In an age where most research starts and ends with a Google search, libraries are fading from student life. But just north of the Loop in the Gold Coast neighborhood, the Newberry Library stands as a reminder that not all learning can be downloaded. 

The Newberry is a free, independent research library that provides access to an extensive collection of rare historical books, maps and manuscripts spanning over six centuries.

The Newberry doesn’t function the same way as a standard public library. Lisa Schoblasky, director of the Newberry’s reader services, says the library focuses on visitors who are coming to research their collections.

“None of our materials leave the building,” Schoblasky said. “Everything gets read here. The types of materials that we have are more historical, more primary source materials.”

Bob Dolgan, the Newberry’s director of communications, emphasized the importance of having “primary sources at your fingertips.”

“You might be able to do something like hold in your hands George Washington’s diary from the 1750s,” Dolgan said. “Not many other students are going to have that in their term paper.” 

The library was founded in 1887 by Chicago businessman Walter L. Newberry, who called for the creation of a “free public library” in a provision in his will before passing in 1868. 

The Newberry provides resources for student researchers seeking original, primary materials. By obtaining a free reader’s card, anyone can gain access to the library’s extensive archives. 

The library’s collections span from medieval history to modern Chicago culture, with a primary focus on humanities. Librarians are available to guide students through the research process, helping locate materials relevant to their project.

But providing free public access to such a large collection of rare artifacts has its limitations.

“We want people to come in and use these materials,” Schoblasky said “But with that, if we want to also save these materials and preserve them for the next 400 years, we do need to have some restrictions.”

When materials aren’t being used, they’re kept in the stacks building — a separate, climate-controlled building with no windows and no lights. In the library, no food or drink is allowed in reading rooms, and nothing can leave the building, all in an effort to preserve the materials.

“It can be tough to explain to someone that since it’s raining and you’re now dripping with rain. … We can’t have you dripping over an old book from 1500,” Schoblasky said.

With these restrictions, the library offers some alternatives so visitors can access the materials they’re looking for while still preserving them. Materials that have been digitized are available at the library’s website on their digital collections page.

Even with the library’s challenge to balance preservation with public access, it remains committed to student access. Through academic partnerships, internships and volunteer opportunities, the library is working to bring more young researchers through its doors.

Ruby Hayden, a DePaul junior, interned with the Newberry this past summer and now volunteers in the exhibits department. For research projects, or even just for fun, she enthusiastically endorses the Newberry.

“I think it’s a great institution,” Hayden said. “If you’re doing a research project, they most likely have something related to what you’re doing, especially if it’s related to Chicago.”

The Newberry’s communications coordinator Ben Greer offered some perspective for newcomers looking to make use of the library.

“I think that the library, specifically for students, offers a great resource in the age of AI to get started at the ground level of researching with very special primary source materials,” Greer said.

Before making a trip to the Newberry, staff members recommend knowing one’s intentions to get the most out of their visit.

“I think it’s great to get a sense of what you are looking for before you come into the library,” Greer says.

While the library’s collections may seem intimidating at first, Schoblasky wants visitors to know it’s open to anyone with curiosity.

“The Newberry is a great resource for any students who either are interested in coming here to do research or if they just like libraries and want to look at something old and cool,” Schoblasky said. “All of that is perfectly acceptable to do here.”

Editor’s note: This article has been updated to correct a statement about the Newberry’s organization.

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