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. Below, find an overview of the rental process.
Reserve a room online yourself or contact us for help
- Making a reservation online: Everyone needs a library card and PIN to make a reservation for a meeting space. Reserve a room online »
- Changing or canceling a reservation: Contact us »
- Need help? Contact us »
Meeting Spaces Policy
Please read and agree to the library’s Meeting Spaces Policy. Highlights include:
- Age: Renters must be 18 years or older and have a library card registered with the Oak Park Public Library.
- Advance reservation: Oak Park Public Library cardholders may reserve up to four months in advance, all others up to one month in advance.
- Access: Renters must understand events are open to the public; spaces cannot be used for private social gatherings.
- 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.
- Fees: No entry or participation fees can be charged before or on the day of your reservation.
- Types of events: Educational, cultural, political, civic, and charitable events are permitted.
- Food and drinks: Food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted. Alcohol and heating sources (hot plates or Sterno) are not permitted. Library staff cannot assist caterers.
Payment & Use Procedures
Please read and agree to the library’s Payment and Use Procedures. Highlights include:
- 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. All groups that do not fit the definition of a not-for-profit group will be defined as for-profit. These 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, and the space will be made available to rent to another group.
- 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.
More about reserving a meeting space
Reservation limits
Reservations are limited to four hours at a time. Groups are limited to 24 reservations a year. Oak Park cardholders may reserve meeting spaces up to four months (120 days) in advance, and all other library cardholders may reserve spaces up to one month (30 days) in advance.
Room setup options
Each room is unique. Some rooms offer choices of auditorium, classroom, or conference-style setups (noted in the online reservation process).
Technology
Technology and other equipment is available in certain rooms (noted in the online reservation process).
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, please use your own organization/organizer contact information such as your website, your email, and your phone number. Please 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.
