Group Visits for Genealogists
Genealogical societies, historical societies, libraries, and other related groups are encouraged to arrange group visits to the Newberry Library to use the Local and Family History collection. The following guidelines are designed to help your group prepare for a productive visit to the Newberry Library, one of the premier sites for genealogical research in the country.
Scheduling Your Visit
Due to limited space and microform equipment, the Maximum Group Size is 25 people. To best prepare for and serve your group and to avoid multiple bookings of groups, we ask that you contact the Library as soon as you begin to plan your visit. A minimum of a two-week notice is recommended. To schedule a visit, contact Jack Simpson, Curator of Local and Family History, at 312-255-3671 or simpsonj@newberry.org.
When scheduling your visit, you may choose from the following options for your group.
- Standard welcome and orientation: In most cases, a Local and Family History staff member will welcome your group in the Library’s lobby. All first-time Newberry users and those who would like a refresher orientation will proceed to the third floor to register for reader’s cards and receive a customized orientation to genealogy research at the Newberry. This process usually takes 15-20 minutes.
- Lecture, “Genealogical Research at the Newberry Library:” To start your visit, a Local and Family History staff member will welcome your group and present a 45-minute lecture and question/answer session before registering for reader’s cards. Staff members also travel to group meetings to present this lecture and others.
- Tour of the Library: To be arranged through the Events Office.
- Other Requests: Will be accommodated when possible.
Preparing for Your Visit
We encourage all members of your group to explore the Library’s web site before visiting. Pay special attention to the following sections:
For group members who do not have Internet access, a packet of handouts can be mailed to the group’s leader. Ask for this when scheduling a visit.
Day of Your Visit
- Registration: All group members who do not already have valid Newberry readers’ cards will need to register.
- Cost: The Newberry Library does not charge users. At registration, you will be asked if you would like to make a voluntary donation.
- Reference Assistance: Throughout the day, assistance is available to all group members both on the third floor at the general Reference Desk and on the second floor at the Local and Family History Reference Desk.
- Lunch: There is a readers’ lounge on the first floor which provides tables and vending machines (coffee, soft drinks, chips, candy). If you choose to bring a lunch, you will need to store it in a locker on the first floor. A list of local restaurants can be obtained at the first floor kiosk.
- Security and Conservation Rules Includes items that may not be used in the reading rooms.
Further questions; contact Jack Simpson at 312-255-3671 or simpsonj@newberry.org.