Newberry Library is an independent research library and exhibition space at 60 W Walton St in Chicago’s Washington Square. Free to the public since 1887, it holds collections focused on the humanities, including maps, rare books, music and manuscripts. Temporary exhibitions bring selected material into view, with maps and historical documents among the subjects to look for. You can also explore genealogy resources or join a free volunteer-led tour. This is a quiet stop for curious readers, but its research facilities have rules that make it less suited to a casual study session.
A public research library since 1887
Newberry Library opened in 1887 and has welcomed the public without an admission charge. It is an independent research institution focused on the humanities, with collections covering subjects such as Western European and American history, travel, music and maps.
Its holdings include about 1.6 million books and 600,000 maps, as well as manuscripts and other materials. The collection is intended for research and discovery; items are archival and cannot be borrowed to take home. Exhibitions provide a way to encounter selected works without conducting research in the reading areas.
Maps, manuscripts and exhibitions
Maps are a notable part of the library’s holdings, spanning different periods. Exhibitions draw on the wider collections and have included material connected to the Revolutionary War era and the founding of the United States. The programme changes, so check the library’s website for current displays before you go.
The collections also include rare books, music, postcards and manuscript pages. The subject range makes the library useful for visitors interested in family history as well as those exploring a particular historical or cultural topic. Free-to-access genealogy resources can help you begin building a family tree, while material on Indigenous tribal groups offers another avenue for focused research.
Using the library and joining a tour
You can visit for an exhibition or spend time reading and researching. Volunteer-led tours are free and add context about the library and its collections. If you plan to use the research spaces, expect access rules that differ from those at a general lending library. The lounge has a 45-minute time limit, and water is not permitted upstairs. Plan what you need before settling in, and check current visitor information for access details.
The library is at 60 W Walton St, across from Washington Square Park. It is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, with doors closed on Sundays and Mondays. Advance tickets are recommended; check the library’s website before setting out for current exhibition and visit information.
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Is Newberry Library free to visit?
Yes. The library has been free and open to the public since 1887.
What can you see at Newberry Library?
The library presents changing exhibitions drawn from collections that include maps, rare books, music and manuscripts. Check its website to see what is currently on display.
Can you borrow books from Newberry Library?
No. Its collections are archival and cannot be checked out.
Does Newberry Library offer tours?
Free tours led by volunteers are available. Check with the library for current tour details.
How long should you plan for a visit?
Allow about 1 to 2 hours for an exhibition, a tour or time to explore the library. The lounge has a 45-minute limit.
