Newberry Library.

Before 1970 the photographic archives of the Newberry Library were not systematically developed. With the creation of the staff photographer position in 1969, all Library activities became more fully documented. Staff photographers include Peter Weil and Kenneth Cain.

From the description of Photographer's file 1970-[ongoing]. (Newberry Library). WorldCat record id: 28306327

Charles Alexander Nelson (1839-1933), librarian and bibliographer, was a Reconstruction administrator in New Bern, North Carolina, for a decade following the U.S. Civil War. He returned to the North in 1875 and worked until 1909 in various libraries. He published bibliographies, indexed books and organizational records, wrote articles, and was a founding member in 1876 of the American Library Association.

From the guide to the Charles Alexander Nelson papers, 1850s-1930s, (The New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division.)

For more than a century the Cobb Building on Walton Street in Chicago has been the Newberry Library's only home.

In March of 1888, the Newberry estate trustees engaged Hnery Ives Cobb to design a permanent structure for the Library. Following protracted discussions about the site and conflicts between architect Cobb and librarian William Frederick Poole regarding building design, construction began October 6, 1890, at the Walton Street location. Various problems, including difficulties in procuring granite for the facade, delayed the completion of the building until November of 1893.

From the description of Cobb Building construction records, 1888-1894. (Newberry Library). WorldCat record id: 28449423

The second Newberry Library temporary quarters on State and Oak Streets was constructed during 1889 and 1890 and occupied from 1890 to 1893.

When Walter L. Newberry estate trustees Blatchford and Bradley arranged with architect Henry Ives Cobb for the construction of the permanent library building on Walton Street in Chicago, they also contracted to build a temporary structure that would later become part of the Library-owned Irving Apartments.

From the description of Temporary library building records, 1889-1890. (Newberry Library). WorldCat record id: 28449506

Although the Newberry Library was officially opened in November of 1893, portions of the interior structure were not finished until the 1940's when further space was required. In addition, as needs and technology changed, renovations of existing rooms and systems took place.

Major projects have included the 1895-1897 renovation of the heating and ventilating systems, the 1899 and 1923 Trustee Room remodellings, the 1925-1926 Ayer Vault construction, the 1944-1946 fifth floor completion and other repairs, and the 1960-1962 air conditioning installation and other interior remodelling.

From the description of Cobb Building renovation records, 1895-1970. (Newberry Library). WorldCat record id: 28449608

From the Newberry Library's founding, a photographic record has been maintained of its building, staff, and activities.

A conscious effort was made to document photographically the Newberry Library's construction (1890's) and the first two decades of operation. Following the departure of Librarian Cheney in 1909, photography was employed only rarely to record the Library's activities. With the substantial expansion of Library programs and events under President and Librarian Towner, photographic documentation increased dramatically. This was due in large part to the hiring of a professional staff photographer in 1969.

From the description of Photographs, 1861-[ongoing] (bulk 1890-[ongoing]). (Newberry Library). WorldCat record id: 28305430

Since its founding in 1887, the Newberry Library has saved newspaper articles regarding all aspects of its program.

Over the years, clipping files have been maintained by the Librarian's Office, by individual staff members, and by the Development Office.

From the description of Press clippings, 1885-[ongoing] (Newberry Library). WorldCat record id: 28277757