Thank you so much for considering the Newberry Library for your upcoming special event. It is with great pleasure that we make our space available for private parties. Renting our facility gives us the opportunity to introduce the Library to many people each year who would not otherwise be using the collections.
Room Descriptions: Take a look at Ruggles Hall, the Lobby, and Towner Fellows’ Lounge.
Rental Rates: What’s included in our rental package for evening and weekend rentals, and during open hours.
Event Guidelines: Some information to keep in mind as you plan your event.
Contact Us: The staff in the office of events will work closely with you to make your event a success. Call (312) 255-3595 or send an e-mail to skubishk@newberry.org to schedule a meeting to see our facility and discuss the particular needs of your event. We care very much about our clients and want to work with you to ensure a very successful event. In addition to a security staff, our own personnel and a utility man are available for each rental event.event
History of the Newberry Library
The Newberry Library was founded in 1887 as the result of a bequest of Walter Loomis Newberry, a Chicago pioneer in real estate and banking. He left over 2 million dollars to found a free public library which was to be set north of the Chicago River where most of his land holdings were located. Today, the Newberry Library is known throughout the world as one of the finest rare book, map, and manuscript collections. A first-rate research library, it is used not only by Chicagoans, but by scholars the world over who are doing research in history and the humanities.
The Newberry Library Building
The Library building, designed by architect Henry Ives Cobb, was completed in the autumn of 1893. The building has gone through several renovations, the last of which was completed in the late summer of 2001. To celebrate our centennial, the lobby was restored to its original look, the columns redecorated and a grand chandelier and sconces installed. Our Ruggles Hall, used for banquets, receptions, concerts, and lectures, is located at the east end of the main floor. Its windows look out on the city lights of the Magnificent Mile and Washington Square Park. It is a very comfortable space for up to 250 for a sit-down presentation, 300 for a lecture or concert setting. The Towner Fellows' Lounge on the second floor is the only public room not redone. It retains its turn-of-the-century elegance with oak-panelled walls, an antique table, an organ clock, and comfortable furniture. This room is excellent for cocktail parties up to 100 persons or an elegant sit-down luncheon or dinner for 60 or less. Our parking lot is available for your use as part of the rental fee for after-hours events.