The Friends of the Ryerson & Burnham Libraries was formed in 1983 to bring together collectors and enthusiasts of books, libraries and scholarship, and encourage private book collecting.

The Friends foster interest in and support for The Ryerson & Burnham Libraries and its programs—acquisitions, conservation/preservation, exhibitions and publications—and attract gifts and bequests to strengthen the research collections of the Libraries.

Member Activities Include:

• Previews of books exhibitions with related lectures 
  
  
• Special viewing of the rare book collections and archives 
  
  
• Behind the scenes tours of the Libraries
  
  
• Programs on conservation and preservation
  
  
• Visits to special collections in Chicago

Upcoming Events

• On Tuesday, January 20th, at 5:30 pm, Doro Boehme, Special Collections Librarian at the Joan Flasch Artists’ Book Collection, will present a number of artists’ books to read, handle, and enjoy.
  
  
• On Thursday, May 14th, best-selling author of The Time Traveler’s Wife Audrey Niffenegger will introduce her other unexpected talent: book making.
  
  
• In Fall 2009. Bart Ryckbosch, Glasser-Rosenthal Family Archivist of the Art Institute, will bring out archival treasures from the Museum’s archives. This will be a chance to see a piece of Museum history. The date is still to be determined.
  
  
• To RSVP for upcoming events, please call 312-443-3671.

Join Now

• Please contact the Ryerson & Burnham Libraries Office at (312) 443-3671 or complete the attached form.