The following spaces are available for use by the public:

The Library’s audiovisual equipment may be used by groups using the Downsbrough Community Room for a cost of $10 per event. Groups must notify Library staff of their plans to use the AV equipment prior to the event (see the AV Equipment Procedures document).  Use of the equipment is subject to the Library's established rules. The Library has free wi-fi capability.

Parking is available in the Library’s adjacent lot and underground garage, but spaces are limited. Visitors should be prepared to use nearby parking (lots, garages, street) when the Library’s lot is full.

The front steps, the protected arcade running the length of the Allen Street side of the building, and the reservable space at the corner of Beaver and Allen are subject to all conditions of this policy, including no use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products.

Anyone wishing to use Library property outside the building at the corner of Beaver and Allen (see highlighted area on Beaver & Allen diagram, available upon request) for speaking and/or distributing petitions, surveys, or other information not of a commercial and/or fundraising nature may do so after an application is approved by Library staff. Outdoor activities and equipment, including but not limited to tables and signs, must not block or hinder access to any parking, sidewalks, entrances, or exits, and must not harass or intimidate others.

Distribution of food and/or beverages in the Library's outdoor space requires State College Borough Health & Neighborhood Services approval. For more details, email healthdept@statecollegepa.us or call (814) 234-7191. Approved Borough forms must be submitted with completed Event Space Applications.

Due to pedestrian safety concerns, groups using the Library's outdoor space will not be provided access to the Library's electrical outlets. To ensure that normal Library operations are not disturbed, no amplification equipment may be used in the outdoor space during regular Library hours (up-to-date hours can be found on the Library website).

No group reservations are taken for any other outdoor space, including the Pat Moyer Memorial Readers' Garden, on Schlow property, with the exception of the corner of Beaver and Allen as described above.

Applications for use of Library event spaces are available online (Scroll to "Event Space Inquiry Form") and at all public service desks. The application must be filled out completely and returned to the Patron Services Desk Staff prior to the scheduled event. The individual submitting the application must provide their valid Schlow library card number, and their account must have current contact and address information with no outstanding fees. Non-cardholders must sign up for a free Schlow library card. The library card associated with the application will be charged for any incidentals, such as damage to the room, furniture, or equipment, or if excessive cleaning is required. Schlow will notify the cardholder if any incidental fees are assessed. Indoor events may be scheduled only during the Library’s normal operating hours.

Indoor events must conclude before closing so that all attendees are out of the building by closing time. 

Events may be scheduled in three annual periods: January 1 to May 31, June 1 to August 31, and September 1 to December 31, starting one month prior to the first day of the period. The Library will typically contact groups within 10 working days to confirm or deny the request. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. New applications must be completed for each period to ensure information is current.

Groups may schedule use of event spaces up to a maximum of twice a month. It is the responsibility of the group to notify the Library as soon as possible of an event cancellation.

The Library reserves the right to change a group event time or place if necessary for the Library’s operations, or to revoke event space privileges at any time.

An adult 18 years or older is required to make event space reservations, and one adult must be present for events in their entirety.

Groups using event spaces are encouraged to make $25 donations per use. Donations may be made at any time. Checks should be made payable to Schlow Centre Region Library and mailed to the attention of Patron Services at 211 S. Allen Street, State College, PA 16801. Donations may also be made online at www.schlowlibrary.org/donate using a credit card. As noted elsewhere, charges may apply for audiovisual equipment use or for cleaning.

Individuals or groups wishing to use Library Event Spaces, grounds, or parking will indemnify and hold harmless the Library from any and all claims, causes of action, costs, expenses, or losses, including reasonable counsel fees which might arise out of the use of Library spaces for the event or gathering with the exception of liability which arises from the negligence of the Library itself.     

Groups may advertise their events on the public bulletin board on the 2nd floor by submitting a sign no larger than 8-1/2" X 11" to the Adult & Teen Services Desk for approval.

Event coordinators must check in and check out at the front desk for events held in a first-floor space, and at the Adult & Teen Services Desk for events held in a second-floor space. Attendance numbers must be reported during check-out.

Groups congregating before or after an event must respect Library rules and patrons.

Groups using the Community Room must arrange and return furnishings to the storage closet themselves. The Community Room kitchen may be used to prepare simple refreshments with the group’s own supplies, but must be completely cleaned after use. The library card associated with the application will be charged for cleaning and/or replacement costs if the premises are not restored to their original condition. Schlow will notify the cardholder if any fees are assessed.

No animals, with the exception of official assistance animals, are permitted in the Library without the approval of the Director.

No alcohol, tobacco, or drug use is permitted in the Library. No open flames of any kind are permitted in the Library. 

Facilities may not be used in any way that materially interferes with the orderly operation of the Library or poses a threat to the safety of Library personnel, property, or patrons. 

Failure to comply with Library policies may lead to immediate event termination, exclusion of individuals from Library premises pursuant to the rules, and/or loss of future Event Space privileges.

Decisions made regarding the event spaces may be appealed first to the Library Director, and then to the Library Board of Trustees.

The provisions of the foregoing policy and procedures may be waived either by the Library Director or the Library Board of Trustees on a case-by-case basis.