The Newberry Library occupies a unique place in the cultural ecosystem of Chicago, the country, and the world. Dedicated to preserving history and sharing stories that are both timeless and urgently important, the Newberry stands at the intersection of groundbreaking scholarship and enlivening public engagement. At the heart of the Newberry’s mission is a growing and dynamic collection of materials that chronicles human achievement and experience across hundreds of years of history.

Under the leadership of President and Librarian Astrida Orle Tantillo — the first woman to lead the institution in its 138-year history — the Newberry is reinforcing its commitment to scholarly excellence while expanding its reach to new audiences in Chicago and beyond. As the Newberry continues to grow, it remains steadfast in its mission: to promote research, inspire learning, and use the humanities as a means to connect us all to the human experience.