Entry Requirements - Reader Registration Hours
The Newberry Library’s Reading Rooms are open to researchers who are at least 16 years old or juniors in high school. Before using the collections, all researchers must apply for and receive a Newberry Library Reader’s Card. Reader Cards are issued on the 3rd floor of the Library. Valid photo ID, proof of current home address, and a research interest that is supported by the Newberry’s collections are required for issuance of a Reader’s Card.
Acceptable forms of photo ID include:
Acceptable proof of current home address:
There is no fee for a Reader’s Card, or for use of the Library generally, although researchers do pay for photoduplication services. As an independent research library, the Newberry relies on the generous support of readers and friends to expand and maintain its collections. Donations are welcomed and appreciated.
Research Interests
The Newberry Library’s collections focus on the humanities, which is a broad category of academic disciplines that includes history, literature, art, foreign languages and cultures, music, philosophy, and religion. If you are unsure whether the Newberry Library’s collections suit your research interests, please check our online catalog, browse our collection descriptions, or contact us.
Researchers Under the Age of 16
The Newberry Library encourages researchers under the age of 16 (or younger than juniors in high school) to email or call the Reference Staff with questions. Although the Reading Rooms are not open to younger researchers, the Newberry’s email and phone reference service is available to everyone. In many cases, the Reference Staff may be able to suggest other libraries, resources, or Web sites that are appropriate to your research. Please contact us for more information.
Individuals may apply for a Newberry Library Reader’s Card Tuesday through Saturday, during Reading Room hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Please note: Items may be requested until 5:15 pm.
Friday and Saturday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Please note: Items may be requested until 4:00 pm.
Closed on Sundays and Mondays and certain holidays.
*Please note: the Reading Rooms will close at 2 pm on Thursday, May 8, for a Library event.