Reviews of Newberry Library (Museum)

Serena Uible

Beautiful place. Friendly place.

Angela Poulos-Bowman

Gorgeous architecture & amazing collections! The exhibit on the Chicago World’s Fair alone is worth the visit.

Andrew Weber

Great place for books!

Ann Feeney

The Newberry Library is a Chicago treasure and a gift to scholars, especially historians and genealogists. The library always has at least one exhibit on books and publishing, all available for free, as well as exceptional reading rooms. The reading rooms are like many European libraries. Instead of open shelves for browsing, you select items from the catalogue and ask for them to be brought to you. While you do need to apply for a researcher card, you don't have to be affiliated with any institution, and the basic service is free. Naturally, you do have to pay for copying or reproducing materials. The Library is home to several wonderful special collections, including medieval manuscripts, documents about Native American nations, maps, and materials on the history of the book. The catalogue is available online. The building is a Chicago landmark, especially after the multi-year cleaning that revealed it as made of salmon-colored rather than dark brown stone. The Library also hosts free tours and there are also many paid programs and classes. There's a small but very fine book shop, specializing in material about Chicago, books about books, and local authors. There's a booksale every summer as well, with used and collectable books at generally good prices. Public transportation is easy from downtown or anywhere on the Red Line. It's about four blocks from the Clark and Division Red Line stop, and the 22, 36, and 156 buses stop very close. The 22 bus, in fact, stops right at the door. The nearby plaza is a pleasant place to linger.

Ian De Jong

Beautiful historic building, amazing exhibits, deep & diverse collections, friendly & accommodating staff, generous policies, brilliant programming...what's not to love? The Newberry is a happy place.

md Ddolm

Good environment

elijah laluz

wish it had way more books.

Foz Shub

they have great books . it helped through my final exams . their enviroment is calm and quiet.

Kristopher Kubicki

Beautiful building with lots of quiet spots. Great for fund raisers and other venues.

James A. Leuenberger

Great library! & Great place to do your research. Read rare

Communications Languages And Culture

The Newberry Library offers the classic book lover's collection from vintage manuscripts, scrolls, ancient maps, archeological treasures, book binders' secrets, and many cultural events open to the public. Visit the Newberry Library for additional information. You can even trace your ancestry through the Genealogy Research Center.

Samantha Rangel

Came in as part of a class and was shown the exhibits by two extremely friendly staff members. You can get a reader card good for a year which allows you access to the coolest historical stuff ever. I'm so ready to explore the expansive cartography section as it's one of the best in the world.

Erik Laitos

Delightful place for personal research on just about any humanities- or social science-related topic, including family genealogy.

Alistar Lavonia

I love the beautiful exhibits in this place. I love to read my books and the place is so relaxing. I spent my weekend in this quiet place. I would love to recommend this to everyone.

Destiny Clark

i have visited here 2-3 times to find something interesting books and each time i was happy with the experience i had. The library was amazing and the atmosphere was very calm and positive. They displayed all the stuff very well. Must recommended place for readers

Steve Kupitz

I went to two separate wedding ceremonies and receptions here and both were great. It’s a great space with a historic feel yet nothing feels outdated. The reception hall is beautiful and has plenty of space for a wedding with around 100 guests. The food is great and is served by a friendly staff. Not to mention the location is great - right in the city of Chicago. You’ll probably have to pay for parking but there’s plenty nearby and also the Library does validate your ticket in order to receive a discount. Just don’t try the discount if you’re using SpotHero.

iaza50 Zamora

Can I see the copy of Popol Vuh

Garrett

Books and magazines are the best way to live and i was called for more information about your senior year and I am interested in what I can still feel the need for you guys too.

Pin Wang

学习场所

Yeven Hurt

Super place on sale in July, we been a couple times with family. It Great.

Eric Trip

Superior collection of ancient maps! Who knew...this place out-did my old haunt St. Pancras research library in London (that's library, not a train station...).

Stuart Jones

I did some genealogy research today, and the staff went WAY beyond what I expected. Matthew took careful notes on my research subject, and spent some time with me, pointing me in the right direction, and helping with the research. I didn't have a ton of time to work there, but while I was there I was treated courteously, and the library was well-kept as well. Great visit.

L &J

Beautiful, historic space.

Mag M

Beautiful library, and what a great exhibits!

Adam Carruthers

very nice place to read out loud. i like to come on the weekends and drink coffee and water. the books here are very good too. they hardbacks and soft ones. this is n overall great place to hangout

Andrew Toig

Beautiful facility, good for research

nuo yan

Beautiful building with lots of quiet spots. Great for fund raisers and other venues.

Gale Meade

If any genealogical research needs to be done. A good local resource.

Melissa Stanley

This place is all sorts of amazing. A must for anyone visiting Chicago as well as a must for any Chicago citizen. 2 hours of free parking to boot. During our short time here we visited the museum on the 9th floor, watched a band perform in the amphitheater, made a bookmark, observed a coding camp and visited the very cool chic hip library store. After this free adventure hit up juice saves a few blocks away !

Josh E.

A grand, historic library with all of your literary needs!

Fausto Aranda

Not a public library. Not intended to be used as a common reading space. They'll turn you away from making use of their facilities unless you have credentials and are actively doing research or have a certain look. Beware.

Dean Adams

Nice place for an event. I went to a wedding here and you never knew it was a working library.

Abisai Pérez Zamarripa

(Translated by Google) If you work in New Spain, the Philippines or medieval literature, this will definitely be the research center you should visit. The referencistas are very kind and are very professional, they solve all your doubts! (Original) Si trabajas la Nueva España, las Filipinas o literatura medieval definitivamente este será el centro de investigación que debes visitar. Los referencistas son muy amables y son muy profesionales, resuelven todas tus dudas!

Raul Gonzalez

Went into the Newberry Library today and walked out with a reader's card. The building is beautifully maintained with a great atmosphere- perfect for researching. The tour guide told us all about their extensive collection of archival records and documents.

Jaclyn Toopes

Great, historic building for a wedding! Team was easy to work with and accommodating.

Rocco Ferrera

Kinda smells like farts but still pretty good

G.C. Hung

The Newberry Library is currently under construction. However, the Genealogy Research Program is available to the public upon request Visit The Newberry Library for more information.