The Franklin Center Reservation Guidelines

Lessee agrees to abide by the following terms and conditions:

Eligibility: To be eligible to use the facilities of The Franklin Center (TFC), your program or function must have a clearly identifiable continuing education component OR be related to economic development and workforce development. TFC reserves the right to refuse facility rental due to concerns about the safety of the building and/or conflicts with the goals and purposes of TFC. Events must not compete with or detract from TFC and its members' ongoing activities.

Business Hours: The Franklin Center operating hours are Monday through Thursday 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM and Fridays 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and align with the Franklin County holiday schedule, approved by Board of Supervisors. However, special workforce training and educational classes outside of business hours will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Workforce Manager at (540) 483-0179 for more information. 

Payment & Rates: Lessees of The Franklin Center agree to pay in advance all applicable charges for the use of the center's facilities and services. Payment in full must be received at least two (2) business days before the scheduled event, or the reservation will be forfeited. Payment may be made by cash, check, or credit card. There is a 3.5% convenience fee based on the full rental amount for credit card use. Rates are subject to change each fiscal year and at other times by the action of the Board of Supervisors.

Cancellation Fees: Cancellation fees may be imposed with the following schedule:

 A cancellation notice must be provided no less than two (2) business day in advance of the event to reschedule or the Lessee agrees to forfeit 100% of the fee. Rescheduled events should take place within six (6) months of the originally scheduled date. If an event is canceled and a refund is desired, the lessee must request a refund in writing within ten (10) business days. 

Reservation Requests: Reservation requests must be received at least two (2) business days in advance of the event date for non-partner entities. Completion of this space rental agreement does not guarantee space is available or will be provided for the event. Lessee will receive written notice from TFC staff that their request has been approved.

Rooms Assignments: Space will be assigned based on set-up requirements and the expected number of attendees. The Franklin Center reserves the right to reassign space or cancel in the event of an emergency. Meeting rooms must be vacated promptly on schedule.

Changes in Space Rental Agreement: All room arrangements, expected occupancy, equipment rentals, and event details are considered FINAL two (2) business day prior to the scheduled event.

Parking: Parking is available in The Franklin Center lot. Additional parking or on-street parking is available in the public lot across Claiborne Avenue. 

Terms for Internet and Audio/Visual Technology Access: Lessee shall have the responsibility to secure its own computer system used in TFC facilities, including hardware and software, and the information therein caused by viruses or any other destructive agent. TFC makes no representations as to the security of its local area network (LAN), which is offered to users for their convenience. Sending, receiving, viewing, downloading, or displaying illegal materials and graphics that may reasonably be construed as obscene is prohibited. TFC disclaims all warranties, express and implied, whether based in contract, tort, strict liability, or otherwise, including all implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, with regard to the LAN and all of its computer hardware and software relied upon or used by lessee or their agent or representative. TFC does not guarantee that the use of the LAN or other equipment will be uninterrupted. In no event shall TFC be liable for lost profits or any special, incidental, or consequential damages.

A date and time to test audio/visual technology in advance of the event to ensure compatibility and correct performance must be scheduled with staff at the time of reservation. 

TFC is not responsible for technical issues.  

Furniture: Furniture may not be moved by anyone other than TFC staff. Furniture setup plans must be agreed upon by TFC staff no less than two (2) business days prior to the event and cannot be changed on the day of the event.

Copies & Faxes: Copy and fax services are available at TFC’s front desk at a cost of $.25 per black & white copy (a two-sided copy is $.50), $1.00 per color copy (a two-sided copy is $2.00). Fax or scan pages are $1.00 per page (a two-sided page is $2.00). Cash payment only; exact change is required. TFC does not provide clerical services or supplies.

Animals: Animals are not permitted in TFC except service animals. Service animals in Virginia must be identified and under the control of their handler. They must also be housebroken and vaccinated. Service animal identification includes:

• Guide dogs for the blind or visually impaired must wear a harness
• Hearing dogs for the deaf or hard of hearing must wear a "blaze orange" leash
• Other service dogs must wear a harness, backpack, or vest that identifies them as trained service dogs

Children: If childcare cannot be obtained, children who attend meetings must remain with their guardians for constant supervision. Children should be accompanied by the parent throughout the facility at all times.  

Food and Drink: There are no vending services on site. Food and drink are not permitted in computer labs.

Open Flames: Candle burning and other open flames are not permitted in the facility at any time except for sterno burners for food products.

Alcohol Policy: Alcohol is not permitted and may not be served at any event.

Smoking Policy: The Franklin Center is a non-smoking facility. Lessee must use the designated smoking area adjacent to Mary Elizabeth Park. Signs are posted. 

Illegal Activities: No illegal activities, drugs, or alcohol are permitted at events. Disrupting or obstructing the normal learning, living, or work environments of other members of the Center’s community or the functions or activities of the Center (as well as activities conducted on the Center’s property with its permission) is prohibited. Examples include blocking entrances, corridors, or exits; interfering with ongoing educational activities; unauthorized presence in a building after normal closing hours or after notice that the building is being closed; interfering with vehicular or pedestrian traffic; creating unsanitary conditions; and interfering with any other effort to protect the health and safety of members of the Center’s community or larger public. The discovery of a violation of these prohibitions may result in the immediate cancellation of the event without a refund.

Care of premises: The Lessee must be present during the entire event to ensure the safety and good conduct of event participants, adherence to TFC policies, and the proper care of the facilities, furniture, and equipment. There is to be no use of glitter or paint within the facility. 

At the conclusion of the event, Lessee shall return the rental space to its pre-event condition. All LCD projector remotes, frame advancers/pointers, and accessories, or other TFC equipment, must be returned to the front desk at the conclusion of your event. The Lessee’s property and equipment must be removed from TFC’s facilities immediately following the event. When there is no custodian on duty, the Lessee shall remove all of its property and any litter from the premises. If the building or equipment is damaged, the lessee will be responsible for 100% of the repair bill. 

Liability Policy: The Franklin Center shall not be responsible for the loss or damage to personal property of the Lessee resulting from theft, fire, or any other cause. Lessee’s organization is responsible for any damage, liability, expense, claim, or demand that may arise from or be caused in any way by the sponsor’s use of TFC’s facilities. Lessee shall be liable for any damage to the premises caused by Lessee or Lessee's employees, agents, representatives, or invitees. 

Indemnification: To the extent permitted by law, Lessee shall indemnify and hold The Franklin Center harmless from and against any and all liability for property damage or personal injuries resulting from or in any way connected with, the condition or use of the premises covered by this Agreement, except liability for personal injuries or property damage caused solely by the negligence or willful misconduct of The Franklin Center.