Providing Public Space

The Library continues to support the community in numerous ways. Beyond materials and programs, the Library is often seen as a valuable resource because of the space it provides. Throughout the year, our branches hosted hundreds of organizations in our meeting rooms, providing them with a cost-effective venue for board meetings, town hall meetings, training classes and a host of other activities.

For larger groups and events, the Library also makes available its auditorium in the Louis Stokes Wing of the Main Library. This past year was the first time, however, that the Library proactively recruited organizations. Through a new partnership with the Hyatt Regency hotel across the street, the Library hosted an array of government agencies and private groups for various events in the auditorium. In doing so, we not only met the need for larger space, but we effectively created a revenue stream around space rental–an important step forward for an organization that relies largely on public funding.