Special Event

Our team will work with you to find the best possible space based on your specific needs and expectations. We can assist with room setup, audio-visual support, and use of other library amenities to make sure your goals are met. We can even arrange for use of the library beyond normal hours, parking for your guests, onsite catering, and enhanced audio-visual services.

Download the Kansas City Public Library's Smart Events brochure (pdf) for additional information about spaces, capacities, features, prices, and more.

Central Library page

Near the River Market, Power & Light District, Bartle Hall Convention Center, and the Crossroads, the former bank turned Central Library offers a beautiful downtown location ideal for lunches, dinners, receptions, full day meetings, and weddings. Unique spaces could also accommodate private parties, movies, and other event types.

Plaza Branch page

On the southern side of the Country Club Plaza, overlooking Brush Creek, the Plaza Branch offers a beautiful setting that is home to the Truman Forum Auditorium, a beautifully appointed space built for large presentations. Additional conference rooms are also available in this convenient location.

By Capacity/Room Setup

Note: some furniture may have to be rented from outside vendor if Library inventory is not available

Conference

A rectangular or oval table is set up with chairs placed around all sides and ends.

CapacityLocation | Room
30Central Library | Helzberg Auditorium
30Plaza Branch | Cohen Center
12Plaza Branch | Turner Meeting Room

Classroom

Rows of tables with chairs face the front of a room and each person has a space for writing.

CapacityLocation | Room
60 Central Library | Helzberg Auditorium
30Plaza Branch | Cohen Center
12 Plaza Branch | Turner Meeting Room

Banquet

72-inch diameter rounds have seats on the outside for meal functions.

CapacityLocation | Room
200Central Library | Kirk Hall
150Central Library | Helzberg Auditorium
150Central Library | Rooftop Terrace
60Plaza Branch | Cohen Center
20Plaza Branch | Turner Meeting Room

Reception

Cocktail/reception tables (small round tables, 36 inches in diameter) with some chairs.

CapacityLocation | Room
250Central Library | Kirk Hall
200Central Library | Helzberg Auditorium
200Central Library | Rooftop Terrace
75Plaza Branch | Cohen Center
35Plaza Branch | Turner Meeting Room

Theater

Seats or chairs are in rows facing the stage area, head table or the speaker (no tables).

CapacityLocation | Room
300Plaza Branch | Truman Forum Auditorium
250Central Library | Kirk Hall
225Central Library | Rooftop Terrace
200Central Library | Helzberg Auditorium
85Plaza Branch | Cohen Center
28 Central Library | Durwood Film Vault
15Plaza Branch | Turner Meeting Room

Hollow Square

Series of tables in large square with chairs set around the outside.

CapacityLocation | Room
50Central Library | Helzberg Auditorium
30Plaza Branch | Cohen Center
12Plaza Branch | Turner Meeting Room

Policies

  • Linen - The Library does not maintain any linen inventory and welcomes your caterer or rental company to provide any linen needed.
  • Rooftop Terrace Setup - Existing outdoor patio furniture is available at no additional cost. Standard library furniture is limited to indoor use only. Supplemental items may need to be rented at client's expense.
  • Noise Control - Noise controls will be strictly enforced. Bands or DJ's operating above "background music" levels are not permitted on the Rooftop Terrace. City permits may be required.

Rental Rates

Learn more about rental rates and additional costs for special events at the Library.

Catering

Groups are welcome to contact their chosen catering company from the list below to make all of their full-service food and beverage arrangement. Catering is limited to these companies only.

Availability and Booking

You may view the features of special event spaces on this site, but booking and availability information is found by contacting the events coordinator at EventsCoordinator@kclibrary.org.