The Newberry Library's main entrance.
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Newberry Library

4.5
·165 reviews·Chicago, United States

A historic research library housing millions of rare books, manuscripts, and maps, offering free admission and access to incredible collections.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more focus

CrowdLow
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The Newberry Library's main entrance.

Newberry Library

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more focus

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic research library housing millions of rare books, manuscripts, and maps, offering free admission and access to incredible collections.

4.5
(165 reviews)

"A free Chicago gem where you can explore rare books, trace your ancestry, and marvel at historical treasures."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Admission Alert! 🎟️

Entry to the Newberry Library is completely free. No tickets needed to explore its vast collections!

Request to See Items :mag:

You can request to view many rare books and manuscripts in person. Plan ahead for your research needs.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 165 reviews

Type

Library

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pop-Up Books Through the Ages

Pop-Up Books Through the Ages

Exhibition Space

Marvel at intricate paper models and explore the history of pop-up books. A free, interactive exhibit!

Rare Books & Manuscripts

Rare Books & Manuscripts

Reading Rooms

View historical treasures like Shakespeare's folio and Jefferson's annotated Federalist. A must for history buffs.

Family History Research

Family History Research

Research Areas

Access extensive databases and historical records to trace your ancestry. Free membership required.

Architectural Gem

Architectural Gem

Building Exterior & Interior

Admire the stately five-story granite building, a landmark of Chicago architecture.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Admission, Priceless Experience

The Newberry Library offers free admission, making it an accessible gem for all. Plan your visit to coincide with special exhibits or events, as these can draw larger crowds. Remember to check their website for the most up-to-date information on access and any temporary closures.

Research & Exploration Tips

While you can't check out books, you can request to view many items in person. For in-depth research, consider becoming a free member online and then visiting the front desk for a card. Lockers are available for your belongings before heading to the reading rooms.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more focus
Crowd
Low
When
During Special Exhibits
Why
Unique displays to explore
Crowd
Medium
When
Annual Book Fair Weekends
Why
Book lover's paradise
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Check out this paper model I designed with fellow paper artist Shawn Sheehy for the Newberry Library’s new exhibit, “Pop-Up Books Through the Ages,” curated by @ladydisdaine. The exhibit is open in Chicago from now until July 15th — entry, and a copy of this papercrafting kit, are free! If you don’t live in Chicago, follow the instructions in this video for a chance to get one through the mail. Wi...
@hbatsel
42.3K likes • 200.6K views

Free Admission Alert! 🎟️

Entry to the Newberry Library is completely free. No tickets needed to explore its vast collections! TikTok

Request to See Items :mag:

You can request to view many rare books and manuscripts in person. Plan ahead for your research needs. Instagram

Free activity in Chicago to check out this winter #chicago #chicagotiktok #chi #thingstodoinchicago #chicagoactivities #chicagofun #chicagorecommendations
@chicago.by.ren
8.5K likes • 149.4K views
📍The Newberry Library, Chicago I’ve been lucky enough to have a short-term fellowship at the @newberrylibrary this summer. Here’s just a glimpse at what it’s like to work here for a day! Disclaimer: I may have *searched* for Ortelius’s Theatrum orbis terrarum, but the book you actually see at the end of the video is Blaeu’s later atlas with quite a similar name - Theatre du monde (1646-50). Did...
adventuringartblog
23 likes • 449 views

Family History Hub :dna:

Become a free member online to access powerful genealogy databases and Chicago historical records. Reddit

Comfortable Shoes Recommended :athletic_shoe:

You'll be doing a lot of exploring, so wear comfortable shoes to make your visit enjoyable. TikTok

This free Chicago landmark has a collection of over 1.6 million books, maps, and historic artifacts (Shakespeare’s folio, Jefferson’s annotated Federalist, Michelangelo’s letter) - and you can request to see them yourself! The Newberry Library is a must-visit for curious minds and history buffs
bored_in_chicago
714 likes • 23.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Admission Alert! 🎟️

Entry to the Newberry Library is completely free. No tickets needed to explore its vast collections! TikTok

Request to See Items :mag:

You can request to view many rare books and manuscripts in person. Plan ahead for your research needs. Instagram

Family History Hub :dna:

Become a free member online to access powerful genealogy databases and Chicago historical records. Reddit

Comfortable Shoes Recommended :athletic_shoe:

You'll be doing a lot of exploring, so wear comfortable shoes to make your visit enjoyable. TikTok

Book Fair Fun 📚

Don't miss the annual book fair for a fantastic selection of books, often at great prices. Instagram

Utilize Free WiFi :iphone:

Free WiFi is available, especially near the bookstore, perfect for research or staying connected. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(165 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Newberry Library for its free admission and the incredible opportunity to view rare historical documents and books. The knowledgeable and helpful staff, along with engaging exhibits, make for a memorable experience. Some visitors note that access to certain research materials requires registration, and parking can be a challenge.

"I was there for their annual book festival. They had such a wide and great collection of books that readers would love to pick from. They also offer interesting classes throughout the year. My wife bought a few kindergarten books for my son and they absolutely love to read it everyday at home. We also took our son here for reading sessions a few times a week."

Stewart Marshall

"Take the tour! It was very interesting. Cara was our tour guide and she did a fantastic job. She was knowledgeable, funny and able to answer questions. Great representative for the Newberry Library."

Joan

"I had a wonderful day exploring their family history database. You need to become a member for free online, go to front desk to get a card, put all your items in a locker and make up your own code, go through security (I needed my computer/ charger and phone charger).

Once I got up to the 2nd floor I was told to get on their wifi and go to the Newberry website and search database and I had access to all they had. I loved looking for newspaper clippings in the Chicago tribune, using FamilySearch to view/save actual Chicago birth and death records. All in all I saved/ screenshot 60 records in the 5 hours I spent there!

Pro tips would be to find all the records in Family Search you want to search and have the links saved to the people you are searching. Also next time I go, I want to make an appointment with an expert to take my Chicago family history to the next level!"

T-M Boersma

What People Like

Free admission
Rare book access
Helpful staff

What People Dislike

Parking challenges
Research registration

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Newberry Library is easily accessible via public transportation. Several CTA bus routes stop nearby, and the Clark/Division Red Line 'L' station is a short walk away. Parking can be challenging in the Gold Coast area, so public transit is often recommended. TikTok

While there isn't dedicated library parking, street parking is available in the surrounding Gold Coast neighborhood, though it can be metered and competitive. Several paid parking garages are also located within a few blocks. Reddit

From downtown Chicago, you can take the Red Line 'L' train north to the Clark/Division station, which is a short walk to the library. Alternatively, several bus routes run along State Street and Michigan Avenue that will get you close. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to the Newberry Library is completely free! You can explore its public spaces and many exhibits without purchasing a ticket. TikTok

The Newberry Library typically has hours from Tuesday to Saturday, with specific times varying by day. It's always best to check their official website for the most current Newberry Library hours before your visit. TikTok

Yes, you can walk into the public areas of the Newberry Library. For access to special collections for research, you may need to register for a free reader card. Reddit

The Newberry Library frequently hosts a variety of special exhibits, often focusing on rare books, manuscripts, and historical themes. Check their website for current and upcoming Newberry Library events and exhibitions. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore fascinating exhibits on topics like pop-up books, historical maps, and manuscripts. You can also request to view rare materials in their reading rooms and utilize their extensive family history resources. Instagram

Photography policies can vary by area and exhibit. Generally, non-flash photography is permitted in public spaces, but it's always best to check signage or ask staff. Some rare materials may have restrictions. Instagram

Yes, the Newberry Library can be a great place for families, especially with its free admission and engaging exhibits. They sometimes offer family-friendly programs and have resources for children's reading. Reddit

For general visits and to see public exhibits, no appointment is necessary. However, if you plan to conduct in-depth research and view specific rare materials, you may need to register for a reader card and potentially make an appointment. Reddit

The Newberry Library houses vast special collections, including rare books, manuscripts, maps, music, and more, spanning centuries and diverse subjects. These are accessible for research by registered patrons. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Newberry Library does not have a full-service restaurant. However, there is a bookstore that may offer light refreshments. You'll find numerous dining options in the surrounding Gold Coast neighborhood. Reddit

The Gold Coast neighborhood offers a wide range of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. You can find sandwiches, burgers, Mexican cuisine, and bakeries within a short walk or a quick bus/L ride. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Non-flash photography is generally permitted in public areas of the Newberry Library for personal use. However, flash photography and tripods are usually prohibited, and specific exhibits may have their own restrictions. Always check for signage. Instagram

The grand architecture of the building itself, both inside and out, offers beautiful photo opportunities. Look for interesting details in the reading rooms and the main entrance hall. Instagram

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