What a marvelous institution! It's been in Chicago since 1887 and yet many natives haven't availed themselves of its' 
treasures and have wondered what really goes on inside that impressive-looking grande dame facing Washington Square Park at 60 W. Walton.
This Chicago institution came into being serendipitously and tragically when the founder, civic leader Walter L. Newberry`died at sea. His will, stipulated that if both his daughters died childless (they were stricken with influenza and perished) half of his estate would go towards the founding of a free and public library in Chicago. The Great Fire of 1971 destroyed his home and personal library and his widow died in 1885; the library was founded in 1887.
The Newberry, is one of the country's most respected resource libraries, specializing in distributing and expanding information in the humanities. It contains a wide range of books and manuscripts pertaining to the civilizations of Western Europe and the Americas; the collections comprise 1.5 million books, five million manuscript pages and 300,000 historic maps.
A listing of this independent and free library's strengths includes:
History and Literature of America, England, American Indian, and Continental Europe and History of Latin America, Portugal and Brazil.
Genealogy and Local History; Maps and the History of Cartography; Printing, Book Arts and the History of the Book.
The History and Theory of Music; Historical Linguistics; The Renaissance.
Since the 1950s, the library has collected modern manuscripts re the history and culture of the Midwest beginning in the 19th century.
Staff members include those with expertise in all of the areas above and may be reached by contacting Brigid Murphy, Director of Communications at 312.255.3625
Not surprisingly security and preservation are a major concern of the library. To gain entrance you'll need a reader's card which you may obtain on your first visit with the proper credentials.
In addition to annual events such as a book fair and the noted Bughouse Square debates, the Newberry sponsors a variety of public programs including exhibits, adult non-credit classes relating to the collections, a fine bookstore, lectures including a Lyric Opera series and the Newberry Consort, a world renowned early music group that performs at the library.
Call the reference desk at 312.255.3506 for more specific information on the collections and for hours, procedures and general services. This is especially advisable if you need access to the collections during your first visit. The library is a non-circulating facility so your work must be done on site Note that the library is closed on Sundays and Mondays. The very thorough website is www.newberry.org. Now you can take advantage of some of the marvels the Newberry has to offer.
babies (swell presents), mens' accessories and stationery and gifts. Owner David Vail is justifiably proud of his newish venture and is public spirited as well. Hazel hosts about four special event/trunk shows annually, featuring an artist whose work is carried at the store. A percentage of the proceeds goes to a charitable group. You definitely don't find Hazel's merchandise at other stores and David has recently launched a handsome website, www.hazelchicago.com. 
