The Newberry Library Annual Fund

In order to remain free and open to the public as Walter L. Newberry, our founding benefactor, intended, we rely on generous supporters to contribute vital Annual Fund donations. Annual Fund gifts support the general operations of the Library. These gifts enable thousands of people to use the Library's collections. Building and conserving our collections, providing services to our readers, and offering educational opportunities - exhibits, performances, lectures, seminars - would not be possible without your support.

We hope that you will join our efforts by making an Annual Fund donation to ensure that the Library can maintain its wonderful collections and continue its exceptional programs. To make a gift online, click here.

  • Associates
  • President's Fellows
  • Matching Gifts

We offer all of donors subscriptions to

  • our monthly E-newsletter, and
  • the Newberry Public Programs publication listing seminars and other programs.

For more information, please feel free to contact Sarah Alger, Director of Annual Giving, at (312) 255-3544.

Become an Associate of the Newberry Library

We are pleased to recognize as Associates those who give at the following levels and offer the following opportunities in appreciation:

Bibliophiles: Gifts of $50 to $99:

  • An Associates donor card
  • Subscription to the Newberry Newsletter
  • Invitation to the Associates Appreciation Event
  • Newberry Library appreciation gift

Authors: Gifts of $100 to $249:
All of the above, plus:

  • Discounts on Newberry Seminars, Newberry Consort tickets, and Wednesday Club events
  • Discount at the Newberry's A.C. McClurg Bookstore
  • Opportunity to enroll in one of the Newberry Library Book Groups
  • Invitation to the Book Fair Preview Night

Literati: Gifts of $250 to $499
All of the above, plus:

  • Recognition in the Library's Annual Report
  • Newberry Library Associates tote bag

Humanists: Gifts of $500 to $999
All of the above, plus:

  • Newberry Library silk tie or scarf
  • Invitation to a behind-the-scenes tour with a Newberry curator

Scholars: $1,000 to $1,499
All of the above, plus:

  • Invitation to an insider's view of an exhibit with a curator
  • Complimentary Newberry Consort CD

Become a President's Fellow

We are pleased to recognize those who contribute $1,500 or more as President's Fellows:

  • Supporting Fellow: $1,500 to $2,499
  • Sustaining Fellow: $2,500 to $4,999
  • Senior Fellow: $5,000 to $9,999
  • President's Circle: $10,000 to $24,999
  • President's Cabinet: $25,000 and above

President's Fellows receive all the opportunities offered to Associates (listed above), plus:

  • Recognition on our donor wall in the lobby at the appropriate level
  • Invitation to annual President's Fellows reception with the President
  • Invitations to special preview receptions and other events
  • President's Fellows tote bag

In addition, it is our privilege to tailor special opportunities appropriate to the interests and level of support of our President's Fellows. For our President's Circle and President's Cabinet donors, we offer an opportunity for a unique private gathering for you and a select number of guests for a viewing of Newberry treasures.

To make a gift, click here or call (312) 255-3599. All benefits and giving levels are subject to change. For more information on the tax deductibility of your contribution, please contact the Development Office at (312) 255-3599.

Gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Many companies will match their employees' contributions. Please contact your Human Resources or Community Relations office for an application.

Matching Gifts

Multiply your gift! Corporate matching gifts are an important way to augment your gift to the Newberry. Many companies match their employees' gifts. Please contact your Human Resources Department for more information. If you have questions about matching gifts and the Newberry Library, please contact Michelle Miller Burns, at (312) 255-3560.