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 available to members and researchers who need access to materials from our collection. Members can book the Reading Room at no cost. Non-Members may use the Reading Room for a fee. All fees are expected to be paid on the day of the visit. Payment 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.
Researchers are welcome to bring laptops, mobile phones, and small cameras into the Reading Room for research and note-taking purposes. However, scanners and large-scale reproduction equipment, including personal microfilm readers or similar devices, are not permitted. If you are unsure whether a particular device is allowed, please contact Access Initiatives staff prior to your visit, and we will be happy to advise.
To determine whether your institution is a CRL member, please visit our CRL Member Institutions List..
Copyright Compliance
All reproductions are subject to U.S. copyright law. CRL cannot permit the reproduction of copyrighted materials beyond what is allowed for research, scholarship, and other applicable fair use purposes.
Contact Teeaye Nettles, email: tnettles@crl.edu Phone: 773-241-3175 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