Frequently Asked Questions

Membership

  • We welcome anyone to become a member of The Alcove. There are no requirements.

  • A Founding Member is the designation we are giving to honor everyone who become a member between December 2025 and the end of Women's History Month 2026 (March 31, 2026). It's meant to celebrate those who believed in us from the start and were foundational to creating our community. All members receive the same benefits regardless of membership tier.

  • The Alcove maintains a limited number of scholarships and underwritten membership slots specifically for those who may be experiencing financial barriers. As our organization grows, we're committed to expanding these opportunities to reach even more community members. Please contact us at info@alcoveri.org for more information.

  • We provide complimentary coffee, tea, tap, and sparkling water for members. Members are welcome to bring in their own food and drink, but we ask that care is taken to leave our furnishings and rooms in pristine condition.

    Alcohol is strictly prohibited unless brought in by an approved caterer and given prior approval by a staff member of The Alcove.

    For room rentals, please review our Rentals page for more information.

  • We do not currently offer day passes. We encourage you to sign up for a one-month membership, which is priced at a sliding scale. Learn more about becoming a member of The Alcove.

  • Yes! Members are welcome to bring guests. Your guest(s) will need to sign in when they arrive and provide some basic personal information. Please remember that you're responsible for ensuring your guests follow our Code of Conduct while they're here. We hope your guest(s) have a great experience and decide to become a member of The Alcove.

  • For scheduled phone calls or video meetings, you can make a room reservation to secure a private space, or feel free to step outside for your call. Whenever you're listening to audio in our shared spaces, please use headphones.

  • Yes! Members have borrowing privileges from our Biographical Library, except for materials marked as in-library use only. Please review our Book Circulation Policy for more details.

  • Yes! Our staff and dedicated team of volunteers would be happy to offer you a tour of The Alcove. Contact info@alcoveri.org to schedule a tour.

  • For questions about membership, please contact info@alcoveri.org.

Billing & Payment

  • Your membership will be automatically charged either monthly or annually, depending on the option you select when you sign up. We'll use the payment method you provide during registration, and your membership will automatically renew on a recurring basis. You'll receive an email receipt after each successful payment.

  • You can manage your payment methods and view your scheduled payments by creating an account or emailing us at info@alcoveri.org.

  • To cancel your membership, please email us at info@alcoveri.org at least 10 business days before your next recurring payment date. We do not accept cancellation requests by phone or in person. You must cancel before your next payment to avoid being charged. After you cancel, you'll continue to have access through the end of your current payment period.

  • As a non-profit organization, your membership fees enable us to operate. We are not able to provide refunds, credits, or prorated billing on membership fees. If you wish to make changes to your membership, please contact info@alcoveri.org.

  • Yes, The Alcove reserves the right to modify membership fees. If we make changes, we'll post updates on our website and send you an email notification.

Room Rentals

  • Current members of The Alcove and the general public are welcome to submit room rental requests. Members receive 50% off standard rates.

  • Submit an official request using our Room Reservation Form at least 48 hours in advance. Once approved, payment is due within 48 hours to finalize your reservation.

  • Yes! All food for groups must be commercially prepared or packaged—no homemade food for group events. Personal snacks are always permitted.

  • Absolutely. Please notify staff in advance with delivery details (service, time, contact info). You are highly encouraged to be on-site to receive your order. The Alcove is not responsible for missed deliveries or coordination issues.

  • Generally no. Alcohol may be approved case-by-case with prior written approval and must be served by a certified bartender. You cannot bring your own alcohol to The Alcove.

  • Yes! Contact us for a list of recommended local caterers and delivery services.

  • We require cancelations in writing to info@alcoveri.org at least 24 hours before your event for a refund. Cancellations under 24 hours forfeit full payment. You can change your date once for free if requested 24+ hours in advance.

  • Please contact us as soon as possible. We may grant refunds for documented emergencies like serious illness or family emergencies.

  • Yes. Please remove trash, wipe tables if you had food, return furniture to its original position, and report any damage to a staff member.

  • Yes, with prior written approval. Please ensure you note this on your reservation form.

Library

  • Borrowing privileges are reserved for current members of The Alcove only. Become a member to check out books today.

  • Members are assigned a library ID number, and staff will create your borrowing account. Simply show your ID at the library desk.

  • Items may only be renewed via in-person visit or email. You are allowed one (1) renewal of three weeks per item.

  • The Alcove does not charge overdue fines. If you need more time or face barriers to returning an item, let us know.

  • A book returned more than two months after the due date will be considered lost. If an item is lost, damaged, or returned in an unusable condition, the borrower will be required to pay for the cost of replacement.

  • Almost everything — some rare materials are for in-library use only. These will be clearly marked both on the shelf and in our catalog.

  • Absolutely. We welcome community suggestions! You can fill out our Book Suggestion Form or speak with a staff member. We prioritize titles by and about women and gender expansive people, with an eye toward inclusivity across race, geography, profession, and era.

Gallery

  • The Alcove offers small group tours (up to five people) of the Portrait Gallery and the Biographical Library—our two interconnected programs. Tours last approximately thirty minutes and must be scheduled at least three weeks in advance.

    Please submit all requests through our Tour Request Form.

  • Artist submissions for our first major exhibit, Founders and Inventors Who Shaped the World are now closed. However, we will be looking for new submissions for future shows. Please complete this form to express your interest.

  • Our inaugural cohort of jurors has been selected, but we’re always looking to grow our pool of diverse voices for future cycles. Please complete this form to express your interest.

  • Personal photography of the artwork is welcome, but please be mindful of photographing other visitors without clear, verbal consent. Flash photography, tripods, and selfie sticks are not permitted. Professional equipment requires advance permission.

  • Starting in mid-2026, The Alcove will accept limited donations on a rolling basis in two categories of art:

    • General Art: Artwork intended for display throughout the building to enrich our spaces and engage our community.

    • Portraits: Artwork specifically for our portrait collection, which holds historical, cultural, or institutional significance.

    Due to space limitations, we’re only able to accept a small number of donations each year.