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Reading Room Events

This guide provides helpful information related to hosting events in the Reading Room.

Room Configurations

The Reading Room accommodates presentations and meetings of sizes ranging from small advisory boards to an audience of 110 standing. With hybrid capabilities, virtual attendees can participate easily.

Available amenities:

  • 8'x2' and 6'x2' tables on wheels (optional black tablecloths)
  • Black chairs (on wheeled pallets)
  • Elegant armchairs for fireside chat presentations
  • A podium with a small monitor

Other planning considerations to keep in mind:

  • Table(s) for refreshments (often set up by the Hoover desk or by the door to the Business Library)
  • A registration table (by the Hoovers desk or in the 15th St lobby if the door is being opened to the public)
  • Space for transcribers or translators
  • Pipe and drape or changing the flags (the US and Commerce flags are standard, but a third flagpole is available)

Boardroom Style

Boardroom setups are great for advisory boards, trainings, or committee meetings. Backbench seating for additional staff can fit in the alcoves, and gallery seating allows space for a small in-person audience.

A boardroom table can be customized using the library's tables to accommodate up to 40 people.  

boardroom blueprint 

boardroom set up

classroom set up

Theater Style

For presentations or panels, the Reading Room can accommodate rows of 6-7 chairs, and the room can be configured with or without the stage.  

theater style blue printReading Room theater style

Staging

The modular staging can be arranged in a few shapes, but a 6' by 15' rectangle is the most common. The columns are approximately 15' apart, so this size allows for a presenter at the podium, armchairs for a fireside chat, or a panel at a table.

fireside chat chairs