Private Events at Westerly Library & Wilcox Park
The Memorial and Library Association (hereinafter the “Association”) is a private non-profit that owns and operates Westerly Library and Wilcox Park (hereinafter the “Library”) and offers its Event Space to organizations for non-commercial, cultural, informational, educational, intellectual, recreational, and civic purposes during normal Library hours of operation.
The Library offers facility rentals to community groups, non-profit organizations, private businesses, individuals, and government agencies, in accordance with Association policies and procedures and state and federal laws. Event Spaces are not available for entrepreneurial or commercial purposes, solicitation, or fund-raising purposes.
The Library subscribes to the tenets of the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights (opens in a new tab), Article VI, which states in part, “libraries which make meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use". All Event Spaces are treated as meeting rooms.
Each person or organization requesting use of of an Event Space must submit an application and agree to abide by the Private Event Space Rental Policy (click here for the policy, fees and application). Failure to do so may result in cancellation or refusal of applications in the future. Use of an Event space(s) does not in any way constitute an endorsement of the Group’s policies, opinions, and/or beliefs by the Library.
The Memorial and Library Association Board of Trustees reserves the right to determine appropriate use of the rooms, to assess fees for such use, and to cancel or reschedule any programs or events, at its discretion, with or without cause or reason, and without liability.
If you are interested in hosting a corporate function, private party, family gathering, informational workshop, or other special event at Westerly Library and Wilcox Park, or would like more information regarding fees and availability, please contact our Marketing & Outreach Manager at (401) 596-2877 x342, or email awagner@westerlylibrary.org.
For more information or to request permission to use Wilcox Park for a private event, please click here for the Park Use Guidelines and Application, or contact our Park Superintendent at (401) 596-2877 x334, or email apeck@westerlylibrary.org.
Event Spaces
Auditorium - The Auditorium is available for programs, meetings and special events. The space is pre-set for 50 guests in row (audience) seating. This 41’ x 34’ space can accommodate a maximum capacity of 85 people (subject to layout and chair availability). A baby grand Steinway piano is in the Auditorium. It cannot be moved out of the room. If needed, it is the Group’s responsibility to have it tuned by a Library approved vendor. Food approved for this space can include non-alcoholic covered beverages and light snacks only.
Terrace Room - The Terrace Room, located on the third floor of the library, offers multi-use functionality from public meetings and educational programs to workshops and private events, and can accommodate a maximum capacity of 75 people (subject to layout and chair availability). This 43’ x 43’ space includes restrooms, kitchen facilities, and access to a terrace overlooking Wilcox Park, weather permitting.
Roberts Room - The Roberts Room, located on the second floor of the library, is a small, semi-formal conference room space that can accommodate up to 12 people for seated round table discussions or gatherings.
Hoxie Gallery - The Hoxie Gallery is a public art gallery that generally displays the work of local artists. Each exhibit is booked for the period of approximately one month. The Hoxie Gallery is available for limited private use subject to the approval of the Executive Director and the current artists(s) displays. Due to the nature of the space, and the range of art exhibits that are displayed, reservation policies and procedures differ for use of the Hoxie Gallery. A baby grand piano is in the Gallery. It cannot be moved out of the room. If needed, it is the Group’s responsibility to have it tuned by a Library approved vendor.
The Cottage* - The Cottage located in Wilcox Park adjacent to High Street is a small 4 room cottage with a small kitchen and ADA compliant first floor and restroom. The main level can accommodate 15-28 people depending on function needs.
*Available for private event space beginning in August 2024.
Floor plans and more specific information about meeting rooms, furniture and equipment are available. Restrooms are located on the third-floor for the Terrace Room, as well as on the second-floor for the Auditorium, Hoxie Gallery or Roberts Room spaces. All event spaces are accessible by elevator and stairs.
Event Space fees help support the Memorial and Library Association and the many programs and services that are available at Westerly Library and Wilcox Park. We appreciate your support and we thank you for considering Westerly Library for your event!
