Reading Room

Visit the CRL Reading Room 

Location: 6050 S. Kenwood, Chicago, IL 

The Reading Room is a dedicated space for researchers, equipped with: 

  • Microform readers & printers 
  • Power outlets 
  • A quiet and supportive environment for research 

The Reading Room is open to our members and all researchers with a need to use items from our collection. 

Members can book the Reading Room at no cost.

Non-Members may use the Reading Room for a fee. All fees for visits are expected to be paid on the day of the visit. Payment is made by cash or credit card (please note we charge a small fee for each credit card transaction).

  • Independent researchers and undergraduate/graduate students and faculty at non-member Colleges and Universities are charged a fee of $50 per request per day.
  • Commercial Researchers are charged a fee of $75 per request per day. 

See this page for a list of our CRL Member Institutions 

Contact Teeaye Nettles | tnettles@crl.edu | 773-955-4545 ext. 288 to make an appointment. 

Hours & Access 

  • Open by Appointment Only 
  • Appointments Available: Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CST 
  • Schedule your visit at least 3 days in advance. 

Usage Guidelines 

  • CRL reserves the right to deny access in cases of unlawful, hazardous, or otherwise unreasonable behavior. 

Before your Visit 

Make an Appointment 
  • Next-day appointments are not guaranteed, to ensure availability, make an appointment at least three days prior to your visit. 
  • Contact Teeaye Nettles | tnettles@crl.edu | 773-955-4545 ext. 288 to make an appointment. 
  • The Reading Room is open Monday-Friday 10 am – 4 pm. 
Request Materials 
  • Email a list of the titles you wish to use. 
  • Plan realistically: Estimate how much time you'll need with each item. Some materials may require multiple days to review. 
  • Note: Next-day appointments are not guaranteed. 
  • CRL staff will confirm the availability of requested titles prior to your visit. 
  • Be prepared: Same-day requests for additional materials may not be accommodated. 
Request limits per appointment
  • 12 reels of microfilm 
  • 24 sheets of microfiche