An event held at the Linda Hall Library, one of Kansas City’s greatest treasures, can only be described as unique. Located in the center of a fourteen-acre, beautifully landscaped urban arboretum, the Library is the legacy of Herbert and Linda Hall to the people of Kansas City and beyond. The Library holds more than a million volumes of the world’s most significant works in science, engineering, and technology dating from the fifteenth century.

From a large dinner or reception in the Library’s Main Reading Room to an intimate dinner for twelve in the Drawing Room, you and your guests will experience the warmth and elegance of a truly distinctive location. Tours of the Library, the Rare Book Room, or the grounds can be part of your memorable event. Experienced staff is available to advise and help you plan your special event.

Four areas are available for use, each one providing an exceptional setting for a memorable event:

Main Reading Room
Auditorium
Drawing Room
Courtyard

General Notes About the Facility

• The Library has equipment and furniture that can be used for events including refrigerators near the Main Reading Room and the Auditorium, folding chairs, rectangular and round tables, slide projectors, video projector, overhead projectors, screens, sound systems, CD player, bar height counters, and coffee pots.
• Food may be served in the event areas provided by the event sponsors or caterers chosen by the sponsor. Caterers need to make arrangements with library staff prior to the event.
• The Library does not arrange for caterers, rental equipment, or professional entertainment.
• For the use of library space, staff time, and audiovisual equipment, a contribution is appreciated.
• You may use the inquiry form to tentatively schedule an event or, for more information or to arrange a tour, please contact Kathy Alshouse by telephone at 816-926-8727 or 800-662-1545, ext. 727, or e-mail alshousk@lindahall.org.

Main Reading Room

The Library’s Main Reading Room is the perfect location for a lecture, a large reception, dinner, or other event. The Tazza, one of the largest pieces of malachite in North America, stands as the focal point in the center of the room. Parquet wood floors, warm oak paneling and bookshelves, and large windows that overlook the south lawn provide an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. The room can accommodate up to 240 people for a lecture, 280 people for a reception, and approximately 150 people for a dinner. Located nearby for caterers’ use is a kitchen with a refrigerator, tables, sink and garbage disposal, and tables. The Main Reading Room is only available outside of the Library’s regular hours of operation.

Auditorium

The Auditorium is ideally situated for a business retreat, lecture, dinner, reception or other event. Guests enter through the doors of the History of Science Center just a few steps west of the Main Library and pass through the Drawing Room before entering the Auditorium. The Auditorium is paneled in warm oak, carpeted, and has a built-in screen and sound system. French doors open to the Courtyard while a large bay window offers a view. The room can be set theater style, with round or rectangular tables, with few chairs for a reception, or a combination. The Auditorium chairs are spacious and comfortable. Caterers appreciate the kitchen that opens into the Auditorium and is equipped with coffee pots, refrigerator, sink, garbage disposal, and dishwasher. The location of the Auditorium provides a sense of seclusion but is only moments from the Reference Room. Maximum capacity: 97, depending upon the configuration.

Drawing Room

The elegant Drawing Room cannot be surpassed for an intimate dinner or reception. The room is decorated with possessions of the Library’s founders, Herbert and Linda Hall. Dark oak paneling and casework is from the Hall home as is the travertine marble fireplace displaying the Hall family crest. Sconces, gilded mirrors, china, and crystal from the estate accessorize the room. The kitchen next to the Auditorium is easily accessible for caterers. Capacity: 18-20

Courtyard

Nestled between the Main Building and the Annex Building is a brick courtyard suitable for small lunches, dinners, receptions, and other events. The courtyard is landscaped with dwarf conifer beds and a trickling water display. Access to the courtyard is through the Annex entrance. A kitchen is nearby for caterers’ use. Food and drink must be contained within the courtyard. Capacity: Theater style or reception: 80 comfortably; lunch or dinner: 72 comfortably.