Booking Event Space in the Libraries
To reserve a room for collaborative group work and study, click here.
Columbia faculty, students, and staff may request use of space in Butler Library (and, in some cases, other library locations) for meetings, events, film shoots, or other programs. Please note: the following spaces are primarily reserved for library operations during busisness hours. Requests from non-library individuals are typically only granted on weekends and after 5 p.m. on weekdays, though we welcome all requests and will do our best to accommodate.
Requests may also be submitted for use of library spaces by non-Columbia entities, though preference is given to Columbia community members. Some requests have associated costs and restrictions, depending on the nature of the request. Please review the following space guidelines thoroughly before you submit a request.
Types of Events
Student-Sponsored Event
(examples: lobby tabling, wellness event, speaker visit)
Faculty or Staff-Sponsored Event
(examples: departmental meeting, public program, workshop)
Commercial or Student Film and Photography
(examples: documentary film, commercial, student film projects)
Columbia-Affiliated Film and Photography
(examples: media interview, photos in/of library spaces for marketing purposes)
Available Spaces
Also referred to as the Tauber room, Room 523 is a spacious meeting/ conference room which overlooks the South Lawn and Low Library. Once having been a break room for Columbia’s former School of Library Services, Butler 523 now serves as a quintessential location for meetings, presentations and conferences within Columbia University.
- Base fee: $1,000
- Capacity: Ideal for 18 - 30 seated (74 max standing capacity)
- Tech equipment: A/V equipment (computer and projector), Polycom Speaker Phone (212-854-4031)
- Food allowed (requires Facilities clean-up and associated costs)
One of our smaller meeting rooms, Butler 522 is often reserved alongside its bigger attached room, Butler 523. Connected by a pair of double doors that can attach or separate the space, Butler 522 is often used as spill-over for catering or storage space should 523 need it for a large event. Also ideal for a smaller general meeting room.
- Base fee: $500
- Capacity: 10 - 16 seated (25 max standing capacity)
- Tech equipment: Computer and digital display, phone (212-851-4030)
- Food allowed (requires Facilities clean-up and associated costs)
Room 203 is located on the 2nd floor (entry level) of Butler Library. It is a recently renovated general purpose meeting and presentation room with high ceilings, a large presentation screen, moveable furniture, and a podium.
- Base fee: $1,000
- Capacity: 72
- Tech equipment: A/V equipment (computer, projector)
- Food allowed (requires Facilities clean-up and associated costs)
- No arts/crafts
Also referred to as the Lounge, Room 214 is a spacious room accessible from the lobby and is located to the immediate west side of Blue Java Café. A doorway connects the café to the space. Ideal location for student-focused events that necessitate easy access from the main entrance. The room contains two wooden barrier walls and banquets that are in a fixed a position.
- Base fee: $1,000
- Capacity: 74
- Tech equipment: The room does not contain AV equipment nor a telephone.
- Food allowed (requires Facilities clean-up and associated costs)
Butler 210 is an ideal film or photography location for a “quintessential library” feel. It is suitable for two-person interviews, shots with multiple cameras, or b-roll. The room has high ceilings with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, an upper level catwalk, some fixed furniture, and flexible options for long shots. Natural and overhead lighting can be easily adjusted based on needs, though some safety lights in the room remain on at all times.
The room can accommodate a crew of up to 20 people and is equipped with power sources in the floor and walls throughout the room. The room is very close to the elevator, one floor up from the loading dock on 114th street. There is an optional adjacent smaller room for gear staging, crew work space, makeup, etc.
Butler 616 is a smaller, narrow film or photography location with floor-to-ceiling bookcases and fixed furniture in the center of the room. Ideal for one-person photo shoots or interviews.
This room can accommodate a crew of up to 5 people and is equipped with power sources in the floor and walls. There are optional adjacent rooms, accessible through center doors, to accomplish longer shots.
If you have a specific space or library in mind not listed here, please submit the request form and we will do our best to accommodate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a wedding engagement photo shoot or graduation photo shoot in a library?
Yes. Small, brief photo shoots of this nature are generally allowed without advanced permission so long as all participants have a valid CUID to enter. If one or more participants do not have a CUID, please email lio@library.columbia.edu to request advance permission. Requirements: handheld equipment only (no lighting kits), library users may not be captured on film, and shoots must be brief and minimally disruptive.
What are the considerations for an event that includes food?
Event organizers must book Facilities clean-up for any event that includes drop-off catering.
Can my event include animals?
Per the Libraries' code of conduct, service animals are permitted; otherwise therapy animal events must be approved with special consideration.
What are the considerations for an event that includes non-CUID holders?
The event organizer is responsible for submitting the names of ALL participants or registrants for any event type.
How far in advance should I submit a request?
For film or photography shoots, requests require a two-week lead time. For all other event types, requests are subject to availability of requested space. Spaces can book far in advance.