Catering: All events held at the Newberry Library must be catered by a licensed professional food handler. We can either supply you with a list of our approved caterers or you may bring your own, provided they meet the Library’s requirements. Caterers must submit a copy of their City of Chicago catering license and their City of Chicago liquor license, proof of general liability insurance in the amount of $2,000,000 and liquor liability insurance in the amount of $2,000,000. These should be on file with the Office of Events 30 days prior to your function. Certificates of Insurance may be required for certain events. Coordination constraints may require that rentals be provided through Hall's Rental Company.
Alcoholic Beverages: Must be provided by caterer or client. All leftover beverages must be removed that evening.
Walk Through: Please have your caterer, florist, and/or event coordinator call the Office of Events for an appointment so that we may show them the space in which they will be working. Someone in the Office of Events will be available between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Special appointments can be arranged.
Deposits: A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time the date of the event is confirmed and the remainder due ten days prior to the event. Any overtime charges will be billed separately. All contracts must be signed and received at the time the deposit is given. Any damages incurred during the event wil be billed to the client.
Provision of Staff and Equipment: The Newberry Library will provide a representative from the Office of Events, security guards, a utility man, use of kitchen facilities, prep areas, and washrooms. The responsibility of returning the kitchen and prep room to its original condition rests with the caterer. The client will be responsible for the caterer’s compliance.
Parking: The Library's parking lot can accomodate up to 35 cars.
Displays and Decorations: All displays and/or decorations proposed by the client must be approved by the Director of Events. All preparations for the event must be initiated on the date of the function. Any decorations provided by the Newberry Library remain the property of the Library and are not to be removed. If any Library decor is damaged or removed, the client accepts full responsibility for reimbursement.
Liability: The client 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 conjuction with the event.