Branch Meeting Rooms
Many of our branches have meeting rooms and quiet study areas that are available to the public during open hours, for non-commercial use, at no charge. Meeting rooms vary in size, with the largest holding up to 100 people, and most are equipped with tables, chairs and whiteboards. Free Wi-Fi is available at every branch.
Branch meeting rooms can be reserved up to 60 days in advance by making a reservation online. Please read the Branch Meeting Room Guidelines and the Promotional Requirements for Private Events and Meetings before booking a room.
Free, accessible branch meeting rooms and study spaces
Many of our branches have meeting rooms that are available to the public during open hours, for non-commercial use, at no charge and these can be reserved in advance. Meeting rooms vary in size and most are equipped with tables, chairs and whiteboards. Free Wi-Fi is available at every branch.
The NewHolly Branch also has a meeting room that is shared with another organization available to the public. To reserve this room, please contact the branch directly.
To learn more, please read our Branch Meeting Room Guidelines and Facilities & Meeting Rooms Use Policy.
About Study Rooms
If you are looking for a study room to use on your own or with a small group, you can find one at many of our branches. These rooms are free to use and can accommodate two to six people. Most of these study rooms are available on a first come, first served basis, but some require reservations. See the map for more details.
Meeting rooms at branches
How do I reserve a room?
To reserve a meeting room at one of our branches, you can see availability and submit your request online. To reserve the shared meeting room at the NewHolly Branch, please contact the branch directly. You can also rent rooms and event spaces at the Central Library.
How far in advance can I reserve a branch meeting room?
You can reserve a branch meeting room up to 60 days in advance.
How often may I reserve a branch meeting room?
Branch meeting rooms are popular places for people to meet. Our meeting room reservation system allows you to reserve up to 10 hours of meeting room time in any four week period.
What are the rules about using branch meeting rooms?
You can use branch meeting rooms for non-commercial events that are open to the public during Library open hours. Please make sure you do not:
- Advertise or sell products, memberships or services.
- Ask for fees, donations or money for any reason.
- Ask for contact information from attendees so that you can advertise or sell them something.
Please read our Branch Meeting Room Guidelines and Rules of Conduct for more information.
What are the meeting room cancellation rules?
Our meeting rooms are very popular, so it is important to cancel your reservation as soon you no longer need it. You can cancel your reservation online or by contacting the branch directly at least seven (7) days before the scheduled event.
We may suspend your access to meeting rooms for up to six (6) months if you fail to cancel your event ahead of time.
Does the Library ever cancel reservations?
Please be aware that Library use takes priority for all of our meeting rooms and facilities. It is rare, but sometimes we need to cancel reservations when there is an emergency, inclement weather, construction or an accidental double-booking.
If you have a meeting room reservation that we need to cancel, we will do everything we can to inform you at least 30 days before your reserved date to assist you with reserving a meeting room at either the same or a nearby branch.
What happens if I arrive later than my scheduled meeting time?
You have up to 30 minutes after your reservation time to arrive to the meeting room. If you have not arrived by that time, we will cancel your reservation.
May I use an online ticketing service to register attendees?
To protect the privacy of Library patrons, you may not use a ticketing or registration service that requires an email address or other contact information in order to register. Free use of Library meeting rooms is for non-commercial purposes only. You may not collect any contact information from meeting attendees, as doing so for the purpose of registering, selling, or advertising is prohibited.
Are food and drinks allowed in the meeting rooms?
You are welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages. At this time, food and drink is limited to standalone, pre-packaged items. Meeting room users assume full responsibility for making sure all used paper goods, food remains, or other waste is left in waste receptacles provided in the meeting room or removed from Library premises. We may charge a custodial fee if anything other than normal Library cleaning and maintenance services are required as a result of the meeting. Please bring any cleaning supplies you may need, as we are unable to provide them.
Alcoholic beverages may not be served or consumed on Library premises.
Will the Library help me set up my meeting room?
We are not able to help you with room setup or cleanup. Please feel free to arrange the tables and chairs as you would like. Please include setup and cleanup time in your reservation request as we are not able to help you with room setup or cleanup. Please do not move anything out of meeting room, and return the room to its original set up when your event has finished.
Where should I tell people coming to my meeting to park?
Some branches have free, onsite parking areas for cars, and many have bike racks. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. All branches are close to public transit routes, so we suggest encouraging your event’s attendees to use public transit.
What are the rules about promotional materials?
All promotional materials, including websites, digital and print advertising, social media, blogs, flyers and posters, press releases and emails, must include the following words: This event is NOT hosted, sponsored, or endorsed by The Seattle Public Library. Any views that are discussed in this meeting are not a reflection of The Seattle Public Library’s views.
Do not use The Seattle Public Library’s name unless you are listing the address and do not use the Library’s logo.
Please do not make announcements or print materials with an event date until your meeting room is confirmed.
Promotional materials, including press releases, flyers, posters, online announcements via websites, blogs, social media, etc., may not include information intended to promote commercial businesses or services.
Promotional Requirements for Private Events and Meetings
Can I use the branch telephone number as the contact number for my meeting?
As we are not able to answer questions about your event, please give your attendees your phone number or that of your organization so they can ask questions and get in touch with you. We cannot take messages for you or answer questions over the phone about your meeting.
What are the rules about noise?
Our Rules of Conduct apply to any meetings held at Library branches. Please maintain a reasonable noise level and comply with staff requests to lower noise volume. In general, your meeting should not disrupt other people who are using the Library. You may not use amplifiers or megaphones in Library branch meeting rooms.
Are animals allowed in the meeting rooms?
In compliance with the Washington State Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), and the Seattle Municipal Code, service animals are welcome in all areas of the Library where members of the public are normally allowed to go.
What furniture and AV equipment do you provide?
Most meeting rooms have tables, chairs, whiteboards and large monitors. Library branches are unable to provide any other equipment or AV services to meeting room users.
Do you charge a fee for damages?
Yes, we will charge you for any damage, cleaning, or waste disposal required beyond the Library's normal janitorial service. See our Facilities & Meeting Rooms Use Policy for details.