As the information center for our community, the Indianapolis Public Library encourages the free expression of ideas essential to an informed citizenry. The offering of meeting room space in our library facilities is one of the many methods used to provide access to ideas representing all points of view on all subjects. Permission granted to meet in a library meeting room in no way constitutes endorsement by the Library of the policies or beliefs of any group or organization.
The Library reserves the right to review each prospective use and determine whether that use falls within the Indianapolis Public Library meeting room guidelines. Use of the premises may be prohibited or terminated at any time if the conduct of the group interferes with staff work or patron use of the library, is disruptive to library service or patrons, or is abusive or dangerous to the building, library materials, exhibits, furnishings, or individuals in the building.
Groups and individuals who use the meeting rooms are guests of the Library, and their use of the space should reflect that understanding. Areas designated as staff lounges are for the use of Library staff and volunteers only. Activities for minors must be supervised by responsible adults. No smoking is permitted on Library property or within 50 feet of any public entrance. No person may be denied access to a meeting for which no admission is charged, or where admission is not limited to membership, so long as that person complies with the Library’s Standards of Behavior. Authorization for library meeting room use is limited to the furniture and equipment assigned to that room.
An authorized representative of the group reserving the meeting room must remain on the premises throughout the period for which it is reserved, or until the meeting ends. Library meeting rooms must be restored to their original clean condition before the Library closes. Users of library meeting rooms agree to pay for any damages to Library property.
To reserve a meeting room, a fully completed and signed meeting room reservation form must be submitted for approval at least two weeks in advance of the event.
Meeting room reservation requests by nonprofit organizations must include a current copy of the nonprofit certificate. The certificate copy will be kept on file by IndyPL. This requirement may be waived by the CEO in the case of small nonprofit organizations and special interest community groups. Any required fees must be paid at least two weeks prior to the event. Use of library meeting rooms is limited to the type of meeting or activity stated on the application.
Meeting room packets may be picked up at the Central Library Information Desk or at branch libraries during all public service hours. Meeting rooms may be booked one (1) year in advance. Reservations for the following year are accepted beginning September 1st of each year.
Either party may cancel this Agreement with written notice to the other, without liability as a result of acts of God over which neither party has control, government regulation, terrorism, disaster, strikes, civil disorders, or any other factors over which neither party has control, making it impossible or illegal to conduct the program consistent with those conditions that existed at the time the contract was entered into. The parties may, however, agree to go forward on such terms and conditions that may be re-negotiated. Any deposits made shall be refunded to the party who made the deposit.
Fees are based on a minimum of four (4) hours. Prevailing sales tax will be charged to for profit organizations and individuals. Rental fees may be waived for city and county governmental entities and designated Library affiliates. This exemption requires the approval of the CEO. Expenses for additional security, auditorium technician, food and beverages will be charged. Discounts are available for multiple bookings. The Library has the ability to add a premium charge for unique events and to offer discounts for marketing and promotional purposes.
See the Meeting Room Fees for the Branches and Central Library.
Current pricing reflects rates for 2025.
Groups meeting at branch libraries that require a different arrangement may re-configure the room for their needs, with the understanding that it is to be returned to its original set-up before the Library closes. Branch library staff is not responsible for re-arranging the meeting room.
Materials may only be attached to walls, windows, doors, and furnishings with painter's tape. Groups cannot remove any existing artwork from walls.
Staff is available at Central Library for meeting room set-up.
Refreshments served at Branches should be limited to those items easily disposed of, e.g., light snacks, box lunches. All refreshments should be consumed inside the meeting room, and trash placed in the appropriate receptacles.
Food and beverages desired for meetings at Central Library must be provided by the Exclusive Caterer. Upon reserving a meeting space, clients will be referred to the Ritz Charles. The Ritz Charles will be responsible for making all arrangements for catered food services, including the collection of catering fees. The Indianapolis Public Library assumes no responsibility for catering services. No chaffing dishes, sterno cans, or alcohol permitted unless provided by the Exclusive Caterer.
Free parking is available at the Library Branches.
There are approximately 300 spaces available in Central Library's pay parking garage. The garage can be accessed on Pennsylvania Street. Garage pricing information is available on Central Library's location page. Pre-payment of guest parking can be arranged if requested in advance.
Groups wishing to have A/V or electronic equipment may order it through the Library's approved vendor. If a group wishes to bring A/V or electronic equipment in from another source, it must be approved in advance.
Technical support is available and required for use of the Central Library Auditorium.
If a group wishes to have an extra level of security, it will be charged according to the prevailing rate used by the Library's security vendor. If the nature of the group or meeting is such that the Library determines the need for additional security, the group will be assessed the fee.
Each group is responsible for its own publicity. Any printed publicity must include the statement: "This program is not sponsored by the Indianapolis Public Library." Publicity is not to include the Library's telephone number, nor may the Library's name and address be used as a mailing address.
Organizations or individuals gathering petition signatures may not block the public right-of-way, interfere with the conduct of business, or create litter problems.
Signs produced for directional purposes must be submitted to the Library and posted by Library staff. Materials may not be attached to walls, windows, doors or furnishings. Unauthorized signs will be removed without notice.
Organizations or individuals using meeting rooms shall indemnify and hold harmless the Indianapolis Public Library and its officers, directors, agents and employees from and against all losses, damages, claims, costs and expenses arising from injury or death of any person(s), or damage to property resulting from any act or omission of such users or their employees, agents, representatives, guests, invitees, or the general public to the extent that such losses, damages, claims, costs and expenses arise in connection with or relate to the organization's or individual's use of the facility.
Organizations or individuals using meeting rooms shall be liable for all damages, expense and loss, including theft and property loss, caused by any person who attends, participates in, or provides goods and services connected with the organization’s or individual's use of the facility and all tangible property. Replacement value may be used by the IndyPL to determine the damage cost charged.
The Library assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen items or damage to vehicles in the parking lot.
Use of library meeting rooms may be prohibited or terminated at any time if the activity or conduct planned or occurring in the facility is or is deemed to be disruptive, or interferes with library patron use of the library facilities for library purposes or is disruptive or interferes with library staff in their service to patrons. The privilege of using Library meeting rooms will not be granted or will be revoked if the activities or intended activities of the meeting room users negatively impact normal operations in the following ways:
Priority will be given to: Library-sponsored events; to City-County sponsored events; groups that are Indianapolis/Marion County based. All other groups will be given consideration on a first-come/first-served basis. The Library reserves the right to preempt any event for an emergency Library-sponsored event. In such rare instances, the Library will make every reasonable effort to give ample notice and to assist the group in reserving another date or library meeting room. If that is not possible, there will be a full refund of any fees.