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Reading Room Rules 

The Newberry Library has two main Reading Rooms: the General Collections Regenstein Reading Room (2nd floor), and the Roger and Julie Baskes Department of Special Collections (4th floor).  The Blatchford Reference and Bibliographical Center is located on the 3rd floor. 

Unless otherwise noted, the following rules apply to all three areas.  Please also be aware of the Newberry's general security and conduct rules.

• For security and conservation purposes, certain items are not allowed in the reading rooms.  These items include:
  
  
  • Food
  • Beverages
  • Backpacks, briefcases, book bags, large handbags, laptop computer bags
  • Umbrellas
  • Outer garments
  • Scanners
  • Scotch tape or glue
  • Scissors
  • Post-It notes
  • Highlighters or markers

Lockers are available on the first floor to store these and other items while you are using the Reading Rooms.

• Pencils, not pens, must be used. (Special Collections only)
• Personal digital cameras are allowed in the reading rooms, subject to certain rules and conditions.
• Handbags must be closed and placed on the floor.
• Books must be supported as evenly as possibly to prevent strain on the bindings. Staff will provide futons, book weights, and book stands as necessary.
• Handle Library materials with clean, dry hands; staff will provide gloves as appropriate.
• Do not mark pages or write on paper laid on top of a book.
• Do not use ordinary paper (or Post-It notes) to mark your place in a book. Acid-free bookmarks are available at the desk.
• If you find uncut pages, please bring the item to the service desk. Never try to cut them yourself.
• Carefully unfold and refold maps and fold-outs.  If the item is large or you are unsure of the folding sequence, see the service desk attendant for assistance.
• Items must remain in their respective Reading Room. Do not take items from one room to another.
• If you must leave the Reading Room, bring vault items to the service desk attendant, who will hold them until you return. (Special Collections only)
• Turn off or silent your cell phone in the Reading Rooms. If you must receive or initiate a call while you are at the Library, please leave the Reading Room and quietly conduct your phone conversation in the hallway.
• Items must remain in their respective Reading Room and desk. Do not take items from one room to another or exchange materials with other readers. 
• All call slips must be submitted in person between 9 am and 12 pm or between 1 pm and 4 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Calls slips are not filled between 12 pm and 1 pm (lunch hour).

If you have any questions about the reading room rules, please contact us.