The Newberry Library is an independent research library devoted to the humanities. Located on the near north side of Chicago, the Newberry collects books, maps, manuscripts, and other materials that relate to the history and culture of Western Europe and the Americas from the Middle Ages to the mid-twentieth century. The Newberry's collections include a variety of resources that may be of interest to Chicago Metro History Fair students.
The Newberry is a non-circulating library, which means that all books, maps, manuscripts, and other resources are used within the building. In addition, the majority of the library's resources are housed in closed stacks. Newberry staff members retrieve items from the stacks and deliver them to researchers' desks. Large blocks of time are required to make good use of the Newberry's collections. Before visiting the Newberry, spend some time at your local public library or school library researching the basics of your topic.
The Newberry is open to researchers with relevant research topics who are at least 16 years old or a junior in high school. A valid photo ID and proof of current address are required to use the collections.
The Newberry Library is a bit more formal and imposing than a public library, but with preparation, courage, and patience, you may find yourself embarking on an exciting intellectual adventure within its walls. Inside the lobby is a gate with a sign-in book. You will need to explain the reason for your visit to the attendant, and may have to provide proof of your age. Backpacks and coats will have to be left downstairs, so bring a quarter for a locker. Don't worry, you will get the quarter back later. After you sign in, you will be directed to a desk on the third floor where you can obtain a reader's card. This is a fairly quick and painless process so long as you remembered to bring a photo ID and proof of your current address. You can explain your research agenda to librarians on the third floor, who will help you get started using the collections. The more you have been able to read up on your topic in advance, and the more you have been able to focus your topic, the more help the librarians will be able to provide.
Certain Chicago topics are particularly well represented at the Newberry, especially for the period from the founding of Chicago up to the early decades of the 20th century. Here is a sample of some Chicago subjects that may be researched at the Newberry:
The Newberry Library has both published and unpublished materials available for use.
In order to find relevant research materials at the Newberry, you will need to search our online catalog. For more information on doing research at the Newberry, click here.
The Newberry Library staff makes all photocopies (with the exception of microfilm print-outs and computer print-outs). Would you like more information about Newberry photoduplication services?
Before you come to the Newberry, it would be helpful if you can gather as much information as possible about what you want to find. A list of authors, titles, subjects, or manuscript/archival collections would be very useful. Reference librarians are available for questions when you visit.
The Newberry is open from 9-5 Tues-Sat. When you arrive at the Newberry, you will need to check your coat/bags in the lockers on the 1st floor (this costs a quarter, but the quarter is refunded when you leave). You may bring in some notes, pencils, and a laptop. You will need to go to the 3rd floor to get your library card. Please be sure to bring a valid photo ID along with proof of current address in order to obtain a 1-year card. You can find more information about using the Newberry here.
There are 2 garages that offer discounted parking for Newberry patrons:
When a guest of the Library presents a parking slip at the Newberry Security Kiosk (in the lobby), the guard will stamp the ticket indicating use of the Newberry Library facility. When the validated ticket is presented to the garage attendant, the discounted rate will be applied. The discounted rates are $7 (for 0-8 hours) and $9 (8-10 hours).
Here is a simple map of the Newberry's neighborhood.
The Newberry Library
60 West Walton Street
Chicago, IL 60610
Open Tuesday-Saturday 9 am-5 pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact a reference librarian by email or telephone: