By Stacey Zwald Costello, Library Director
Through the glass double doors of the Colusa Main Library sits the Morse Conference Room, one of the busiest public meeting spaces in the county. Over the years, it has hosted Friends of the Library author evenings, yoga classes, the Literacy Program’s weekly English Conversation Club, and countless other community events.
The room honors Ella Packer Morse, who served as County Librarian from 1925 to 1954. A graduate of the first class of the UC Berkeley Library School, Morse was widely respected for her leadership in California library circles and her deep service to the Colusa community. Following her passing in 1954, and in recognition of her lifelong dedication and generous bequest to the Colusa County Free Library, the room was officially dedicated in her name in 1988.
In recent months, the conference room has been scheduled for a few events and activities that fall outside of official public use policy, which was established to preserve the library’s neutrality and ensure fair access. This highlights the fine balance the library must maintain when scheduling community use of the space. County policy outlines certain restrictions for the space, including:
Political activities: Partisan campaign events, including phone banking, campaign training, and similar activities, are not permitted. Political forums or discussions where multiple viewpoints are presented are allowed.
Social gatherings: Private events such as showers, birthday parties, dances, and family reunions are not permitted.
Religious activities: Religious services are not permitted, though religious study groups are welcome.
Fundraising and sales: Solicitation, sales, and fundraising activities are not allowed, except when directly connected to Library programs or Friends of the Library efforts.
Other restrictions: Smoking, tobacco products, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
The policy protects the library’s neutrality and ensures that no group or individual is perceived as having an official advantage through use of taxpayer-supported facilities.
To help ensure clarity, a copy of the official policy will be included with all Morse Conference Room reservation forms. By following these guidelines, the library can continue to provide a welcoming and inclusive space that reflects both the legacy of Ella Packer Morse and the library’s responsibility as a neutral public institution. The Colusa County Free Library as a whole remains a space for everyone in the community to learn, connect, and grow.