{"id":2419,"date":"2024-10-31T15:06:07","date_gmt":"2024-10-31T19:06:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chicago1.one\/?p=2419"},"modified":"2024-10-31T15:06:10","modified_gmt":"2024-10-31T19:06:10","slug":"the-john-crerar-library-in-chicago","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chicago1.one\/en\/eternal\/the-john-crerar-library-in-chicago-2419","title":{"rendered":"The John Crerar Library in Chicago"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The John Crerar Library is one of the most renowned research libraries not only in Chicago but also in the United States. Its collections include publications in medicine, biology, physics, and general sciences. Although it is privately owned, the library is open to any citizen seeking to deepen their scientific knowledge, as reported by \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/chicago1.one\/uk\/\">chicago1.one<\/a>\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a49641ddaec3\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a49641ddaec3\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/chicago1.one\/en\/eternal\/the-john-crerar-library-in-chicago-2419\/#Founder_of_the_Library_John_Crerar\" >Founder of the Library: John Crerar<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/chicago1.one\/en\/eternal\/the-john-crerar-library-in-chicago-2419\/#The_Library_Bequest\" >The Library Bequest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/chicago1.one\/en\/eternal\/the-john-crerar-library-in-chicago-2419\/#The_Librarys_Opening\" >The Library\u2019s Opening<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/chicago1.one\/en\/eternal\/the-john-crerar-library-in-chicago-2419\/#The_Librarys_Most_Famous_Sculpture\" >The Library\u2019s Most Famous Sculpture<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/chicago1.one\/en\/eternal\/the-john-crerar-library-in-chicago-2419\/#Fascinating_Facts_About_the_Crerar_Library\" >Fascinating Facts About the Crerar Library<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Founder_of_the_Library_John_Crerar\"><\/span>Founder of the Library: John Crerar<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.chicago1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2023\/11\/sntaga35gmj4o22xt2grrbgmfxgk9opnvhnn4mols9sskbaujxubjnjrp2gbq88hgikylywaolh0wxipvixckkgzfdsyparjnuxnghh1yjlemwg9oumzoztuggmujzzle1mpr2lr6uqcpqzts9dpzba.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>John Crerar was born on March 8, 1827, in New York City, to a family that had emigrated from Scotland. At the age of 29, he began working for Morris Jesup, who owned a railway supply business. Over time, Crerar became Jesup\u2019s business partner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1862, during a business trip, Crerar visited Chicago, and the city left a strong impression on him due to its beauty and immense business potential. Deciding to settle there, he became head of the &#8220;Crerar, Adams &amp; Company.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Chicago continued to grow, evolving into a major railway hub and distribution center, Crerar quickly rose to prominence, becoming a key businessman and helping to establish new railways while holding shares in many major Chicago companies. Notably, he was a founding member of the Pullman Palace Car Company, where he served on the board of directors for most of his life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recognized as an honorary citizen of Chicago, Crerar actively participated in civic matters, focusing on initiatives that would aid in the city\u2019s development. Following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which destroyed much of the city, New York\u2019s Chamber of Commerce appointed him as director to oversee funds sent to aid in the city\u2019s reconstruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Crerar also took a keen interest in education and culture, founding the Chicago Manual Training School and holding positions in various organizations, including the Historical Society, a literary club, an orphanage, and the American Sunday School Union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Above all, Crerar had a lifelong passion for books. During his time in New York, he served as president of the Commercial Library.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Library_Bequest\"><\/span>The Library Bequest<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite his busy schedule and active involvement in Chicago\u2019s cultural life, Crerar led a modest, quiet life. In 1866, he wrote a will, leaving a significant portion of his wealth to his relatives and friends, with additional funds designated for philanthropic causes, including the construction of a monument to Abraham Lincoln.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The remaining funds were allocated to establish a public library in Chicago, which would be free for city residents. However, Crerar specified in his will that the library\u2019s collection should adhere to strict standards, prohibiting French boulevard novels, skeptical literature, and other questionable works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The esteemed businessman passed away in Chicago at the age of 62, in a city he considered home. His memorial service was held in Chicago\u2019s Central Music Hall, which could barely accommodate the crowd that came to pay their respects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Librarys_Opening\"><\/span>The Library\u2019s Opening<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.chicago1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2023\/11\/uiypx4_7u6rnkekl8awpj1z6krldlfgf3cwnn9iittd-55qngxsryudwqpqyshg85vtsm9fwuhfw7rtuclakocnaifrvvakbibesfh2hhtrd2l3dmalwo6cuzrrlwcmivjgi8xu2ur3o61h3dao5kp0.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In his will, Crerar left over $2 million to establish a library. His primary aim was to foster moral and Christian values within the community. To differentiate it from other Chicago libraries, the new library focused exclusively on scientific literature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Initially, the library\u2019s collections were limited to the history of science, later expanding to include medicine. By 1951, it featured works on technology, medicine, and modern sciences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1891, Crerar\u2019s friends took steps to protect the library from governmental influence by passing legislation that governed the establishment of free public libraries in towns and cities. The library officially opened to the public in 1894.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Originally housed in the Marshall Field building, the library moved into its own building 28 years later. As the collection grew, the need for a larger space became apparent. Plans for a 16-story building on Michigan Avenue were underway by 1919, but World War I delayed construction, and the library eventually opened in its new location at a later date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the 1950s, the library\u2019s collection had expanded significantly, prompting a merger with an educational institution. In 1970, the library\u2019s administration dissolved its agreement with the Illinois Institute, merging with the University of Chicago\u2019s collection. In 1984, the library moved to a new building, and, following the merger, its combined collection exceeded 900,000 volumes, making it one of the largest in U.S. history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Librarys_Most_Famous_Sculpture\"><\/span>The Library\u2019s Most Famous Sculpture<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.chicago1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2023\/11\/afhoecycw4u2unubry47myiequthq4dtch-ome3iarr0r9zvzgeg2howfomnnvnesxoflf5layzfs9awce8gkvqwsnltois_nwj3t2ffyewjbdngd-lvfq2mqaw0buuedgtabc-cvnhe-lufrh-kq4o.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the library\u2019s most iconic sculptures is &#8220;Crystara.&#8221; Created by artist John Mooney in 1984, this piece was commissioned by the University of Chicago specifically for the John Crerar Library.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Suspended from one of the atrium windows, &#8220;Crystara&#8221; features eight hexagonal crystal bars mounted on an aluminum frame, crafted from over fifty individual pieces by a team of glassmakers at a Waterford factory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The sculpture\u2019s prism effect refracts natural light entering the atrium, creating a harmonious balance of light and shadow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fascinating_Facts_About_the_Crerar_Library\"><\/span>Fascinating Facts About the Crerar Library<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.chicago1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2023\/11\/pdp8gkuw-_42umbblfryyyxjnnlvlhtcnloaewsmud4moa9u-hpqqsb9c8a8gtxnobx9dpw77zvavjhjnmsc_xle8cw4wu7b-jlxwrdcplf9b-rllnbd7bjfxcezn6ppjtzpr9e8nhnfxppgpsxtobg.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Crerar Library is not only a repository of a vast book collection but also a center for scientific research. Its striking architecture attracts book lovers from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In total, the library holds approximately 1.5 million volumes, including books, scientific works, journals, research studies, and rare manuscripts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Notably, the John Crerar Library is equipped with a digital media lab, providing students and researchers with access to multimedia production and data visualization resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The library is positioned as a research institution, housing specialized scientific collections in disciplines such as chemistry, biology, geology, and physics. It also features a unique collection of historical scientific instruments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Committed to accommodating all visitors, the Crerar Library offers a range of study spaces suited to various learning styles, from quiet reading rooms to collaborative spaces for group study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The library even has a dedicated area for studying atlases and maps, providing access to topographic and historical maps, along with extensive resources in geography for those with a passion for the subject.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The John Crerar Library is one of the most renowned research libraries not only in Chicago but also in the United States. Its collections include publications in medicine, biology, physics, and general sciences. Although it is privately owned, the library is open to any citizen seeking to deepen their scientific knowledge, as reported by \u201cchicago1.one\u201d. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":421,"featured_media":1818,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1166],"tags":[1714,1708,1715,1717,1720,1711,1719,1710,1716,1718,1709,1713,1707,1721,1712],"moimportance":[78,81],"motype":[1158],"moformat":[93],"class_list":{"0":"post-2419","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-education","8":"tag-chicago-libraries","9":"tag-crerar-library-archives","10":"tag-crerar-library-collections","11":"tag-crerar-library-founding","12":"tag-crerar-library-services","13":"tag-historic-chicago-libraries","14":"tag-john-crerar-library-history","15":"tag-john-crerar-philanthropist","16":"tag-library-architecture","17":"tag-library-for-science-studies","18":"tag-library-special-collections","19":"tag-medical-research-resources","20":"tag-rare-science-books","21":"tag-science-and-medicine-archives","22":"tag-scientific-research-library","23":"moimportance-golovna-novina","24":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatori","25":"motype-eternal","26":"moformat-longrid-korotka"},"modified_by":"Inna Hananova","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicago1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2419","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicago1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicago1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicago1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/421"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicago1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2419"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/chicago1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2419\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2420,"href":"https:\/\/chicago1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2419\/revisions\/2420"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicago1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1818"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chicago1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2419"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicago1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2419"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicago1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2419"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicago1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=2419"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicago1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=2419"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chicago1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=2419"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}