Book a Space

Event Spaces at the Library

Host your next event at the Library.

From public performances to private functions, our event spaces have everything you need to make your gathering a success.

We offer a variety of venue spaces to meet your needs, from large seminar rooms to a theatre and reception hall.

Request an event space

A photograph of a Library staff member hosting storytime in the Welcome Gallery at Central Library.

A photograph of a performer in front of a crowd holding a puppet.

background image: A visual of an auditorium style seating arrangement facing a stage.

Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall

Our signature theatre space and reception hall at Central Library are the ideal locations to host panel discussions, lectures, musical and theatrical performances, and film screenings.

330 fixed theatre seats
Total capacity of 400 people
15’ x 32’ (480 sq. ft) flat stage
High-quality sound and microphone system
4.6 x 7.3 metre retractable projector screen
Motorized blackout curtains
Dedicated green room and backstage areas
2,400 sq. ft venue plus 1,500 sq. ft overflow/reception
10 accessible seating spaces
Reception space available in mezzanine

BMO Community Room

This bright space on Level 0 of Central Library is most popular for corporate training and general meetings, and smaller public events like book launches and community gatherings.

Total capacity of 80 people
Comfortably seats up to 60 people
Two high-quality video projectors and integrated sound system

background image: A photograph of a large program room, where the tables are in a "L" shape format with chairs around it.

Level 0 Rooms 0-13 and 0-14

Like the BMO Community Room, these spaces are also found on Level 0 of Central Library, and are bookable as individual rooms, or as a combined space.

Individual room capacity of 50 people
Combined room capacity of 100 people
Two high-quality video projectors and integrated sound system

These spaces are currently only available to book as a combination room.

background image: A photograph shows a wide-open space with a display set up. On the left side, there are visuals of bookshelves and wood paneling showing the different floors.

Shaikh Family Welcome Gallery

The main entrance of Central Library opens into the Shaikh Family Welcome Gallery, a versatile and breathtaking space for large-scale special events, celebrations, and after-hours private bookings.

5,000 total square feet of space
A variety of versatile seating arrangements available
Feature stairs with seating and staging options
Direct access to the Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall reception area
There is no built-in AV in the Shaikh Family Welcome Gallery

Included in your booking

The Library is committed to making event support options available to meet a variety of needs and budgets.

The following can be made available for each event booking at your request. Some of these items may be required by the Library depending on your booking type. Additional fees are noted where applicable.

Tour: Orientation to the event space prior to confirmation of booking.

Internet: Wireless internet access with a free Calgary Public Library card.

Furniture: Choose from a selection of tables, chairs, bar stools, lounge seating, podiums, coat racks, and other furniture needed for your event.

Technology: All event spaces have A/V capacity to varying degrees, with some technologies available to your team without Library staff support. Depending on the needs of your event, additional staff support can be provided for $60 per hour. For events requiring A/V assistance, we require proof of external A/V support to be provided, as the Library is unable to supply professional technical assistance.

Security: Security is available onsite at Central Library 24/7 to assist with disturbances. Their presence onsite is included in the cost of your event space rental for the duration of your event within operational hours. If your event requires dedicated security support or a consistent, visible presence at your event, additional fees may apply. A minimum of one staff member and one dedicated security guard is required for bookings outside operational hours.

Venue Rental Rates

Our spaces can be booked individually, or in combination with each other. A minimum booking of three hours is required for all spaces.

Proof of Not-for-Profit status is required upon requesting this rate.

Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall

Commercial Rate - $250 per hour

Not-for-Profit Rate - $100 per hour

Shaikh Family Welcome Gallery
only available outside operational hours

Flat rate - $2000

Staff

One Library support staff member will be available exclusively for your event for $60 per hour. A minimum of one staff member is required for all Performance Hall bookings. Additional staff may be required once your event needs are assessed.

Room Use Guidelines

Use of these spaces is subject to the Calgary Public Library Terms and Conditions of Room Use, the Public Access Network Terms of Use, the Political Use of Library Space Policy, and the Library’s Code of Conduct.