The Grafton Public Library acquired a 1921 refurbished Steinway O Series baby grand piano in September of 2022. Originally a player piano, a modern QRS PNO player system was installed when it was restored by Geoffrey Searles of Apollo Piano of Grafton, Massachusetts. When plans were made for the renovation and expansion of the library, the Community Room design included space for a baby grand piano, which was purchased for the Library by the Capital Campaign.

Adherence to all Grafton Public Library Policies, including Code of Conduct, Unattended Child, Meeting Space Use and Facilities Rental Policy is required.

I. Piano Use and Fees

  1. The piano may be used by Grafton Library card holders who have completed a Piano Use Proficiency Application, for use any day and time that the Community Room is available with an approved reservation.
  2. Requests for piano use are made through the EventKeeper meeting room reservation page on the Library website for Community Room A and indicating you would like to use the piano on the equipment section of the room reservation form.
  3. Requests for piano use are approved on a case-by-case basis by Library administration. Proof of piano proficiency may be requested.
  4. Per the Unattended Child Policy, children under age 13 require adult supervision to use the piano.
  5. The piano may be used for practice by individuals as well as for programs, recitals, and concerts that are free of charge to and open to the general public.
  6. Patrons or organizations that wish to use the piano for private concerts and recitals may do so in accordance with the room rental agreement, which allows for events to take place after 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings and all-day Sunday. Rental fees are $50/hour for an individual hosting an event and $100/hour for groups hosting.
  7. Should the pianist playing the piano at an event request practice time prior to an event, the room reservation must include the rehearsal time.
  8. Any persons not following the Piano Use Policy may be denied access to the piano by the Library Director or their designee. That denial may be appealed to the Grafton Public Library Board of Trustees at a regular meeting with seven days written notice to the Library Director.
  9. Library staff and volunteers may use the piano to practice at no charge, but will not be permitted to conduct lessons.
  10. When playing during Library operating hours, the piano must be closed or open only on the short stick to minimize the volume in consideration of other Library patrons.
  11. Library staff reserves the right to refuse access to the piano, for example, if the piano is not insured or unavailable for any other reason.

II. Storage and Care

  1. The piano will be located in Community Room A and will be closed, locked, and covered when not in use.
  2. The piano cannot be removed from the Library without authorization by the Board of Library Trustees.
  3. Only Library staff are authorized to move the piano, and only when it is closed and locked.
  4. A Library staff member will be responsible for uncovering, unlocking, and opening the piano for use and will close, lock, and cover the piano when the reservation has ended. The key for the piano will remain in the possession of Library staff at all times.
  5. No food or drinks will be used in the immediate vicinity of the piano. No cups, glasses, etc., will be placed on the piano at any time.
  6. Nothing may be placed on or in the piano — even when covered — including handouts or other materials for meetings.
  7. Appropriate use of the piano is the responsibility of the patron making the reservation. The patron is responsible to pay all costs associated with damages to the piano due to neglect or misuse.

III. Maintenance

  1. The piano will be tuned 2–4 times a year at the expense of the Library. The fee for tuning will come out of the Library's Gift Account.
  2. Should a musician who is scheduled to play the piano at an event request that the piano be tuned, the renter or rental organization will pay the additional cost of tuning the piano. Scheduling of the tuning will be done through the Library at the convenience of Library staff.

Should any patron be dissatisfied with the reasonable accommodations offered, they may follow the appeals process as outlined on the Library's website at https://graftonlibrary.org.

Adopted by the Board of Library Trustees, October 26, 2022