Providing public spaces to learn, collaborate, and create is a core library service available to the community. Meeting spaces are available at all three library locations—and virtually using Zoom.
Reserve a meeting space online
To make a reservation, you need a library card and PIN, and you must agree to the library’s Meeting Spaces Policy.
Need help?
Change or edit a reservation; get answers to questions: Contact us.
What to know
Before you reserve
- Who can reserve? Renters must be 18 years or older and have a library card registered with the Oak Park Public Library.
- What types of reservations are allowed? Educational, cultural, political, civic, and charitable events are permitted.
- How long can the reservation be? Spaces are reservable for up to 4 hours.
- What’s the cost? No charge for not-for-profits (see definition of not-for-profit); cost varies by space reserved for for-profits (see more about payment below).
- Is food allowed? Food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted. Alcohol and heating sources (hot plates or Sterno) are not permitted. Library staff cannot assist caterers.
- Is there anything else important to note? Events held in the library’s meeting spaces are open to the public; spaces cannot be used for private social gatherings. No entry or participation fees can be charged.
About available spaces
Unique rooms are available at all three library locations. The online reservation process includes specifics about each space, but here are a few things to note before you get started:
- Capacity: Spaces can accommodate from 2 to 150 attendees (capacity varies by space).
- Layout: Each space offers tables and chairs; setup options are available for larger spaces in the Main Library (see more about setup below).
- Technology and other equipment: Available in certain spaces (see more about setup below).
Reserving the space
Basic use
- Reservations: Library cardholders can make up to 24 reservations each year. Oak Park library cardholders may reserve up to four months in advance, all other library cardholders up to one month.
- Access: Reservations are only available during library open hours. No one is allowed inside the building before or after hours. Meetings must begin 30 minutes after the building opens and end 30 minutes before the building closes. Building open and close times are prompt.
- Monetary exchanges: Selling or buying goods or services, as well as fundraising or soliciting donations, are not permitted. However, the library supports our creative community and allows the sale of books and other artistic works.
Payment
- Not-for-profits can rent space for free, up to four hours. Not-for-profit groups are defined as not-for-profit when their missions serve an educational, cultural, charitable, political, or civic purpose and include 501(c)3 corporations and unincorporated associations, organizations, clubs, book groups, or government agencies.
- For-profits can pay to rent space for up to four hours; prices vary by space. For-profits include all businesses and other commercial entities.
- Ways to pay: credit card (online), check (by mail or at the Main Library), or cash (at the Main Library).
- Payment is due one week before your approved reservation date.
- If payment is not received, your reservation will be cancelled.
- Requests made less than one week in advance must be paid for at the time of approval.
- Once a payment has been made, it cannot be refunded.
Planning ahead
Setup & equipment
Setup and equipment requests are made during the online reservation process. Please review these additional details before you reserve:
- For all reservations requested on or after Friday, August 1, 2025: Meeting spaces will be available 15 minutes before the reservation start time and must be cleared 15 minutes after the reservation end time.
- If reservations are made less than 48 hours in advance, we cannot guarantee your space setup.
- No additional furniture or technology can be requested beyond what is available in the online reservation process.
- All tables and chairs must remain in the meeting spaces. At the branches, renters arrange tables and chairs to their preference.
- Groups cannot store anything in the library.
- Library staff can provide minimal assistance with library equipment.
- Library staff cannot move materials or provide supplies. Groups must provide their own nametags, paper, writing utensils, eating utensils, cups, etc.
Promotion
- As soon as a public meeting room reservation is approved, it appears on oppl.org/calendar with the word “RESERVATION” listed at its top. The library does not do any additional promotion, including acceptance of Facebook event co-host invitations, for public meeting room reservations.
- On your promotional materials, use your own organization/organizer contact information such as your website, your email, and your phone number. Do not use the library logo or the library telephone number as a point of contact for more information.
- The library does have dedicated public space for community flyers (that you provide) at each building.
Parking
- The Main Library underground parking garage offers two hours of free parking and is elevator accessible. The entrance is locked when the Main Library is closed. The kiosk accepts cash and credit cards (see parking rates).
- Dole and Maze branches offer street parking. Please remember to check signs for local parking restrictions.