Ryerson And Burnham Libraries

Oh my. I would LOVE to work in a library that looks like this. Original amazing art work, fabulous shelving, real wood tables, and awesome displays. This is the library for the Art Institute of Chicago so I should have expected greatness.
The staff was lovely to chat with and my touring companion (who had been to the museum beacoup times but never thought to enter the library) was amused by my insistence and impressed by the library… or he was humoring me, either way.
I did find out that the art is considered part of the library so is not changed out, but is occasionally loaned. Visitors to the museum are welcome to view the library during specific hours (
); we entered the library when we weren’t supposed to but since they were open for appointment hours, so we were allowed to wander. I may have poked my head in the back to see what the technical services area looked like… and as I suspected, utilitarian.
I loved walking through hear and since it will only take you a moment, I suggest you do the same.

If there be the music of angels sounding… may it never be lost on me.
Fortunately, I can still hear that heavenly chorus.
The above sentences are the beginning of what was going to be more of a sentimental tribute to «old school libraries» than a review. Truth is: I have absolutely no business here. I’m not an AIC student nor looking up architectural information nor historical information. I carry around a cell phone (note: not allowed & neither is flash photography) and I run wild with ink pens. (Pencils only, please.)
Library Inventory:
life-​size naked statue replete with bow and arrow ONE
life-​size statue with a harp to greet you ONE
fancy wooden bookcase MANY
big old books MANY
wooden table with individual gold pull chain individual overhead light TWELVE
heads bowed dutifully over works of grandeur THREE
portraits of old men knowing more than you do, set in gilded frames SEVERAL
mandatory bust MORE THAN ENOUGH TO CONVINCE THIS IS REAL DEAL
impressive wrought iron and intricate beautiful tile work ABOUNDS
a carpeting Martha would call «Library Rich Red» AS NEEDED
beautiful lighting from overhead CONSTANTLY EMBRACING YOU
that old world book smell FOR SURE LOTS OF IT, thank you thank you
little coves for reading on hard chairs and semi hard couches SEVERAL
RULES typed by Times New Roman Font and posted at front desk ONE
rule-​enforcing counter person ONE (I pray will give the sssssssh soon!)
simple moments create by you, admiring this space AS MANY AS YOU LIKE
My point: this library within a museum is in itself… a museum. It’s where a simple soul can walk in (if that simple soul is one of the lucky ones who knows a «library» from days of yore… and I’m only referring to the late 1980’s) and look upon the time when a libraries’ scent was that of heavy ink and thick pages and old leather and lightly-​scented wood polish instead of that of fresh paint and chewing gum. (I’m guilty of liking the latter as well, but find that «library» in my heart and mind is still what is embodied here at Ryerson & Burnham.)
I’m lying —
This room was painted and restored to its «original» condition. Verbatim via pamphlet: «Containing a research collection of national and international significance, the libraries of the Art Institute date to the museum’s founding in 1879 and are among the largest art museum libraries in the world. The original Ryerson Art Library reading room, designed by Sheply, Rutan and Coolidge, opened in 1901 and was restored to its original decorative scheme in 1994.»
— but you’d never know it!
Even if you pop in for a moment ~ do. Currently the exhibit in the museum is the «Fashion» one and there are beautiful old catalogs beneath glass just beyond the entry. Take a trip back in time and then… maybe…stay a moment.
From the pamphlet
MORE ABOUT THIS LIBRARY: There are over 400,000 titles, 100,000 art auction catalogs and 1500 current serial subscriptions. The library continues to collect material at the research level; roughly 10,000 title are added annually. Archival collections date back to the 17^th century in certain areas. For additional info:
Entrance to library is just off to your right (from Michigan Ave) as you pass ticket check to enter museum.