Welcome to the Newberry

‘History’ reading room ca. 1900

The Newberry is a fantastic place – if you’re interested in national or local history, genealogy, maps, seminars, performances, exhibits – there is something for you. The Newberry offers free tours to the public, genealogy orientations, and some group visits. Click here to find out about tours and orientations.

Here is some useful information regarding Newberry seminars and the library’s facilities.

WELCOME CENTER

The first floor of the Newberry has a new welcome center and a readers’ lounge with free coffee and tea. Enter where the bookstore used to be, east of the main door. The bookstore has moved, replacing one of the galleries. It’s accessible from the main hall on the east side or from the readers’ lounge.

PARKING

The Newberry does not have a visitors’ parking lot. The lot behind the building is permit-only and the Newberry retains the right to tow any cars parked without permission. Metered parking is usually available on the streets near the library. Daytime and evening parking restrictions apply, so be sure to read posted signs. The Newberry’s website also mentions the parking garage at 100 W. Chestnut (enter on Clark street).

NEWBERRY BOOKSHOP

The Newberry Bookshop orders the required texts for our seminars. Please check with the shop for availability. Associate members of the Newberry receive a 10-percent discount on all books and other items in the store. For more information on becoming a member, click here.

CLASSROOMS
NOTE: As of March 2020, all classes meet online via Zoom.

Most seminars meet in the basement or on the first floor, but everyone who proceeds above the first floor will be required to check nearly all their belongings (including bags, coats, umbrellas, etc.) in lockers. Generally, food and drink is allowed in the basement and first floor, but is not allowed above the security boundary.

Seminar room assignments are posted daily in multiple locations at the library. Class locations are subject to change, and these daily postings will reflect any such changes. Class names are also posted in front of the rooms.

Entrance to seminar classrooms cannot be guaranteed any more than 30 minutes prior to your class start time. The classrooms are in high demand by other programs at the Newberry, and sometimes events are scheduled very tightly. If you arrive more than 30 minutes before a class, you can wait in the bookstore, exhibits, or in the readers’ lounge on the first floor.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

The north entrance to the library (off of Oak Street facing the parking lot) is wheelchair-accessible.

BECOMING A NEWBERRY LIBRARY READER

To access the Newberry’s collection in person, you will need to create an account with the Newberry online and obtain a reader’s card. During reading room hours, you can come to the library and get assistance from a librarian to create your account. For more information, click here. Explore the Newberry’s Digital Collections here.