Meeting Rooms & Study Rooms

The Northbrook Public Library welcomes public use of its meeting and group study rooms. The policies establish guidelines for the use of the library's meeting and study rooms.

To make meeting room reservations call Reader Services at 272-6224 x350; for the study rooms call the Periodicals room at 272-6224 x224

Meeting Rooms

The library has three meeting rooms: the Ryan Auditorium, the Pollak Room, and the Civic Room. For detailed information and photos of room layout and capacity see the Meeting Room Layout page.

The meeting rooms are available for: (1) Library-sponsored and Library-related programs and meetings and (2) for educational, cultural, intellectual, or charitable activities of Northbrook groups.  A Northbrook group is defined as one that draws at least 50% of its members from Northbrook. 

Permission to use the meeting rooms does not imply endorsement of the organization by the Library. 

Library-sponsored or Library-related events or groups and, where appropriate, Village of Northbrook-related events shall have priority over other requests and may use the meeting rooms on a regular basis throughout the year.  Other organizations may not reserve the meeting rooms for more than three meetings in any six-month period when such reservations conflict with public demand for meeting room space.  The use of the meeting rooms by Northbrook groups shall be subject to the following restrictions:

1. All groups shall apply in writing at least fourteen days before the event for permission to use a meeting room.  Any special set-ups, room arrangement, equipment, etc. must be specified at this time.  If a room is available, written reservations may be accepted with less than fourteen days lead-time.  Room reservations will not be confirmed more than six (6) months in advance.

2. Acceptance or refusal of any group's application shall be made within ten days of the receipt of such application.

3. All groups using a meeting room shall sign an agreement expressing their intent to comply with all policies, rules, regulations, and conditions regarding responsible use of the room.

4. The Library is not responsible for security or storage of items owned by groups using the Library.

5. Groups shall be responsible for any unusual costs resulting from their use of Library facilities.  This would include repairs for damages, unusual cleaning of carpets, walls, etc., or any other costs beyond normal maintenance.  This charge would include any payment for custodial service resulting from the use of a meeting room.

6. Should it be necessary for an evening meeting to be continued beyond the regular closing time of 9:00 p.m., special arrangements must be made in advance with the librarian.  A charge per half hour will be made dependent on the current costs of providing an attendant to close the Library.  Overtime charges are based on the time when the group members leave the building.    Non-profit groups and governmental bodies may seek a waiver of fees from the Board of Trustees.  Fees will be waived if evidence is presented to the Board of hardship or activities by the group or body which are sponsored or co-sponsored by the Library or the Village of Northbrook.

7. Once final permission to use the room has been confirmed, such permission will not be withdrawn unless the group violates any of the conditions set forth for the use of the room and/or conditions require otherwise.

8. Paintings, photographs, sculptures, handicrafts and similar objects placed on display are permitted to have a value indication provided that the primary purpose of the display is exhibition, not selling.  Sales of art, handicraft objects, books or the like may be permitted at the discretion of the Executive Librarian.

9. Only Library-authorized personnel may operate Library equipment and, when a meeting is held outside of Library hours, open or close the building.

10. Groups using the rooms may not charge admission and may not deny public access except for governmental bodies in executive session.

11. Smoking and alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

12. Excessive noise or disruption to the functions of the Library are not permitted.

13. The use of hazardous materials is prohibited.

While the professional staff will administer the use of the meeting rooms, interpretations about policy for the use of the room may be decided by the Board of Trustees of the Northbrook Public Library.

Study Rooms

There are 5 study rooms, all located on the second floor. The study rooms are only available for Northbrook residents with a valid library card. The card must be presented to the staff at the time of usage. Rooms may be reserved up to a week in advance. Reservations will be forfeited if the room isn't occupied within 15 minutes of the starting time. 2 hours is the maximum time that a group may reserve per day. 4 hours is the maximum that can be reserved per week.
Absolutely no food or beverages are allowed in the rooms.