Rental rates for exclusive use pertain after 6:00 pm Monday, Friday, and Saturday; after 7:30 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; and all day Sunday.
Ruggles Hall, the Lobby, and Towner Fellows' Lounge are rented for $6000.00 up to 12:00 am. The room cost includes the use of the parking lot in the rear of the Library, use of the Steinway Grand piano, building security, utility man, coat check, if needed, events staff representatives, and our décor. Also included is the use of our opera chairs, and tables (6 caberets, 2 high boys, 23 60" rounds, 2 72" rounds, 10 6' rectangles, and 2 8' rectangles). Our Steinway Grand pianos are maintained and tuned regularly. If you wish a special tuning, our charge is $85. Any overtime charges will be billed separately at $700 per hour.
CATERED EVENTS: You may select a caterer from the Library's preferred list or bring your own caterer, provided they meet the Library's requirements. Caterers must submit a copy of their City of Chicago catering license, their City of Chicago liquor license, proof of general liability insurance and proof of liquor liability insurance EACH in the amount of $2,000,000. These must be on file with the Office of Events one month prior to your function. For certain events, Certificates of Insurance may be required.
All alcoholic beverages must be served by your caterer.
Have your caterer, florist and/or event coordinator call the Office of Events at (312) 255-3595 for an appointment so that we may show them the space in which they will be working. Someone in the Events Office will be available between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Special appointments can be arranged.
LIABILITY: The client or organization assumes full responsibility for the conduct of persons attending the event and for any damage done to any part of the Library. The client indemnifies and holds harmless the Library against any and all claims, liabilities, or costs in conjunction with the event.
Our newly redecorated, spacious Ruggles Hall has large, ivy-framed windows facing both Washington Park and Dearborn Parkway. A stage is available with podium and microphone. A fully maintained Steinway Grand piano graces a corner of the room. This space is ideal for lectures, concerts, slide presentations, luncheons, cocktail parties, and evenings devoted to dinner and dancing.
Capacity: 200 + seated, 300 standing
The Towner Fellows' Lounge, oak paneled and richly carpeted is a room appropriate for both intimate gatherings and formal meetings. The Steinway Grand, the grandfather organ clock, and the tall, built-in bookshelves suggest the ambiance of former times.
Capacity: 50 - 75 depending on type of function.
The Lobby has been restored to its original 1893 grandeur. An art-nouveau chandelier graces the 20 foot ceiling. The broad marble staircase, complemented by its ornate banister, is easily the focal point in the room. A Steinway Grand piano is available for your enjoyment. This space is perfect for cocktail receptions and dinner parties.
Conference Rooms with various capacities are available throughout the day and evening for private meetings. Combine one to three of our rooms for breakout sessions for that special brainstorming retreat, retiring to the Towner Fellows' Lounge for a relaxing luncheon, dinner, or coffee break. Short tours of the Library are available upon request at no charge during your break times.
Capacity: up to 30 seated around a conference table.
Rates are available upon request.