Destination Weddings - Best Library Spaces

Back when I was getting married, I briefly toyed with the idea of tying the knot in a library. Unfortunately, I didn't find a library in the Dallas, Texas area that I felt would support the kind of wedding I wanted. My literary wedding (pictured above) took place at the T&P Train Station in Fort Forth, Texas. Ideally, the library for my wedding would have had classic charm and would have been able to support over 200 people. This doesn't really exist in North Texas (that I could find). The Dallas Public Library is enormous at ten floors, but the building isn't really set up for that kind of event.

Dallas Public Library, J. Erik Jonsson Central Library

In fact, most libraries aren't designed for hosting events like weddings because, why should they be? It could be good income for the city or library for one. Also, being able to host large events in general is good for the community. As libraries expand their purpose to a community gathering space, I think future libraries might consider making spaces more flexible to accommodate large events. Here are some libraries that make stunning destinations to host a wedding.

The George Peabody Library

The George Peabody Library is a part of the Sheridan Libraries Special Collections at John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. The rental fee for the space currently ranges from $4,000 to $7,500 plus a $1,000 ceremony fee depending on the day. The space can accommodate up to 200 seated guests. 

The Boston Public Library

The Boston Public Library has many different spaces for rental. You can read the details here. The best space in my opinion is Bates Hall (pictured above), which seats 220 and has a rental fee $11,000. 

The New York Public Library

The New York Public Library offer's wedding space rentals in their Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. Details of the space and pricing are not available online, but can be obtained by contacting them via email.

The Seattle Public Library

The Seattle Public Library offers their Norcliffe Foundation Living Room for $3,000 on evenings when the library is closed. The space can hold up to 400 guests.

Carnegie Library at Mount Vernon Square

The Carnegie Library at Mount Vernon Square in Washington D.C. was originally opened in 1903 and was reopened in 2012 as an event space. This venue has nine different spaces. To find out more details about cost and size of the venue visit their website and fill out a booking form.  

...just to name a few. These libraries make beautiful destinations for weddings. Do you know of any others?

Best,

Amanda  

Five Epic Children's Spaces

Reading often transports us to other worlds full of magic. As a kid, nothing is cooler than feeling like you are a part of those other worlds. This is why we have Disney World and LEGOland. It's also why we have, yes, the public library! For this post, I would like to highlight some really great children's spaces in libraries that make you wish you were a kid again.

1. Rockwall County Library

The children's area to this county library in Rockwall, Texas has this amazing arch along with a huge children's materials collection. The area also has a children's programing room that children can enter through a hidden portal. Parents can opt for the doors if they would like. :)

2. Cerritos Library

In addition to this awesome entryway, the Cerritos Library in Cerritos, California has a giant lighthouse, a fabricated tree, and a 40-foot long T-Rex replica named Stan. 

3. Brentwood Library

You've got to love this amazing entry into the Brentwood Library Story Room in Brentwood, Tennessee. The library's children's area also has several fabricated indoor trees, at least one of which you can crawl through. 

4. Cuyahoga County Public Library

Cuyahoga County Public Library branch in Warrensville Heights, Ohio has this amazing play center in their children's area. Play is so important to early learning. I love it!

5. Niños Conarte

This library in Colonia Obrera, Monterrey, NL in Mexico certainly has a unique design. Children are encouraged to climb and play on the bookcases. The library is located in the Fundidora Park which also has an arena, several museums, and tons of public art. 

What I love about these spaces is that they clearly have the user in mind. I think they've nailed making children's spaces fun and functional. Do you know a great space that didn't make the list? Let me know in the comments below. 

Best,

Amanda