Study Room Policy

Approved by the York County Library Board of Trustees on Aug. 13, 2026

​​

General Information

​

Study rooms are available at the York and Rock Hill Branches. They are designed to provide flexible, inclusive spaces for individual or group work. While study rooms are semi-private, a library is a public space, and users should not expect privacy at all times. A library card is not required to reserve or use a study room, and there is no fee. Reservations are encouraged but walk‑ins are welcome whenever rooms are available.

​

Who May Use Study Rooms

• Individuals or small groups needing a quiet workspace.

• Small nonprofit, educational, civic, or cultural groups.

• Limited for‑profit use that aligns with the Library’s mission and policies (e.g., paid tutors; see Tutor section).

• High school, college, and university students.

​

Study Rooms May NOT Be Used For

• Soliciting, selling, charging admission, or collecting donations.

• Social events (birthdays, weddings, etc.).

• Political meetings, town halls, or rallies.

• Activities that disrupt normal Library operations.

​

Reservations

• No library card is required to reserve or use a study room.

• Rooms may be reserved up to 7 days in advance online (https://www.yclibrary.org/meeting-rooms) or by calling the York (803-684-3751) or Rock Hill (803-981-5860)  branches.

• Provide accurate contact information when booking;

  • Name, email address and phone number

  •  The person named on the reservation must be the person to check in.

• Online reservations are not confirmed until a branch manager contacts you (allow up to 48 hours).

• For faster service, call the branch or request a walk‑in room.

• Walk‑in use is allowed when rooms are available; however, walk‑in users must vacate for patrons with reservations.

• Reservations are for 2-hour blocks, available from 9:15 AM–6:30 PM.

• Cancel reservations by contacting the branch.

• Rooms are held for 15 minutes past the reservation start time before being released.

• After three no‑shows or cancellations in a calendar year, study room privileges are revoked.

• If the Library closes due to weather or emergencies, all reservations are canceled.

​

Limitations

• Users are guaranteed up to 2 hours. If others are waiting,  you must leave after your time ends.

• A person or group may reserve a room no more than 3 times per week and once per day.

• Walk‑in use is unlimited when rooms are not in demand.

• Rooms must be vacated 30 minutes before closing.

• Maximum occupancy: 4 people

• No A/V equipment is provided; all rooms have electrical outlets.

​

Guidelines for Use

• Rooms are not soundproof; keep noise to a minimum.

• Silence cell phones; use headphones for audio.

• Lights must remain on when switches are accessible.

• Follow the Library’s food and beverage policy. (https://www.yclibrary.org/guidelines-for-user-behavior-and-library-usage)

• All Library behavior policies apply. (https://www.yclibrary.org/guidelines-for-user-behavior-and-library-usage)

• Staff may ask users to leave or deny future reservations for inappropriate use.

• Staff cannot provide tech help inside study rooms; schedule Technology Tutoring if needed. (https://www.yclibrary.org/technology-services)

• The library is not responsible for personal belongings.

​

Tutors

• Tutors may use study rooms.

• Tutors must reserve or sign in under their own name and list the student or parent.

• Tutors may use a room for only 2 hours per day.

• Tutors may be asked to leave after 2 hours if another patron needs the room.

• No payments may be exchanged on Library property. Tutors and families must make prior arrangements for payment.

​

Checking In on the Day of Your Reservation

• Arrive a few minutes early.

• Check in at:

  • York: Circulation Desk

  • Rock Hill: Reference Desk (upstairs)

• Staff will check you in and escort you to the room.

• A timer will be provided to track your reservation.

• If no one is waiting after your session ends, you may be allowed to extend your time.