Meeting Rooms & Event Spaces

All CALS branches offer Meeting Rooms for community and private use*. You can reserve a room online, or you can call or visit your preferred location to connect with our staff. Please read the Guidelines for Use of Meeting Rooms and Ground Facilities below before making your reservation.

Reserve Your Meeting Room

*All online reservation requests are reviewed by CALS staff before final booking. We will notify you when your reservation has been approved.

Guidelines for Use of Meeting Rooms and Grounds Facilities

The following guidelines have been established to govern the use of meeting facilities in branch libraries of the Central Arkansas Library System (CALS). Libraries may establish additional guidelines, provided they do not conflict with these guidelines. All additional guidelines must be approved by the appropriate supervisor. Main Library Meeting Room procedures may differ from those established for the Branch Libraries.

Facilities

  • Meeting Rooms are available for short-term reservation. The number, size, and features of Meeting Rooms varies by location. For details, please select the “Reserve A Room” button at the bottom of this screen.
  • Additionally, some branch locations have outdoor areas available for short-term rentals. For details, please select the “Reserve A Room” button at the bottom of this screen.

Fees

  • The fee for Meeting Room rental is $25 per hour. There is no discount for extended use.
  • Fee waivers are available for events that are open to the public. Events open to the public must be appropriately advertised (see Disclaimer Statement section below).
  • Fees must be paid in full within seven days of the booking being approved by the library. If fees are not paid in full within seven days, the booking will be cancelled.

Booking Process

  • Meeting Rooms are by reservation only.
  • Reservations may be requested online using the “Reserve A Room” button below and completing all required fields. Reservations may also be made over the phone or in person at any location.
  • Library staff review reservation requests and may reach out for additional information.
  • Reservation requests are not a guarantee of availability. You will be notified when/if your reservation is approved.

Use of Meeting Rooms

  • The person booking the Meeting Room assumes responsibility for set up and breakdown (arranging tables and chairs, etc.).
  • At the beginning of the reservation period, the person booking the Meeting Room must check in with library staff.
  • At the end of the reservation, the person booking the Meeting Room must check out with library staff, unless the end of the event occurs after hours.
  • Set up and breakdown must take place within the reserved time frame. Library staff do not perform these services; they are the responsibility of the person booking the Meeting Room.
  • Persons using meeting rooms may not enter the room before their reservation time or stay past their scheduled time.
  • No decorations or other items may be affixed to walls with adhesives (i.e., tape or glue).
  • A minimum of 48 hours’ cancellation notice is expected. Failure to provide such notice for two consecutive meetings may result in denial of meeting room privileges at all CALS locations for six months.
  • Breakdown of the Meeting Room includes: (1) Return all tables and chairs to original locations, (2) Remove all trash to appropriate locations, as designated by library staff, and (3) Complete any light housekeeping determined by library staff to be necessary to bring the room back to its original condition.

Refreshments

Food and beverages may be served in Meeting Rooms, with some exceptions:

  • No alcohol allowed.
  • No beverages containing red, orange, or green dyes allowed.
  • No confetti or glitter allowed.
  • No chafing dishes, grills, or other accessories with open flames are allowed unless provided by a licensed caterer.

Except for library-sponsored or co-sponsored events, Meeting Rooms may not be used as a distribution point for food (e.g., food pantry, free meals, etc.).

Business Activities

  • Meeting Rooms may not be used by any person, group, or business for the point of sale for goods, merchandise, commodities, or services, or to solicit any individual as a future customer, which includes requiring contact information be provided by participants.
  • Meeting Rooms may not be used as a de facto place of business.
  • Attendees or participants may not be charged a fee for an activity or event taking place in a Meeting Room.
  • Except for recruitment for local, state, or federal government personnel, Meeting Rooms may not be used to establish any employer-employee relationship.
  • Meeting Rooms may be scheduled by companies for job interviews, if the event is not a general attempt to recruit employees.
  • Candidates for political offices or people involved in issue-oriented campaigns may use Meeting Rooms if fundraising events do not occur on library premises.

Disclaimer Statement

Groups who publicize or promote public meetings, events, or activities must include this disclaimer in all announcements: Use of Central Arkansas Library System meeting facilities does not constitute endorsement of the beliefs, viewpoints, policies, or affiliations of the user by the library board or staff.

CALS Policy

The Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) does not discriminate regarding race, religion or creed, color, sex, age, disability, veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or marital or familial status in making Meeting Rooms or other facilities available to any person or group.

Event Spaces & Eligibility Requirements

Library Square event spaces are located in three separate buildings: Ron Robinson Theater, Cox Building/Rock It! Lab, and Main Library, which includes the Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom and Rooftop Terrace. Room details and reservation information are included below.

Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom | 529

Capacity: 238 (128-160 seated) | This spacious venue is located on the fifth floor of Main Library and offers a stunning view of downtown Little Rock. Reserving the Darragh Center provides guests with complete access to the connecting Green Room/Lounge and Catering Kitchen. A variety of tables are available for use in the Darragh Center and may be arranged to create an engaging atmosphere. Room features include a projector, large screen, podium, integrated speaker system, microphones, and more. This venue can be reserved after library hours.

If you would like to make a reservation, please contact Main Library’s Events Coordinator (Hyesung Kim-Ims | 501.918.3053 | hkims@cals.org).

 

Rooftop Terrace

Capacity: 240 | Facing the River Market and Library Square, the newly added Rooftop Terrace provides guests with a private outdoor space that spotlights the enchanting Little Rock skyline. The terrace hosts an array of seating arrangements suited for dining, lounging, or even casual performances. Please note that reserving the Rooftop Terrace alone does not grant guests access to the Darragh Center, Green Room/Lounge, or Catering Kitchen. This venue can be reserved after library hours.

If you would like to make a reservation, please contact Main Library’s Events Coordinator (Hyesung Kim-Ims | 501.918.3053 | hkims@cals.org).

 

Rock It! Lab – Third Floor Room

Capacity: 45 | The Rock It! Lab has one meeting space which is open to the public. Rock It! Lab meeting room hours are 10:00 a.m. until 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. There is no access to the building before 10:00 a.m., so please allow for adequate time to set up before your meeting start time. All regular meetings must end 15 minutes prior to the meeting room’s closing time. The reservation fee is $200/up to 4 hours and $100/each additional hour to support RIL programming.

Equipped with whiteboard, laser projector, drop-down screen, podium microphone (lapel microphone and hand microphone available), sound system with 6 speakers, and touch screen power and volume control. Projector inputs include HDMI, DVI, mini display port, mini c HDMI, and micro d HDMI.

For information about the Rock It! Lab Third Floor Room, contact rockitlab@cals.org.

 

Ron Robinson Theater

Capacity: 315 | Part of the Central Arkansas Library System’s (CALS) Main Library campus, the Ron Robinson Theater is designed to provide programs for all ages including films, music performances, plays, readings, lectures, speakers, and children’s activities. The theater is equipped with a state-of-the-art DCI-compliant Barco digital cinema projection system and 32′ wide retractable screen; and, a versatile sound system capable of Dolby 5.1 surround audio for movies, with a CL3 digital mixing console with ample inputs for traditional music concerts.

As with other CALS meeting spaces, the theater may be used by the public for a fee, based on availability. Contact ronrobinsontheater@cals.org for more information.

Library Square Meeting Rooms

Library Square meeting rooms are located in Main Library and Cox Building/Rock It! Lab. Click to reserve a room online. For general meeting room questions, please contact 501.918.3000 or askcals@cals.org.

 

Main Library | 301 | In Memory of Sam and Shirley Strauss

Capacity: 12 | This room is located on the third floor of Main Library and can comfortably accommodate 8 – 12 people. The room has four (4) rectangular tables that may be rearranged to form separate desk spaces or one large meeting space. Room features include a large screen, an integrated speaker system, device hookups, and a thermostat. Additional A/V equipment can be made available upon request.

 

Main Library | 401 | In Honor of Dr. Jim and Cairdenia Fribourgh

Capacity: 12 | This room is located on the fourth floor of Main Library and can comfortably accommodate 8 – 12 people. The room has four (4) rectangular tables that may be rearranged to form separate desk spaces or one large meeting space. Room features include a large screen, an integrated speaker system, device hookups, and a thermostat. Additional A/V equipment can be made available upon request.

 

Main Library | 501 | Drs. Jay and Paulette Mehta

Capacity: 14 | This room is located on the fifth floor of Main Library and can comfortably accommodate 10 – 14 people. The room has four (4) rectangular tables that may be rearranged to form separate desk spaces or one large meeting space. Room features include a large screen, an integrated speaker system, device hookups, and a thermostat. Additional A/V equipment can be made available upon request.

 

Main Library | 502 | John David Coulter

Capacity: 20 | This room is located on the fifth floor of Main Library and can comfortably accommodate 14 – 20 people. The room has six (6) rectangular tables that may be rearranged to form separate desk spaces or one large meeting space. Room features include a large screen, an integrated speaker system, device hookups, and a thermostat. Additional A/V equipment can be made available upon request.

 

Main Library | 534 | Kate and Brantley Buck

Capacity: 14 | This room is located on the fifth floor of Main Library and can comfortably accommodate 10 – 14 people. The room has four (4) rectangular tables that may be rearranged to form separate desk spaces or one large meeting space. Room features include a large screen, an integrated speaker system, device hookups, and a thermostat. Additional A/V equipment can be made available upon request.

 

Roberts Library | 204

401 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock | 501.320.5700
Capacity: 13 | Located on the second floor of the Porbeck & Bowman portion of the building, this room unique and historic. 80″ TV w/ integrated sound system. Boardroom table seats 13.

Branch Meeting Rooms

CALS Branch Libraries each have a furnished room that may be scheduled for meetings and events. Click to reserve a room online. For general meeting room questions, please contact 501.918.3000 or askcals@cals.org.

Children’s Library & Learning Center

4800 W. 10th St., Little Rock | 501.320.5700
Capacity: 50 (30 seated) | Located on the second floor of the Porbeck & Bowman portion of the building, this room unique and historic. 80″ TV w/ integrated sound system. Boardroom table seats 13.

Dee Brown Library

6325 Baseline Rd., Little Rock | 501.320.5700
Capacity: 60 | Access to small kitchen with sink and refrigerator. TV, VCR/DVD, and marker board.

Fletcher Library

823 N. Buchanan St., Little Rock | 501.663.5457
Meeting Room A | Capacity: 10 | Dry erase board and AV monitor.
Meeting Room B | Capacity: 10 | Dry erase board and AV monitor.
Meeting Room C | Capacity: 65 | Access to warming kitchen with sink, microwave, oven/stove, and refrigerator/freezer; dry erase board and AV monitor.

Maumelle Library

10 Lakepoint Dr., Maumelle | 501.851.2551
Capacity: 50 | Access to small kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, sink, and large coffee maker. Complete AV system.

McMath Library

2100 John Barrow Rd., Little Rock | 501.225.0066
Capacity: 120 (50 seated) | Access to kitchen with sink and microwave. Complete AV system with separate TV, VHS/DVD.

Milam Library

609 Aplin Ave., Perryville | 501.889.2554
Capacity: 50 | Access to sink. TV, VHS/DVD and screen.

Nixon Library

703 W. Main St., Jacksonville | 501.457.5038
Capacity: 50 | Complete AV system, Access to kitchen area.

Rooker Library

11 Otter Creek Ct., Little Rock | 501.907.5991
Capacity: 40 (36 seated) | Projector w/ laptop hookup. Kitchen w/ sink, refrigerator, and microwave.

Sanders Library

10200 Johnson Dr., Sherwood | 501.835.7756
Capacity: 140 (seated 40) | Includes 8 rectangular tables, a TV, white board (markers, eraser available upon request); kitchen with sink, counter space, and microwave oven.

Terry Library

2015 Napa Valley Dr., Little Rock | 501.228.0129
Capacity: 45 | Access to microwave and sink. Dry erase board and overhead projector with projector screen available.

Thompson Library

38 Rahling Circle, Little Rock | 501.821.3060
Capacity: 40 | Access to small kitchen with sink. Projector with screen and white board.

Williams Library

1800 Chester St., Little Rock | 501.376.4282
Capacity: 40 | Access to kitchen with sink. TV with VCR/DVD, overhead projector, and screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a library card to reserve a room?
Not at all! CALS aims to provide access to all, including those who do not have a library card.

How long can I reserve a room?
Reservations can be made for any length of time during library hours. Meeting Room reservations must be a minimum of 1 hour and Event Venues a minimum of 2 hours.

How far in advance do I need to make a reservation?
Reservations must be made at least four days in advance. For special requests, you can call or visit the designated branch to inquire about availability.

Can I reserve a room after hours?
Some branches do permit after-hours reservations. If you’d like to make an after-hours reservation, you can call or visit the designated branch to inquire about availability.

Is there a fee to use a meeting room?
The fee for private use of a Meeting Room is $25 per hour (see next question for public use). Fee waivers are available at the discretion of CALS staff. We do not offer a discount for longer bookings. Your card will not be charged until after your reservation has been approved. Fees must be paid in full within seven days of reservation approval and booking confirmation. If fees are not paid in full within seven days, the reservation will be cancelled.

What if my event is open to the public?
There is no fee for public meetings, workshops, activities, and other community events (see Disclaimer Statement). When making an online reservation, make sure to select the “Meeting – open to the public” tab under Booking Type. Once you’ve submitted your request, your reservation will be reviewed by staff for approval.

Can I have food and drink in Meeting Rooms?
Food and drink may be served in Meeting Rooms, with some exceptions:

  • No alcohol allowed.
  • No beverages containing red, orange, or green dyes allowed.
  • No confetti or glitter allowed.
  • No chafing dishes, grills, or other accessories with open flames are allowed, unless provided by a licensed caterer.

Except for library-sponsored or co-sponsored events, Meeting Rooms may not be used for food distribution (food pantry, free meals, etc.). Some CALS branches may have additional policies around food and drink.

Are Meeting Rooms ADA accessible?
All CALS libraries are ADA accessible. You can also specify any accessibility needs when making your reservation request, and when possible, we will provide accommodation.

Do we have to pay for parking?
All libraries have free and accessible parking available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are visiting Library Square and you use the parking garage, you may ask staff to validate your ticket to receive an extended free parking period.

Do any branches have outdoor spaces I can reserve?
Yes, we have several outdoor spaces available for reservation, including Main Library’s Rooftop Terrace, Library Square’s Courtyard, and Fletcher Library’s Green Space.

What if I need to cancel a reservation?
We understand! You can cancel your reservation by notifying the designated branch at least 48 hours (2 days) before your scheduled booking. For special requests, you can call or visit the designated branch to discuss with staff.

Reserve a Room

This is a reservation request only. All meeting room bookings are subject to review and final approval by CALS staff. You will be notified when your reservation has been approved.

Reserve a Room