Meeting Rooms

The Corpus Christi Public Libraries provides meeting and conference rooms available for the public and non-profit organizations. The Corpus Christi Public Libraries area branches contain meeting rooms as well. Below is a description of our library policies pertaining to our meeting rooms.

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Who is eligible to book meeting rooms and how are they booked?

In keeping with its mission of promoting educational, cultural and recreational goals for its community, the main and branch libraries offer meeting rooms as a service to non-profit clubs, organizations, and groups. Library related or sponsored meetings and/or activities have first priority for use of these rooms.

A group must have a current application on file at each location used. Applications must be approved with the express written consent of the Director of Libraries at the Central Library or the Branch Manager at the McDonald, Hopkins, and Janet F. Harte Libraries. The application is a separate form attached at back.

Are there any restrictions on groups booking or using the rooms?

All meetings, programs or exhibits must be open to the public and library staff without charge. No fees, dues, or donations for any program or exhibit may be charged or collected. Rooms may not be used for private social functions, presentations, meetings, commercial activities or for any engagement which requires the collection or exchange of funds on the premises.

NO SOLICITATIONS OF ANY KIND ARE PERMITTED.

Director of Libraries may refuse application for a particular meeting room if its intended use will disrupt the normal use of the Library. Disruptions may include excessive traffic through common areas of the library, distracting visual or sound effects, or use which attracts attendees in excess of meeting room limits.

Where are the meeting rooms? What is the seating capacity of each? Do all libraries have meeting rooms?

In addition to the main library, meeting rooms are available at the Hopkons, McDonald, and Janet F. Harte Branch Libraries, but are not available at the Neyland Library.

La Retama Library

La Retama Room, auditorium style room, 50 person capacity
Conference Room, second floor, 20 person capacity
Board Room, second floor, 16 person capacity

McDonald Library

Meeting Room, 25 person capacity

Harte Library

Meeting Room, 50 person capacity

Hopkins Library

Meeting Room, 30 person capacity

Garcia Library

Meeting Room, 40 person capacity

Seating capacity depends upon room arrangement.
Attendance and seating capacity are limited by City fire code.

Who does the booking and where do I go to apply? How do you schedule the rooms?

Booking for La Retama, Conference and Board Rooms at the Central Library must be done in person or in writing through the Director's office, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Booking at McDonald, Hopkins, and Janet F. Harte branches is done at the respective branch by the head librarian on duty.

All bookings must be made at least two days in advance but may not be made for more than six months in advance.

A schedule of meetings for the main meeting rooms at the Central Library will be maintained in the Director's office and at the circulation and reference desks. Each branch keeps its own booking schedule.

The library must be notified of meeting room cancellations immediately.

The library reserves the right to cancel a reservation up to five days in advance of meeting time.

Applications may be obtained at the Director's office at the main library or at the branch libraries during regular business hours.

Prior inspection of a particular room is suggested to determine its suitability.

What days and times may meeting be scheduled?

Meetings may be held only during normal working hours, except on Sunday, when meeting rooms are closed. Contact the respective library for specific dates and times.

Meetings must be adjourned a minimum of thirty (30) minutes before closing.
Meetings may be booked Monday through Saturday within the following blocks of time:

La Retama Library

Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00am-5:30pm

Other Libraries

Monday - Wednesday: 10:00am-7:30pm
Thusday - Saturday: 10:00am-5:30pm

Are consecutive bookings allowed?

Yes. A group may book meeting rooms up to two times a month over a six month period. The group may not extend this consecutive booking until the six month period is over and a new application is filed.

May refreshments be served? Who sets up? Who cleans up?

Light refreshments (coffee, soft-drinks, cake, cookies, etc.) may be served in the La Retama Room, the McDonald Library, the Janet F. Harte Library, and the Garcia meeting rooms only. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Smoking is not allowed. The library is unable to furnish food serving equipment, refreshments, services or supplies.

Any furniture rearrangement is the responsibility of the group reserving the room. All furnishings must be returned to their original position. The library is not responsible for equipment, supplies or materials left in the building by the users or spectators. Library facilities shall be left in a clean and orderly condition, with trash picked up and put in receptacles.

May pamphlets or publicity be distributed at or by the library ahead of or during the program scheduled?

No. If a group distributes publicity concerning the program, sponsorship must be clear, and a telephone number of the sponsoring group included in the publicity. A copy of all publicity must be given to the Director's office prior to its distribution.