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 need to search both our online catalog (http://www.newberry.org/collections/virtua.html) and card catalog. The online catalog contains 40% of our collection and can be searched over the Internet. The remaining 60% is only accessible through the card catalog. The card catalog is located on the 3rd floor of the Newberry Library.
Although some of the Newberry's manuscript and archival collections are included in the online catalog, others are not. In order to see a list of the Newberry's manuscript and archival collections grouped by name and by subject, please visit: http://www.newberry.org/collections/ModMss.html
The Newberry Library staff makes all photocopies (with the exception of microfilm print-outs and computer print-outs). For more information about Newberry photoduplication services, please visit: http://www.newberry.org/collections/photodup.html
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 10-6 Tues-Thurs, and from 9-5 Fri-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. The card catalog is also on the 3rd floor. You can find more information about using the Newberry at http://www.newberry.org/collections/usinghome.html
There are 4 garages that offer discounted parking for Newberry patrons. Here is a list:
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 $6 (for 0-6 hours) and $8 (6-8 hours).
You can find a simple map of the Newberry's neighborhood at http://www.newberry.org/general/L3atravel.html
The Newberry Library
60 West Walton Street
Chicago, IL 60610
Open Tuesday-Thursday 10 am-6 pm and Friday-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: