December 2024 | Volume XLII, Issue 4 »
A Look Inside: ILA visits the Ryerson and Burnham Libraries
December 2, 2024
Rene Leyva, Fossil Ridge Public Library District
On a rainy afternoon along Michigan Avenue, the iconic lions stand guard over the world’s most beloved art museum. Inside, near the museum shop and next to the Woman’s Board Grand Staircase, lies a space filled with the rich history and special collections of the Art Institute—the Ryerson and Burnham Libraries.
ILA staff and colleagues were recently given a tour of these beloved libraries. On this day, members from the National Archives at Chicago also visited the libraries, making the occasion even more memorable. Our visit was guided by Violet Jaffe, Director of the Ryerson and Burnham Libraries, who had previously shared detailed information about the space through a Q&A session. The tour offered an exclusive look at the library’s collection, recent renovations, and work areas, as well as the opportunity to view some of its most treasured special collections on display.
With a background in public libraries, Jaffe has focused on breaking down barriers that may hinder anyone from accessing library materials. Under her leadership, the libraries have made it clear that the collection is available to all. An appointment is required to ensure proper preparation and the feasibility of the request. However, once it’s in place, Jaffe and her team take care of the rest, ensuring that the items are ready and waiting for the guests' arrival. Live far away? They also lend items to other institutions through InterLibrary Loan and scans of images and texts upon request.
As we toured the space, we all were amazed by the beautiful decor. According to Jaffe, the walls of the libraries are adorned with museum art carefully selected by the staff to match the colors of the carpet and walls. Each piece was handpicked to complement the space's overall aesthetic, creating a welcoming environment that enhances the visitor experience. The collections themselves have been updated to reflect the evolving interests of the library’s visitors, ensuring that the libraries remain a sought-after and relevant resource.
One of the most interesting facts about the Ryerson and Burnham Libraries is that the space has been preserved as it was originally intended. This careful preservation allows visitors to experience the libraries as they were when first built, offering a historical glimpse into the past.
A group photo capturing the remarkable beauty of the floors, walls, and overall space of the libraries.
The Ryerson and Burnham Libraries' roots date back to 1893, when the Art Institute of Chicago's first director began assembling an art library in his office. Initially, the director's secretary acted as the librarian, overseeing the expanding collection that soon outgrew its modest beginnings. In response, Chicago philanthropist Martin Ryerson donated $50,000 in 1901 to create a dedicated art library. This donation funded the construction of an enclosed courtyard near the museum’s main entrance, which continues to serve as the library’s Reading Room today.
The architecture library was established in 1912 through a $50,000 bequest from the renowned architect, urban planner, and Director of Works for the Chicago World’s Fair Daniel Burnham. Originally, it was kept separate from the art library. In the 1960s the two collections were combined, resulting in the creation of the Ryerson and Burnham Libraries.
Since their inception, the library collections have been an essential part of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a vital foundation for the museum's research and educational efforts, the libraries have played a key role not just as knowledge repositories, but as active contributors to the scholarship that drives the museum’s exhibitions, publications, and educational programs.
As integral parts of the Art Institute’s Research Center, the Ryerson and Burnham Libraries collaborate closely with the Archives and the Academic Engagement and Research teams. Together, they aim to support museum staff in every facet of their research, including exhibition planning and academic publications. Additionally, the libraries are vital in preserving the museum's vast collections and providing public access to them through the Franke Reading Room.
According to Jaffe, the libraries hosted 817 appointments over the past year, welcomed 195 School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) students during class visits, and answered 968 reference inquiries. Additionally, the libraries maintain public open hours, allowing museum visitors to converse and ask questions with staff at the libraries’ reception desk.
The Ryerson and Burnham Libraries house a collection of around 838,000 print titles covering the worldwide history of art, architecture, and design. This extensive collection includes auction catalogs, artist files, and a wide range of digital resources.
During our visit, we were given a quick glance at the extensive stored collection housed below the libraries, accessible by a spiral staircase that adds a touch of charm to the experience. Once there, Jaffe opened the doors to reveal what looked like a never-ending aisle of physical materials, each item just waiting to be touched by the human hand once again. The group was collectively stunned by the extensive in-house preservation of materials. It was at that moment we realized how privileged we were to access a space rarely seen by the public.
When asked about the most significant or unique items in the libraries' collections, Jaffe responded, “The jewel in the crown for the library is the Mary Reynolds collection. Mary Reynolds was a bookbinder whose bold choices of materials, colors, and imagery create a stunning collection of hand-bound books.”
A simple search through the libraries’ archives website offers a quick look into Reynold’s fascinating creations, easily accessible on any modern device. Her unique work complements the words they encase. For instance, Les Yeux fertiles (The Fertile Eyes) by Paul Éluard, featuring a portrait and illustrations by Pablo Picasso, is bound in ostrich leather and calfskin.
Other notable bindings include materials like a boa constrictor, goatskin, a chsild’s glove, and fragments of a broken teacup.
Visitors will soon have the opportunity to experience these remarkable works firsthand in the upcoming exhibition Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris: A Friendship with Mary Reynolds, scheduled for March 2025. This exhibition will feature several of Reynolds' book bindings, showcasing the unique artistry and creativity that define her work.
The resources of the Ryerson and Burnham Libraries have been instrumental in countless research projects and exhibitions. “In addition to informing all of the stunning exhibitions presented at the Art Institute each year, researchers from around the world have used our resources for a wide variety of projects. Erik Larson credited our collections in his research for The Devil in the White City,” Jaffe mentioned during the Q&A.
Although the libraries are primarily used for research, Jaffe shared a touching moment when she was reminded that these collections were once owned by individuals with families who hoped others would also appreciate their treasured collection. She recalls, “Personally, one of my favorite visits was from a woman whose grandfather was an artist—to be able to show her our file of ephemera from his career was very gratifying.”
The success of the Ryerson and Burnham Libraries is due in large part to the dedicated team of professionals who manage every aspect of the collections and services. Jaffe explained, “Our Collection Services team manages all the logistics of acquisitions, labeling, and cataloging our collections. Our Access Services team answers reference questions by phone or email from our museum staff, students and faculty from SAIC, and public researchers. They pull requested items from our collection and prepare them for viewing. This is a specialized and often time-consuming task as many of our items are rare, one of a kind, or centuries old."
“The Archives staff do all the things the library staff do, but with non-published materials such as photographs, letters, and documents about every aspect of art, architecture, and Chicago history,” Jaffe added, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the work done at the libraries.
While the ILA staff and guests appreciated the work displayed, they particularly noticed the care taken in its presentation. The careful preparation to ensure each piece was safely exhibited was essential, given the fragile state of the materials.
“Both the [Collection Services and Access Services] teams play a vital role in preparing items from the collections for museum exhibitions and loans to other institutions. They collaborate closely with the book conservation staff to ensure that all materials are safe and displayed in the best possible conditions.”
Anthony Morgano, Associate Director of Access Services for the Ryerson and Burnham Libraries, highlighted that the most valuable aspect is the diverse experiences of the staff, which fosters the sharing of unique perspectives.
The Ryerson and Burnham Libraries remain an invaluable resource for both the Art Institute of Chicago and the global research community. The dedicated staff continually evolve beyond traditional customer service, striving to make each visitor's experience truly special. We sincerely thank the Art Institute of Chicago and its staff for their warm hospitality and for sharing their beautiful space with us. For more information about the Ryerson and Burnham Libraries, please visit https://www.artic.edu/library. To inquire about tours or schedule a reservation, visit https://www.artic.edu/library/plan-a-library-visit.
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