Boston Public Library
Public Programs and Meeting Spaces

Central Library

 

Public Programs

The Boston Public Library offers a wide range of programs each week to the public, a number of which are organized by non-profit organizations. If you would like to inquire about holding your public program at the Library, please refer to the policies and procedures below and contact us at 617.859.2212 or events@bpl.org.

Due to availability and publicity efforts, please submit any program requests at least 4 weeks prior to the preferred date.

Meeting Space

Community room space is available to 501c3 non-profit organizations holding meetings that are free and open to the public, based on the policies and procedures outlined below:

All meeting room requests must be submitted at least 3 weeks prior to the preferred date, are granted on a first come, first served basis, and based on availability. No organization should use the Library as its primary meeting place. Please contact us at 617.859.2212 for availability.

 

The Catered Affair

The Catered Affair Please contact our in-house caterer, The Catered Affair, for all your catering needs. They also operate the Boston Public Library's Map Room Cafe and Courtyard Restaurant. Please call 617-859-2251 for more information, or download the menu and order form below.

 

Central Library Meeting Spaces

All meeting spaces are offered with the set-up arrangements shown below. Click the thumbnail photos for larger or alternate views.

Rabb Lecture HallRabb Lecture Hall

The Rabb Lecture Hall is available for large public programming with seating for up to 342 guests. Food/drink is not permitted and seating reservations are not allowed. It is located on the concourse level of the Johnson Building.

C05Conference Room C05

Conference Room C05 is available for conferences with seating for 20 guests. It is located on the concourse level of the Johnson Building.

C06Conference Room C06

Conference Room C06 is available for lectures with seating for up to 50 guests. It is located on the concourse level of the Johnson Building.

Mezzanine Conference RoomMezzanine Conference Room

The Mezzanine Conference Room can accommodate up to 100 guests in a lecture style seating, or 40 guests in a conference style setting. It is located on the mezzanine level of the Johnson Building.

McKim Conference RoomMcKim Conference Room

The McKim Conference Room is available for meetings with seating for 20 guests. It is located on the main level of the McKim Building.

Orientation RoomOrientation Room

The Orientation Room is available for lectures with seating for 55 guests. It is located on the main level of the McKim Building.

Contact Us

Please contact the Boston Public Library’s Programming and Events Office with any questions at 617.859.2212 or events@bpl.org.