Auditorium
| Maximum Capacity: 350
Located on the lower level, the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium is the perfect backdrop for a dance or music performance, literary program or corporate meeting. Paneled in African mahogany and featuring a 30 feet-by-30 feet stage plus additional wing space, the theater provides superb sight lines, excellent sound reinforcement and theatrical lighting.
Available with the auditorium rental are two dressing rooms and a Green Room, which feature an intercom system connected to the tech booth. Additional offerings include a Steinway concert grand piano, a podium with microphone, general wash lighting, screen, projection, WiFi and additional lighting instruments. The client must provide all technical staff required to produce a program including, but not limited to, sound, lighting, stage manager and stage crew. Additional fees may apply for services and/or equipment.
Supported Layouts and Capacities
Seating Capacity
Capacity: 350 People
General Event Space
| Maximum Capacity: 400
Capacity: 400 reception
The Grand Lobby on the ground floor is an ideal setting for an elegant reception. Available after library hours for stand-up receptions, the Grand Lobby features marble floors and an intricately designed ceiling. A colorful mosaic by artist Jacob Lawrence and a view of the Houston Conwill cosmogram on the lower level round out this grand setting.
Supported Layouts and Capacities
Reception
Capacity: 400 People
General Event Space
| Maximum Capacity: 170
Capacity: 170 reception
Located across from the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium on the lower level, the Reception Hall is suited for VIP receptions. This intimate space features brightly painted floating walls, high ceilings with track lighting and hardwood floors. It is available on a limited basis.
Supported Layouts and Capacities
Reception
Capacity: 170 People
General Event Space
| Maximum Capacity: 200
Capacity: 200 seated, reception or theater style
This bright and airy room on the 9th floor features floor-to-ceiling windows and makes a wonderful setting for a reception, luncheon or corporate event. The South Hall is primarily available only with rental of the Winter Garden or Cindy Pritzker Auditorium provided the maximum capacity does not exceed 200.
Supported Layouts and Capacities
Reception
Capacity: 200 People
Theater
Capacity: 200 People
Theater
| Maximum Capacity: 63
Adjacent to the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium on the lower level, the Video Theater provides an intimate location for a corporate meeting, forum or lecture. The client must provide all necessary equipment required for the event.
Supported Layouts and Capacities
Seating Capacity
Capacity: 63 People
General Event Space
| Maximum Capacity: 400
Capacity: 400 seated dinner and/or reception; 400 theater style
The Winter Garden is the architectural centerpiece of the Harold Washington Library Center. Located on the 9th floor, this elegant and spacious atrium features a terrazzo and marble floor, and a 52-foot glass-paneled dome spanning the entire room. The Winter Garden is the perfect setting for a wedding reception, corporate event, fundraiser, gala dinner, silent auction or fashion show.
Supported Layouts and Capacities
Banquet - 10 per
Capacity: 400 People
Reception
Capacity: 400 People
Theater
Capacity: 400 People