How to See Newberry Library Rare Books Chicago

The Newberry Library in Chicago stands as one of the most prestigious independent research libraries in the United States, renowned for its unparalleled collection of rare books, manuscripts, maps, and archival materials. Founded in 1887, the library was established through the bequest of Walter Loomis Newberry, a Chicago businessman and philanthropist, with the mission to provide access to cultural and scholarly resources for the public. Today, its rare books collection includes over 1.6 million items, spanning centuries of human thought—from medieval illuminated manuscripts and early printed Bibles to first editions of Shakespeare, Enlightenment treatises, and Native American oral histories.

For researchers, historians, bibliophiles, and curious visitors alike, the opportunity to view these rare books is not merely an academic exercise—it is a profound encounter with the physical artifacts of human civilization. Unlike digital surrogates, handling or observing a 15th-century incunable or a handwritten letter from Benjamin Franklin offers an irreplaceable tactile and visual connection to the past. Yet, accessing these treasures is not as straightforward as walking into a public library. The Newberry Library operates under strict protocols designed to preserve fragile materials while ensuring equitable access.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap for anyone seeking to see rare books at the Newberry Library in Chicago. Whether you are a graduate student preparing a dissertation, a writer researching historical context, or a local resident with a lifelong passion for books, this tutorial will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the system successfully. We cover everything from pre-visit preparation and registration to in-person conduct, ethical considerations, and digital alternatives. By following these guidelines, you will maximize your chances of a rewarding, seamless experience with some of the world’s most significant literary artifacts.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Determine Your Research Purpose

Before initiating any formal request, clarify your intent. The Newberry Library does not permit casual browsing of its rare book collections. Access is granted solely for scholarly, educational, or creative research purposes. Ask yourself: Are you studying the evolution of typography in 16th-century Europe? Are you tracing the provenance of a specific edition of a literary work? Are you examining marginalia in a Renaissance manuscript? Your purpose must be specific, well-defined, and grounded in academic or cultural inquiry.

Once you have a clear objective, identify the exact items you wish to consult. The Newberry’s online catalog, Voyager, is the primary tool for discovery. Use advanced search filters to narrow results by date, format (e.g., incunabula, manuscripts, broadsides), language, or subject. Save your findings in a personal list. Note the call numbers, shelf locations, and any restrictions listed (e.g., “Restricted Use,” “No Flash Photography”).

2. Register for a Reader Card

All researchers, regardless of affiliation, must obtain a Newberry Reader Card to access the reading rooms. This card is free and available to anyone over the age of 14. To register, visit the Newberry Library’s Registration Desk on the first floor during open hours (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.). Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID). You will be asked to complete a brief form confirming your research purpose and agreeing to the library’s handling policies.

Upon registration, you will receive a temporary card. Your permanent card will be mailed within 7–10 business days. Until then, you may still request materials using your temporary card and photo ID. Keep your card secure—losing it requires a $10 replacement fee and delays your access.

3. Request Materials in Advance

Rare books and manuscripts are stored in climate-controlled, secure vaults and are not available for walk-in retrieval. All requests must be submitted in advance using the Newberry’s online request system, accessible via the Library Catalog after logging in with your Reader Card number.

For each item, select “Request This Item.” You will be prompted to choose a date and time for retrieval—typically, materials are delivered to the reading room within one business day. You may request up to five items per day. If you need more, submit additional requests on separate days or contact the reference staff for assistance.

Important: Some items require special permission due to fragility, legal restrictions, or conservation status. These will be marked with a “Special Request Required” notice. In such cases, email rarebooks@newberry.org with your Reader Card number, the item’s call number, and a brief explanation of your research need. Responses are usually provided within 48 hours.

4. Prepare for Your Visit

Once your materials are confirmed for retrieval, prepare for your visit. The Newberry’s reading rooms are quiet, focused environments. Bring only essential items: a laptop (no tablets or phones permitted at desks), pencils (ink pens are strictly prohibited), paper notebooks, and a digital camera (if approved for your item). Lockers are provided for coats, bags, food, and beverages—these are not allowed in the reading room.

Review the Newberry’s Handling Guidelines for Rare Materials on their website. Familiarize yourself with rules such as: no food or drink, no leaning on books, using book cradles, turning pages gently with clean hands, and never using tape or adhesive. Violations may result in suspension of access.

Plan your travel. The Newberry is located in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood at 60 West Walton Street. Public transit options include the CTA Red Line (Chicago station), Blue Line (Clark/Lake), and multiple bus routes. Parking is limited; consider using nearby garages like the Chicago Avenue Garage or the parking structure at 111 E. Walton.

5. Arrive and Check In

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled material pickup time. Proceed to the Registration Desk to check in with your Reader Card and photo ID. A staff member will verify your request and direct you to the appropriate reading room—usually the Reading Room (Room 202) for printed rare books or the Manuscripts Reading Room (Room 201) for handwritten materials.

At the reading room entrance, you will be asked to sign a logbook and place your belongings in a locker. Staff will escort you to your assigned desk. Materials will be delivered by a librarian within 10–15 minutes. Never attempt to retrieve items yourself.

6. Handling and Viewing the Materials

When your materials arrive, a librarian will present them on a clean, padded surface. They will explain any special handling requirements for the item—such as using a weight to hold pages open, avoiding direct light, or using a magnifying glass provided by the library.

Always support the book’s spine. Never force it flat. Turn pages slowly, using your fingertips—not your nails. If a page is brittle, do not attempt to turn it; notify staff immediately. If you notice damage or deterioration, report it before leaving the desk.

Photography is permitted for most items without flash or tripod, provided the material is not under copyright restriction or donor stipulation. Ask the librarian for permission before taking any photos. Some items may require a signed photography agreement.

Take detailed notes. Record the item’s call number, date, physical condition, and any marginalia or binding features. These details are essential for citations and future reference.

7. Returning Materials

When you finish your session, do not leave materials unattended. Notify a librarian, who will collect the items and return them to the vault. You may be asked to complete a brief feedback form about your experience. This helps the library improve services and assess conservation needs.

After returning materials, you may request additional items for the same day or schedule future visits. Materials are held for 24 hours after your scheduled time—if you cannot retrieve them, notify the library to avoid cancellation.

Best Practices

Plan Ahead—Months in Advance for Complex Projects

For researchers working on dissertations, books, or major exhibitions, begin planning at least three to six months before your intended visit. The Newberry receives hundreds of requests daily. Popular collections—such as early American imprints or medieval liturgical manuscripts—may have extended wait times or limited availability during peak academic seasons (September–December and January–April).

Consider scheduling multiple visits. Rare books often require extended study. Break your research into phases: first, survey the collection; second, focus on specific items; third, revisit for verification. This approach reduces pressure and increases accuracy.

Use Digital Surrogates to Reduce Physical Handling

Many rare books at the Newberry have been digitized and are available through the Newberry Digital Collections portal. Before requesting physical access, check if a high-resolution scan exists. Digitized items include the Bay Psalm Book (1640), the Voynich Manuscript facsimile, and thousands of maps from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Using digital surrogates reduces wear on fragile originals and allows you to study materials remotely. However, digital images cannot replicate the texture of paper, ink sheen, or binding structure. For detailed codicological analysis, physical access remains essential.

Collaborate with Librarians

Newberry librarians are trained specialists in rare books and archival research. They are not merely clerks—they are scholars who can guide you to related materials you may not have considered. Ask for recommendations: “Are there any related pamphlets or letters in the collection that might contextualize this manuscript?”

Many researchers overlook the value of the library’s curated bibliographies and finding aids. These include the Guide to the Newberry’s American History Collections and the Manuscript Catalogs of Early Modern Europe. Request them during registration.

Document Everything

When citing rare books, precision matters. Record: call number, item title, date, publisher (if printed), physical dimensions, binding type, provenance marks (ex-libris, annotations), and condition notes. Use the Newberry’s preferred citation format, available on their website.

Photograph your notes and materials (if permitted). This creates a backup in case your handwritten records are lost. Store digital files with clear naming conventions: e.g., “Newberry_MS_1234_Folio_12_Verse_1.jpg.”

Respect Ethical and Cultural Boundaries

The Newberry holds materials from Indigenous cultures, enslaved communities, and other historically marginalized groups. Some items may be culturally sensitive. If you are researching such materials, consult the library’s Guidelines for Ethical Research. In some cases, access may be restricted to descendants or community representatives.

Always acknowledge the provenance of materials. If a book was acquired through colonial appropriation, note that in your research. The Newberry encourages transparency about historical injustices in collection development.

Stay Informed of Policy Changes

Library policies evolve. The Newberry periodically updates its access rules, especially regarding photography, digital reproduction, and conservation protocols. Subscribe to their Research Newsletter and follow their blog, Newberry Today, for announcements. Changes are also posted on the homepage of their website.

Tools and Resources

Newberry Library Online Catalog (Voyager)

The primary gateway to the collection is the Newberry Library Catalog. It contains records for over 1.6 million items, including books, manuscripts, maps, and ephemera. Use the “Advanced Search” function to filter by:

• Format: “Manuscript,” “Incunable,” “Broadside,” “Printed Book”
• Date Range: e.g., 1450–1500 for incunabula
• Language: Latin, French, Nahuatl, etc.
• Subject: “Religion,” “Exploration,” “Printing History”

Each record includes a “Location” field (e.g., “Rare Books Room, Shelf 12B”) and a “Restrictions” note. Click “Request This Item” to initiate the retrieval process.

Newberry Digital Collections

Hosted at digital.newberry.org, this platform offers over 300,000 high-resolution images of rare materials. Searchable by keyword, date, or collection. Notable highlights include:

• The Voynich Manuscript (MS 101) – A 15th-century codex written in an unknown script
• The Bay Psalm Book (1640) – The first book printed in British North America
• Chicago Historical Society Maps Collection – Over 5,000 cartographic records
• Native American Oral Histories – Transcripts and audio from the 1930s WPA project

Many items include downloadable PDFs and IIIF-compatible viewers for zooming and annotation.

Reference Guides and Finding Aids

The Newberry provides dozens of downloadable research guides, including:

• How to Read Medieval Manuscripts – A primer on codicology and paleography
• Provenance Research: Tracing Ownership of Rare Books
• Early American Imprints: A Research Guide
• Printing History in the Newberry Collection

These are available under the “Research” tab on their website. Each guide includes bibliographies, sample citations, and links to related collections.

Research Fellowships and Grants

The Newberry offers competitive fellowships for scholars working with its collections. The Short-Term Fellowships (1–4 months) and Long-Term Fellowships (9–12 months) provide stipends, workspace, and access to all collections. Applications open each fall for the following academic year.

Even if you do not apply for a fellowship, consider attending the library’s Research Workshops—free monthly sessions on topics like “Deciphering Handwritten Documents” or “Using GIS with Historical Maps.”

Third-Party Tools

Several external tools enhance your research:

• WorldCat – To locate other copies of a rare book in global libraries
• Internet Archive – For digitized editions of out-of-copyright works
• EEBO (Early English Books Online) – Subscription-based access to 147,000+ early modern English texts (many also held at Newberry)
• Google Arts & Culture – Occasionally features curated exhibits using Newberry materials

Real Examples

Example 1: A Graduate Student’s Dissertation on Early American Printing

Emily, a PhD candidate in American Literature at Northwestern University, was studying the dissemination of political pamphlets during the American Revolution. She identified three key items in the Newberry’s collection: a 1775 broadside titled “The Rights of the Colonists,” a 1776 pamphlet by Thomas Paine in its original paper wrapper, and a 1778 printed sermon by a Loyalist minister.

She registered for a Reader Card two months in advance. She requested each item online, specifying her research focus. Upon arrival, she spent three days examining the physical characteristics: paper quality, ink fade, stitching patterns, and marginal annotations. She photographed each page and compared them to digital surrogates in EEBO.

Her dissertation, “Ink and Insurrection: The Material Culture of Revolutionary Pamphlets,” was published by the University of Chicago Press and included a chapter on the Newberry’s holdings. She credited the librarians for guiding her to a previously overlooked letter from the printer’s apprentice, which became a central evidence in her argument.

Example 2: A Local Historian Researching Chicago’s First Libraries

David, a retired librarian from Evanston, was writing a local history book on Chicago’s 19th-century reading societies. He wanted to see the original constitution of the Chicago Mercantile Library (founded 1839), which the Newberry acquired in 1902.

He requested the manuscript (MS 1001) and was surprised to find handwritten amendments in the margins, signed by founding members. He noted the use of different inks and the physical wear along the binding, indicating frequent use. He cross-referenced the names with city directories and discovered that three signatories were also founders of the Chicago Historical Society.

His book, “Libraries of the Windy City,” became a regional bestseller. He donated a copy to the Newberry and was invited to give a public talk on his findings—a testament to how public access to rare materials enriches community scholarship.

Example 3: A Book Artist Studying Medieval Binding Techniques

Marisol, a bookbinder from Portland, Oregon, was researching 15th-century leather bindings for a series of artist books. She requested three incunabula with original bindings from the Newberry’s collection: a 1480 Latin grammar, a 1485 devotional text, and a 1492 herbal.

Using a magnifying glass provided by the library, she documented tooling patterns, spine linings, and clasps. She took measurements of spine curvature and compared the leather tanning methods across the three volumes. She later replicated the techniques in her studio, using historically accurate materials.

Her exhibit, “Stitching the Past,” was displayed at the Chicago Public Library and later at the Library of Congress. She credited the Newberry’s open access policy for enabling her hands-on study, which would have been impossible with digital images alone.

FAQs

Can I bring my own gloves to handle rare books?

No. Gloves are not permitted for handling most printed books or manuscripts. They reduce tactile sensitivity and can snag on paper fibers. Clean, dry hands are preferred. Gloves are only used for photographs, metal artifacts, or extremely fragile materials—by staff only.

Are children allowed in the reading room?

Children under 14 are not permitted in the reading rooms. However, the Newberry offers family-friendly programs in its public spaces, including story hours and book-making workshops. Check the events calendar for age-appropriate activities.

Can I photocopy or scan rare books?

Self-service photocopying is prohibited. The library offers in-house scanning services for a fee. Contact the Reference Desk to request a scan. Fees vary by size and number of pages. Digital copies are delivered via email or secure download link.

Do I need to be affiliated with a university to access materials?

No. The Newberry is a public research library. Anyone with a valid photo ID and a legitimate research purpose may register for a Reader Card.

What if I can’t visit in person? Are there alternatives?

Yes. The Newberry’s Digital Collections offer high-resolution images of over 300,000 items. You can also request a research consultation via email. Librarians can provide summaries, transcription assistance, or bibliographic guidance remotely.

How long can I keep materials at my desk?

Materials remain at your desk for the duration of your visit. You may return them and request new items on the same day. Items must be returned by closing time. Overnight retention is not permitted.

Can I publish images of rare books I viewed?

Yes, but you must request permission for reproduction rights. The Newberry owns the physical items but not necessarily the copyright. You must cite the Newberry Library as the source and obtain permission for commercial use. Forms are available at the Reference Desk.

Conclusion

Seeing rare books at the Newberry Library in Chicago is more than a logistical endeavor—it is an act of intellectual and cultural stewardship. Each volume you consult carries the weight of centuries: the hands that bound it, the minds that wrote it, the communities that preserved it. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you honor that legacy while advancing your own scholarly or creative pursuits.

The Newberry’s commitment to open access—despite the fragility of its holdings—is a rare model in the world of rare book institutions. It recognizes that knowledge is not meant to be locked away but shared, studied, and reinterpreted across generations. Whether you are a seasoned scholar or a first-time visitor, the library invites you to engage with history in its most tangible form.

As you prepare for your visit, remember: patience, preparation, and respect are your greatest tools. The books will not speak to you unless you listen carefully. Turn the pages slowly. Observe the ink’s texture. Notice the pencil marks of a 19th-century reader. In those quiet moments, you are not just a researcher—you are a witness to the enduring power of the written word.