Reserve the Roosevelt Library
The Roosevelt Library is well equipped to host seated dinners up to 80 guests and receptions with up to 300 guests. The main dining room, the Grand Hall, has one large table that can be expanded to seat 34 people. Additional round tables can be added to accommodate a total of 80 guests in the Grand Hall.
The lower floor gallery can accommodate seated dining for 60 guests or auditorium seating for 125 guests. The lower floor Gallery can convert to a club seating to accommodate 40 guests facing the stage with a combination of leather lounge seating with cocktail tables, round dining height tables with dining chairs, and high cocktail tables with stools.
The white gloved, uniformed butlers of the Roosevelt Library are adept at serving. The parking lot can accommodate about 50 vehicles and there is typically ample street parking in front of the building. The large South Lawn can accommodate hundreds of guests. The Roosevelt Library may be rented throughout the year. Fundraisers, political, and religious events are permitted at the Roosevelt Library.
In the RL chef’s kitchen featuring a French La Cornue range, the Roosevelt Library chefs prepare fine cuisine including our signature butler passed small plates, elaborate cheese and charcuterie boards, and plated dishes. The Roosevelt Library offers, as an option, Gorham Strasbourg sterling silver cutlery for up to 100 place settings.
As heralded by SA2020, the historic 1929 Roosevelt Library, under the direction of Leland Stone, is a “new kind of gathering space.” The building is located across from the Roosevelt Park which marks the beginning of the Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project, an eight mile stretch of the San Antonio River that has received designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In 1929 the library opened as the Roosevelt Park Branch Library, San Antonio’s South side library, and in 1968 the library closed. The building, in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, was designed by architect John Marriott who also designed the Carnegie Library in Delaware, Ohio. The building features works from the Gabriel Prize which is an architectural treasure originating in San Antonio about 1990, two pianos including a grand Steinway, the RL Lounge, a well-appointed one-seat RL Barber Shop, and San Antonio’s most impressive dining room.
The RL 600+ bottle wine cellar is stocked with a wide variety of wine with one of San Antonio’s largest champagne offering.
“The wedding reception was all we hoped it would be. We received so many sincere compliments from our guests about all the wonderful details that come with being hosted in your home. There is truly no other place like your home in town. A thousand thanks again for your thoughtful manner and your talent in making such a wonderful event.
Please pass on our thanks also to Chef Steven. The food was amazing. Everything he knows about sourcing the ingredients, preparing the dishes, presenting them beautifully was evident that night. It was all delicious but in particular, the meat was perfection and the veggies were done exactly as we think they should be prepared. He also has such a fabulous talent and we were thrilled with the results. Please thank him specially for us.”
The lower floor Gallery with a stage turns into a club with moving head lights, disco ball, up-lighting, and a sound system featuring ten Sonos Arcs and four Sonos sub-woofers.
“The dinner was absolutely superb! From the table setting, the ambiance, food and wine - all exceeded expectations. But then, I choose RL because I knew that would be the case. You have a facility of which you can be immensely proud and a staff you have trained well. Your entrepreneurship is something not everyone appreciates - but I do.”
“Text messages from our guests read: “Can’t remember the last time I had that much fun.” “OMG the night was...exquisite, magical, awesome, the perfect NYE, magnificent, amazing, marvelous.” The Roosevelt Library blew people away. “Amazing venue.” “Seriously impressive venue.” Fascinating venue”.
The RL cuisine was the best ever from any event Alan and I have attended. Your menu selection and execution was impeccable. The layout for the bars with the welcome drink table, bespoke signature cocktails served in the perfect drink ware and the “to die for” expresso martinis were the flawless ending to a “grand first class event”.”
Photography by Jenny King
The Grand Hall table is 20 feet long with no leaves or extensions. The table is made of antique long-leaf yellow pine and was custom built for the Roosevelt Library by Eloy Estrada.
“Mr. Stone,
On behalf of Cleco Power, I would like to thank you for a truly unbelievable experience at the Roosevelt Library. As someone who has traveled the globe and hosted events all across the United States, the experience we had at the Roosevelt Library, coupled with the hospitality of yourself and your staff, has been an unparalleled experience, that neither myself nor our guests will ever forget.
Thank you for a wonderful experience, your kind and warm personal involvement in hosting our event, and I applaud you on the attention to detail, across-the-board, which elevated the experience for all our guests.
It was a great honor and privilege to be able to enjoy the location you have created. It’s not one we will soon forget.”
For private events, the host determines the dress code. The Roosevelt Library
“Leland,
Thank you for ensuring the evening was a success. We had a great time and everything went better than expected.
You and the team tended to every detail with us in mind. The party was truly for all my loved ones who’ve impacted my life, and I appreciate you leading its success.
Again, thank you sir.”
Photography by Jenny King
Photography by Jenny King
“We had the most fun ever and loved everything. We had THE BEST time. I cannot thank you enough!!!”
Photography by Jenny King
Inquiry Form
FAQs
What is the cost to have my event at the Roosevelt Library?
The rental cost is $2,500 Monday through Wednesday and $3,500 Thursday to Sunday. With a Friends of RL membership, prix fixe dinners with up to 28 guests can be scheduled with no rental fee.
What is included in the rental fee?
The rental fee includes the designated rental space, self parking, Wi-Fi, the built-in stage, and use of the furniture in the public rooms. Depending on the size of the event, liability insurance and an event manager may be included or may be additional.
What is not included in the fee?
Catering, bar service, use of our La Cornue kitchen as needed by the caterer, table and chair rentals, security, and a cleaning fee of $4 per occupant.
What is the rental period?
The rental period starts at 9:00 am and ends at 2:00 am the following day. For an additional cost, the rental period may start earlier and end later.
What is the seating capacity?
The main dining room, the Great Hall, has one large 20’ long table that can comfortably seat up to 20 guests. With two extensions, the table can be expanded to 36’ to accommodate 34 guests. Additional round tables can be added in the Great Hall to accommodate a total of 80 guests. For an additional cost, the large table can be removed to accommodate large round tables. The lower floor gallery can accommodate dining for 60 guests or auditorium seating for 125 guests. The gallery can also be setup in a cabaret format to accommodate 50 guests facing the stage with a combination of low lounge seating, dining seating, and high tables with bar height stools at the back of the room.
Does the Roosevelt Library provide audio visual equipment?
The entire building is equipped with speakers and Sonos equipment. Two Bose tower speakers, four corded microphones, one 55” display on rolling easel on the main floor, one 65” display on the lower floor, and one projector and 12’ screen are available for rent. The gallery features 10 Sonos Arc speakers, four Sonos subwoofers, four synchronized moving head lights, a disco ball with three color changing spotlights, a high-capacity fog machine, and 20 color-changing par lights that may be rented.
If I want to have my ceremony on site as well, is there an additional fee and where would this take place?
There is no additional charge to have your ceremony at the Roosevelt Library.
Is the Roosevelt Library available for rehearsal dinners?
Yes.
How much is the deposit, and is it refundable?
The deposit of $2,500 for events Monday through Wednesday or $3,500 for events Thursday through Sunday is non-refundable. The remaining balance for event services is due eight weeks prior to the event.
What is the rain plan?
Most events at the Roosevelt Library are indoors.
May I choose my own caterer?
You may select from our list of outstanding approved caterers, sure to please every palate. Every company on the list has met the Roosevelt Library standards of quality, service, and appropriate licensing. If you don’t see your preferred caterer listed, please inquire.
May I bring in the band of my choice?
Yes, most bands play in the library on the main floor or on the stage in the lower floor gallery.
Is there an outdoor area available?
Yes, the large south lawn is included in the rental.
Do I need an appointment for a walk-through, and how do I know which dates are available?
Yes, please call 210-862-1062 or email rsvp@rooseveltlibrary.com to schedule a walk-through appointment and to check availability.
Are walk-throughs available on the weekends?
Yes. Please call for availability. Self-walk-throughs are not permitted.
Can I place a date on hold?
Yes, for fourteen days at no fee provided the event is three months out. This courtesy will extend the right of first refusal to you should another party express interest in your date.
Do I have to pay for my bridal portrait on the Roosevelt Library if I have reserved the building for my wedding reception?
No, provided the photography session is within the rental period.
Will a Roosevelt Library staff member be on-site on my wedding day?
Yes, a manager will be on-site during the entire event.
Is an event planner available?
The Roosevelt Library has an an experienced event planner that will assist you with designing your invitation, web page, dinner menu, bar offering, decorations, and can book photography and entertainment services.
“Thank you so much for your kind and gracious hospitality yesterday at Susie’s birthday party. Your creativity and good taste sets a high bar. You are an amazing role model for those of us who appreciate elegance and refinement, and who have Southern roots!”
“Thank you SO much for such an incredible event, and all the extras you threw in!! We could not have imagined a better party. - Everyone had such an incredible time, thank you so much for making our night so special. ”
“Thank you for helping to make my day perfect. The wedding was beautiful, all my guests enjoyed your space.”
“Just a note to thank you for going above and beyond on catering our King William Fair brunch this year. The Bloody Mary’s were the talk of the party and your staff was amazing! Thank you again for making the party so successful!”
“Thank you once again for a wonderful evening. The food and overall venue was fantastic, and we look forward to seeing you next year.”
“Wow Leland. What an Amazing night! You are the very best and your attention to detail is impeccable! So many of our guests keep telling us about how amazing the party was - from cocktail hour, the decor, the food at dinner!, the champagne, then the experience after dinner - the alpacas were perfect! The band played great music, amazing cocktails (espresso martini- the best!), pool table, your hosts were so helpful too and knew exactly the right time for transitions; and so much more! Eric keeps talking about how perfect everything was and he’s hard to please. Can’t thank you enough! I keep telling everyone you did all the planning and work! You are so gifted at it and clearly a passion of yours. Thank you Leland!
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“Thank you for hosting such a wonderful party! Everything was perfect!”