SCHOMBURG
Special Events TIMELESS ELEGANCE
Playwright and poet Ntozake Shange at the opening of our exhibition, i found god in myself: The 40th Anniversary of Ntozake Shange’s for colored girls
TABLE OF
CONTENTS 4
WELCOME
5
HISTORY
6
LANGSTON HUGHES AUDITORIUM
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LANGSTON HUGHES LOBBY
10
AMERICAN NEGRO THEATRE
11
COURTYARD
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
14
VENDORS
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CONTACT & DIRECTIONS
WELCOME For the past 90 years, the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture has been located at Harlem’s historic crossroads— 515 Malcolm X Boulevard at 135th Street. With its convenient location and friendly staff, the Schomburg Center is the perfect venue to make your events extraordinary. Our institution offers four magnificent spaces that cater to both intimate gatherings as well as lavish extravaganzas, and lends a sense of grandeur and distinction to any occasion.
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The members preview of our exhibition, Unveiling Visions: The Alchemy of the Black Imagination
Maya Angelou, Founder’s Day, ca. 1998
HISTORY The Division of Negro Literature, History and Prints—better known today as the Schomburg Center—debuted at the 135th Street Library as the personal collection of Arturo Schomburg, the distinguished Afro-Puerto Rican scholar and bibliophile. This special collection included more than 5,000 books, 3,000 manuscripts, 2,000 etchings and paintings, and several thousand pamphlets. Schomburg served as curator of the division from 1932 until his death in 1938. In 1940, the collection was renamed in his honor and became the Schomburg Collection of Negro Literature, History and Prints. In 1972, the Schomburg Collection was designated as one of the research libraries of The New York Public Library and became the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. The expansion of The Schomburg Center in 1991 created spaces for exhibition galleries, the American Negro Theatre, and the Langston Hughes Auditorium—in which concerts, forums, lectures, performances, and other special events have taken place. Today, The Schomburg Center contains over 10 million items and interprets its collection through exhibitions, publications, and educational, scholarly, and cultural programs.
The Schomburg Center at 135th Street, ca. 1920
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LANGSTON HUGHES AUDITORIUM
The Langston Hughes Auditorium has hosted a full spectrum of engaging programs. The space is both commanding in presence and intimate in atmosphere, offering guests a versatile setting for theatrical performances, literary readings, film screenings, and more. The Schomburg Center’s technical director will work with you to determine all of your multimedia needs.
Women’s Jazz Festival: Nona Hendryx
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Authors Zadie Smith and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie at our ‘Between the Lines� program
Langston Hughes Auditorium Seated capacity: 321 (6*) guests Reception capacity: 350 guests * Wheelchair Capacity
Dancers take the stage at one of our theatrical events SPECIAL EVENTS | 7
LANGSTON HUGHES LOBBY
The Langston Hughes Cosmogram
Langston Hughes Lobby, approximately 1,150 square feet, is an elegant, glass-enclosed atrium overlooking the Schomburg Center’s outdoor courtyard. Featuring high ceilings and an abundance of natural light, the lobby is also home to Rivers, a site-specific public art installation and peace memorial in honor of Langston Hughes and Arturo Schomburg. The terrazzo floor is marked by a brass cosmogram bearing lyrics, texts, and literary signs in the tradition of African ritual ground markings, weaving a web of connections between people of diverse cultures and backgrounds, past and the present.
Langston Hughes Lobby Seated capacity: 90 guests Reception capacity: 250 guests
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First Fridays: Carnival Edition
Visitors enjoy our catered spread
(second from left) Governor Cuomo, Rikki Klieman and her husband, Police Commissioner Bill Bratton, at our Samuel Battle event
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The American Negro Theatre set up as a lecture room
AMERICAN NEGRO THEATRE Notable actors such as Sydney Poitier, Ruby Dee, and Harry Belafonte have all performed at the American Negro Theatre. The space is perfect for theatrical performances, readings, film screenings, receptions, workshops, meetings, and more. This space also has an accessible multifunction room, complete with technological capabilities that include DVD, Blu-Ray, VHS, and PowerPoint. Seated capacity: 75 guests Reception capacity: 100 guests
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The American Negro theatre set up as a dinner event
THE COURTYARD
Seated capacity: 50 guests Reception capacity: 75 guests
The Corcoran wedding and reception
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FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS How much do you charge for an event? Rental fees are available upon request and are an integral part of our fundraising efforts. They support the library’s invaluable programs and services. Film shoots fees are quoted on a case-by-case basis. Day before load-in fees based on availability. What time can my event start and end? Rental fees are based on a four-hour event ending no later than 11:00pm. After four hours or by 11:00pm—whichever occurs first—an hourly overtime charge will be put into effect (events may go later than 11:00pm with special permission only). You can set up your event one hour before it’s scheduled to begin, but special permission must be obtained first. How can I reserve a space for an event? If you are interested in reserving a space for an event, we will place a hold on that space for your desired date(s). No deposit is required to place a hold. If there is already a hold on your desired room and date, you may place a second hold and we will attempt to release that date for you. To confirm your event, a non-refundable deposit and signed contract is required. Are fundraisers for other organizations allowed at the Schomburg? Fundraising events are allowed at the Schomburg if the following conditions are met: • The event does not conflict whatsoever with the library’s own fundraising activities. • The event does not involve any direct solicitation of funds or the payment of funds in cash or other tenders at the event. • Products and services are not sold at the event. Determination of whether an event meets these criteria will be at the sole discretion of the Schomburg Center. The Schomburg has the right to decline any event based on such determination.
Are religious, political, or coming-of-age events allowed at the Schomburg? Religious ceremonies, political events, or coming-of-age parties are NOT allowed. Civil wedding ceremonies are allowed on library premises. A civil wedding ceremony is defined as a nonreligious marriage ceremony performed by a government official rather than by a clergyman. Any civil ceremony on library premises must be without any religious affiliation and meet the legal requirements of the State and City of New York. A written synopsis of the ceremony and verification that it will be performed by one of the following must be presented to the Schomburg by a date set by your event coordinator. The following are acceptable officiates for your civil ceremony: • The mayor of a city or village • The former mayor, city clerk, or one of the deputy city clerks who has legal authority • A county executive of a county, city magistrate, police justice or police magistrate of a city • A court clerk or county clerk who has legal authority • A justice or judge. How do I get permission to film at the library? All filming and photography requests must be submitted to schomburgcenterevents@nypl.org at least 2–3 weeks prior to filming. The Schomburg reserves the right to decline involvement in any project and approve any scene in which it is featured. Any project not submitted in writing will not be considered. May I have my choice of vendors? The Schomburg has a list of preferred vendors listed on our website. You should discuss your vendor choice with your event coordinator. Can I hang signs or banners in and around the Schomburg? The Schomburg Center allows promotion and advertising of any brand. Signs or banners may be placed in the public areas of the building. Arrangements must be made for products to be sold in the gift shop. Clients are required to finalize all plans a week before their event.
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Will I be required to sign a contract and supply insurance? All renting parties will be required to sign and comply with a standard facilities rental agreement in order to use any space. In addition, if liquor is to be served, rental parties will also be required to sign a non-negotiable liquor contract. Various levels of insurance will need to be obtained depending upon the nature of the event. How do I get liquor for my event? The library does not hold a liquor license, so all wine, liquor, and beer need to be purchased through your catering vendor, given that vendor has a valid liquor license.
First Fridays: Blue Note Edition
Is security available for my event? Basic security and maintenance fees are quoted upon request. Any additional security or maintenance necessary, whether determined by you or by us, is at the expense of the client. Schomburg Center security has final say in all security matters. Can other events take place in the building at the same time as mine? The Schomburg Center will determine the number of events that can be operated simultaneously in the building, and we do not guarantee you sole use of the building except in the contracted location(s). However, we will ensure that your event is in no way disrupted by any other event. In addition, you may rent the entire building to ensure your sole use at the time of your event. Your event coordinator can speak with you about this option upon request. Do my guests need to go through a bag check? Bag checks are not required at rental events. However, the Schomburg Center reserves the right to inspect any and all packages, boxes, bags, purses, backpacks, or similar items and their contents being brought into the facility. The Schomburg may also refuse to admit certain persons, packages or contents into the premises based on any security concerns. Are there smoking areas in the building? There is no smoking whatsoever in any interior area of the building, including the loading dock and adjacent areas. Without exception, anyone caught smoking will be asked to leave the premises. Smoking is allowed only outside the building, including the street and front step areas.
Schomburg Curator Shola Lynch with Angela Davis, Will Smith, and Sidra Smith at the film premiere of Lynch’s Free Angela and All Political Prisoners
Does the library provide parking and are there hotels nearby? While we do not offer parking on-site, many parking facilities and hotels are within walking distance in New York City. Do I receive a discount at The Gift Shop? Rental clients are entitled to a discount at the Schomburg Gift Shop for merchandise purchased for use during their rental event only. You must organize purchases through your event coordinator. The Gift Shop offers a selection of distinctive merchandise for all of your gift-giving needs, including books, jewelry, stationery, holiday cards, and publications. You can visit The Gift Shop while at the Schomburg. How can I support the Schomburg? By renting space with us you are providing support for all of the invaluable programs and services the Schomburg has to offer. In addition to space rental, the library has a variety of membership programs that may appeal to you. Please visit schomburgcenter.org for more information.
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VENDOR COLLECTION You’ve found the perfect venue. Now it’s time to enlist a team of experienced professionals who compliment your taste and budget as you turn your vision into reality. From planning the simplest traditions to exploring the latest styles and trends, these vendors make sure you achieve the event of your dreams: Food Trends 212-972-7320 lara@foodtrendscatering.com www.foodtrendscatering.com The Seasoned Pot 718-854-9661 www.theseasonedpot.com Melba’s 212-864-7717 www.melbasrestaurant.com
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Butterfield Catering 212-772-8782 ex 213 www.butterfieldmarket.com Spoonbread Inc. 212-865-0700 www.spoonbreadinc.com HARLEM FLO, a flower boutique 212-316-3031 Fax: 212-316-3032 info@harlemflo.com www.harlemflo.com
Access Africa 646-308-1232 212-785-0130 Fax: 212-368-3150 info@accessafrica.com Shabazz Communications 757-450-3655 646-396-3800 thysha@shabazzcommunications.com www.shabazzcommunications.com
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SHABAZZ COMMUNICATIONS HAS SERVED AS EVENT PRODUCERS FOR NATIONAL CONFERENCES, BOOK TOURS, BRANDED EVENTS AND RED CARPETS.
COMMUNICATIONS
OUR SERVICES •
REGISTRATION & PANEL PRODUCTION
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TALKBACK DEVELOPMENT
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EVENT STAFF
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SPEAKER MANAGEMENT
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SCRIPT & RUNDOWN WRITING
OUR CLIENTS •
SHEAM O/ST URE
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HARLEM FASHION ROW
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SCHOMBURG CENTER
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S M I L EYBOOKS
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AND MANY M O RE
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SHABAZZ-COMMUNICATIONS-INC OSHABAZZCOMMUNICATIONS
EVENT PRODUCTION. STAFFING. CONFERENCES INFO@SHABAZZCOM MUNICATIONS.COM 646. 396. 3800 I WWW.SHABAZZCOM MUNICATIONS.COM
CONTACT For more information about the Schomburg Center, please visit www.schomburgcenter.org. And for more information about space rentals, please call 212-491-2257 or email schomburgcenterevents@gmail.com
DIRECTIONS MTA Subway: 2 & 3 to 135th Street MTA Bus: M7, M102 buses to 135th Street
515 Malcolm X Boulevard New York, NY 10037-1801