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Celebrating NewberryFest Success

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Visitors descend the Newberry's iconic staircase after touring the upper-levels of the library.

Nearly 1,200 people visited the Newberry for our inaugural NewberryFest on July 20. Newberry staff and volunteers welcomed visitors into the building for this day-long event with the goal of introducing the Newberry to newcomers and showcasing the many opportunities for engagement at the library.

NewberryFest attracted many visitors who had never been to the Newberry and are now excited to return. Other, more familiar faces remarked how wonderful it was to see so many people engage meaningfully with the library. Guests had the opportunity to come face-to-face with items from our collection, speak to curators and librarians, and learn about our work through talks on topics such as Newberry 101, Indigenous Chicago, and Genealogy 101. Exhibitions A Night at Mister Kelly's and Chicago Style: Mike Royko and Windy City Journalism saw a steady stream of visitors. In addition, visitors could take building tours, shop our used books sale, enjoy a discount at the Newberry Bookshop, and visit with staff from across the organization.

“The building was abuzz at NewberryFest with people who were excited to learn about the Newberry. Staff and volunteers were eager to engage the public and share their excitement about the library. The event was a great success, and we are already making plans to build on that momentum,” says Vince Firpo, Vice President for Public Engagement.

You don’t need to wait for the next NewberryFest to visit the Newberry. Check out our calendar for upcoming free events or read more about getting a readers card and starting your journey through our collections.

The Newberry lobby saw familiar faces and newcomers alike.

Newberry staff chatted with visitors about all things Newberry.

Peter Garino, founding member of the Shakespeare Project of Chicago, introduced My Name is Will performers.

Visitors picked up popular contemporary reads and hidden gems at our mini used book sale.

Librarians and curators selected items from our collection to be available for visitors to examine throughout the event.

Our gallery spaces saw a steady stream of visitors throughout the day.

Newberry volunteers are an integral part of introducing the library to newcomers.

Volunteer-led tours quickly reached capacity, offering a chance to explore the upper-levels of the building.