Central Library Event Spaces
Austin's Central Library, located at 710 W. César Chávez Street, incorporates technology, sustainability and a mixture of lively and contemplative community gathering places, including unique special event spaces available for rent.
Rental Fees
Rental Fees link
Central Library Rental Fee Schedule - Effective October 1, 2022
Rental Fees (PDF)
Room Rental Rates
Unless otherwise noted, rental rates apply to scheduled operating hours of the Central Library. Non-profit organizations, City of Austin Departments, Government Agencies and Educational Institutions are entitled to a 50% discount on room rental fees only. Documentation is required to verify status.
Roof Garden & Indoor Living Room
Rentals are available from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM, Friday through Sunday only.
Up to 6 hours: $2,700
Each additional hour: $450
Special Event Center
Includes pre-function lobby, green room, coat check and patio.
Up to 4 hours: $1,400
Each additional hour: $350
Art Gallery
Rental availability and capacity are contingent upon exhibit layout with Exhibit Coordinator approval.
Up to 4 hours: $1,000
Each additional hour: $250
Demonstration Area
Located in the Central Library's main atrium and designed for public presentations.
Up to 2 hours: $400
Each additionalhour: $200
Outdoor Amphitheater
Available for small, stand-alone events or as an add-on to the Special Event Center.
Up to 2 hours: $300
Each additionalhour: $150
Miscellaneous Fees
See each event space's specification sheet for the standard set-up and equipment included. Staffing required for extensive set-up, breakdown, during the event, or non- routine deaning is determined by APL, and will be billed to the client post-event.
Dedicated Staffing
Higher rates in parentheses apply to events scheduled on City of Austin observed holidays.
Custodian $60/hour($85/hour)
Security Guard $60/hour($85/hour)
Event Coordinator $85/hour($125/hour)
A/V Technician $95/hour($140/hour)
Additional Audiovisual Equipment
All prices are per item/per day and do not include onsite technical support.
Special Event Center
Wireless microphone $50
Projector / Screen $50
Modular stage sections $40
Audiopatch fee $50
All Event Spaces
Wired microphone $25
Powered speaker $40
Display monitor $25
Uplights $25
Other Rental Charges
Event Overtime $175/hour + Hourly Rental Rate
Rental Damage Assessed at cost
Printing/Copies 20¢/black and white page, $1/color page
Parking
Parking is not included in the rental rates.
First Hour Free
Up to 2 hours $5
Up to 4 hours $9
Up to 7 hours $11
Up to 10 hours $13
Up to 12 hours $15
Over 12 hours $30
Rental Policies
Special Event Center
Special Event Center link
The versatile Special Event Center is perfect for presentations, banquets and receptions.
- floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lady Bird Lake
- covered patio area is attached to the south and east sides of the room
- greenery separates the area from its urban environment
- large barn-style doors open on the north wall of the room to a backstage area
- pre-function space, coat check room and a green room included
Please note the Special Event Center is available for viewing by appointment only.
Reservation Times Available
6 AM - 12 midnight, including time needed for setup and cleanup. Events must end by 11 PM.
Included Features
- two projectors mounted to the ceiling facing drop-down projector screens on the north and east walls
- six wireless handheld microphones and in-room audio system
- one lectern (wood panel)
- one stage
- classroom chairs (450)
- 72" round banquet tables (23)
- 36" round cocktail tables (8)
- 30" x 96" rectangular buffet tables (8)
- 30" x 60" rectangular classroom tables (20)
Capacity
Square Feet: 4,749
- Theater setup - 350 max capacity
- Banquet setup - 230 max capacity
- Reception setup - 475 max capacity
- Classroom setup - 210 max capacity
Demonstration Area
Demonstration Area link
The Demonstration Area was created with cooking demonstrations in mind, but can also be used for other types of events including speakers, panels or other demonstrations.
- located on the first floor by the Shoal Creek entrance
- open to the second floor above
- bench-style seating made of white oak and terrazzo
- four wheelchair access seats
- faces floor-to-ceiling windows equipped with shades
Reservation Times Available
6:30 AM - 12 midnight, including time needed for setup and cleanup. Events must end by 11 PM.
Included Features
- One mobile LED display
- Cooking demo cart and small kitchen for cooking demonstration use
Capacity
- Fixed Seating - 80 max capacity, including 4 wheelchair spaces
Art Gallery
Art Gallery link
The Gallery features rotating art displays from local and national artists.
- well-lit space with windows overlooking Lady Bird Lake
- mesquite wood flooring indigenous to the area
- perfect for receptions or smaller banquets
- located on the second floor
Reservation Times Available
6 AM - 12 midnight, including time needed for setup and cleanup. Events must end by 11 PM.
Capacity
Square Feet: 2,705
- Banquet setup - 100 max capacity
- Reception setup - 175 max capacity
- Theater setup - 125 max capacity
Roof Garden
Roof Garden link
The Roof Garden includes a garden area and deck with beautiful views of downtown and Lady Bird Lake.
- indoor seating area included with the use of the Roof Garden and can be used as a weather backup
- deck around the garden is partially shaded by a solar panel arbor
- garden includes a live oak tree as well as other trees and plants indigenous to the area
Limited furniture can be removed from this area. It is preferred to use the furniture already available on the roof and in the indoor seating area.
Reservation Times
This space cannot be reserved during Central Library operational hours. It is available to rent for a 6-hour block of time from 6 PM until 12 midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. All events must end by 11 PM to allow time for clean up and tear down.
Features
The furniture in the space comes with this rental.
Capacity
Roof Square Feet: 3,625
- SetupMax. Capacity*
- Reception225
- Seating Available 83
*Max. capacities vary based on setup needs.
Outdoor Amphitheater
Outdoor Amphitheater link
The Outdoor Amphitheater is located on the east side of the building near Shoal Creek. It features stone seating and is great for acoustic performances and readings.
Reservation Times Available
6 AM - 12 midnight, including time needed for setup and cleanup. Events must end by 11 PM.
Capacity
- Stone Seating - 25 max capacity
Contact Central Library Event Services Office
APLrental@austintexas.gov | 512-974-7585 | PO Box 2287 Austin, TX 78768