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Special Event Spaces

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

14 West 10th Street Kansas City, MO 64105

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

4801 Main Street Kansas City, MO 64112

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.

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.

Room Setup Definitions

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

  • Conference/Boardroom – a rectangular or oval table is set up with chairs placed around all sides and ends.
  • Classroom – rows of tables with chairs face the front of a room and each person has a space for writing.
  • Banquet Rounds – 72-inch diameter rounds have seats on the outside for meal functions.
  • Reception/Cocktail – cocktail/reception tables (small round tables, 15-30 inches in diameter) with some chairs.
  • Theatre Style - seats or chairs are in rows facing the stage area, head table or the speaker (no tables).
  • U-Shape & Hollow Square - Series of tables in the shape of the letter U or in large square with chairs set around the outside.

Central Library Capacity

Room Conference Classroom U-Shape Theatre Banquet Reception
Kirk Hall N/A N/A N/A 250 200 250
Helzberg Auditorium 30 60 50 200 150 200
Durwood Film Vault N/A N/A N/A 28 N/A N/A
Rooftop Terrace N/A N/A N/A 225 150 200

Plaza Branch Capacity

Room Conference Classroom U-Shape Theatre Banquet Reception
Truman Forum Auditorium N/A N/A N/A 350 N/A N/A
Cohen Center 24 24 16 85 50 75
Turner Meeting Room 12 12 12 15 20 35