering spaces are intended to be commercial-free environments where groups may come together to learn and exchange information and ideas.

Public gathering places are available to the public regardless of the beliefs or affiliations or groups requesting their use.

Permission to use a public gathering place does not constitute an endorsement by the library of the program or point of view expressed.

The IQ Kitchen is considered a Meeting Room generally but has additional rules due to its commercial kitchen license and the available equipment. As a meeting room, it is intended for larger groups. Individuals and small groups may use the IQ Kitchen if there are no reservations that day and they agree to the IQ Kitchen Meeting Room Agreement.

Prohibited Activities

1. No commercial activities.
   1. No sales or advertising of products or services, or other direct fundraising activities. 
   2. No admission or other fees may be charged to individuals attending meetings or programs except for tuition or fees for classes sponsored by tax-exempt educational institutions.
   3. Exceptions may be made for library-sponsored groups, programs, or events.

2. No candles or flames of any kind, other than those generated by Library owned kitchen equipment such as gas stove burners, butane torches, etc.  Such equipment must be used in strict accord with manufacturer’s instructions.
3. The IQ Kitchen may not be used to store patron equipment, materials, or supplies.
4. Library staff will have discretion to end a program early if circumstances arise that interfere with other patron’s access to and/or enjoyment of the library.   Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to, strong smells, smoke, or unexpected loud noises. 

Library Right of Refusal

The Library Assistant Director (or designee) is responsible for working to resolve disputes that may arise over the reservation and use of library rooms.

Meeting Information and Publicity

1. Anoka County Library will communicate scheduled meetings (group name, time, date, and place of meeting) in the room reservation calendar. That information may also be posted either digitally or in print in the library where the meeting is being held.
2. The library’s name may not be used in any publicity for non-library sponsored or co­ sponsored meetings except to designate the meeting location. The library logo may not be used.
3. Anoka County Library may not be used as the official address or headquarters of any organization.

Patron Responsibilities

1. Patrons will comply with federal, state, and local laws and policies.
2. The person reserving the space determines the intended audience for the gathering.
3. The contact person for the reservation is liable for any damages to facilities and furnishings.
4. The contact person shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Anoka County, its officers, agents, and employees from and against all claims, suits, actions of any kind, arising and resulting and accruing from a negligent act, omission or error of the group resulting in or relating to personal injuries or property damage arising from the groups’ use of the IQ Kitchen.
5. Failure to follow this policy may result in the loss of future reservation and use privileges.

Cleaning

1. Normal vacuuming and trash removal are provided. Patrons are responsible for leaving the IQ Kitchen in good condition, meaning that any surfaces used for food preparation will be wiped down and sanitized, and library-owned utensils and equipment will be washed and put away.  Library staff will sign off that the kitchen is acceptably cleaned before the responsible patron leaves the building.  Full clean-up instructions are posted in the IQ Kitchen.
2. If the room requires additional cleaning after a meeting, the contact person for the group will be charged at the rate established in the Anoka County Library Fine and Fee Schedule.
3. All clean-up must be completed within the time specified on the application and no later than 30 minutes prior to closing.

How to Request a Reservation for the IQ Kitchen

1. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to reserve the IQ Kitchen.
2. Applicants can reserve the IQ Kitchen by contacting the Library Manager at the Centennial library by phone.
3. Applicants will be asked to sign a copy of the IQ Kitchen Public Use agreement before room use.

How Far in Advance Can Rooms be Reserved?

1. The IQ Kitchen may be reserved up to 60 days in advance.
2. Up to twelve reservations may be on the books at a time.

Cancellations

1. Patrons should notify the library as soon as possible if it is necessary to cancel a reservation.
2. Repeated cancellations or failure to show may affect the ability to reserve the IQ Kitchen. 
3. If IQ Kitchen users are unreasonably late for their booked time, library staff reserve the right to book the room for other patrons.

Audiovisual and IQ Kitchen Equipment

1. Wi-Fi is available in all libraries.
2. Some meeting rooms have screens and projectors. (See Meeting room list for information about specific locations)
3. Groups are responsible for bringing their own computers and cords. Staff are generally not available to provide AV equipment support.
4. IQ Kitchen has specialty equipment such as air fryers and other small appliances. Reservation of such equipment is available by calling the Centennial Branch Library manager.

Furniture and Set-up

See Meeting room list for detailed information about furniture available in specific locations. Patrons are responsible for returning tables and chairs to designated positions.

Beverages

Covered beverages are allowed in all rooms.

Food

1. Light refreshments may be served in large meeting rooms. The IQ Kitchen has cooking, refrigeration, and electrical appliances available which may be reserved and used. Patrons must contact Centennial Library staff to determine whether the reservation and proposed use will require a special permit and/or food license.
2. In the IQ Kitchen, user groups are required to provide all other perishable supplies such as food/recipe ingredients and are responsible for cleaning up.
   1. In the IQ Kitchen, user groups are required to provide all other perishable supplies such as food/recipe ingredients and are responsible for cleaning up.
   2. In the IQ Kitchen, user groups are required to provide all equipment for the scheduled room booking such as pots, pans, silverware, cutlery. If the stove top, oven and/or small appliances such as air fryer, Instant Pot, or blender are reserved, an orientation on the use of equipment will need to be scheduled up to 48 hours before the room booking date.

3. No alcoholic beverages may be served; however, cooking alcohol may be used limited to the amounts directed in recipes and provided that the alcoholic content is cooked off before being served.  The library suggests that cooking alcohol be brought in small/single serve size containers such as “airplane bottles” or 4-pack wine bottles if possible. 
4. Exceptions to this policy are possible for library or county sponsored events or by permission of the Library Manager.

This policy is reviewed by the Library Advisory Board (or a committee thereof) every four (4) years, or more frequently when deemed appropriate. The Library Advisory Board may recommend proposed changes subject to final approval by the Library Director and the Anoka County Board of Commissioners.