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Library & Collections

Library & Collections

Spertus Collection
Spertus Institute Collection Highlights

Preserving the Material Culture of the Jewish people is fundamental to the mission of Spertus Institute. Our collections — of books, films, music, artworks, artifacts, rare antique maps, and archival items — number more than half a million. Items from our collections are incorporated into our exhibitions, courses, and public programming.

Spertus Institute Collection Highlights can be viewed online, showcasing examples of Jewish art and material culture that have shaped and given expression to the Jewish experience. We invite you to explore these collection highlights, share them, learn from them, and use them to teach and inspire. Browse objects by themes, view items by category, or search by keyword. Take a closer look with high-resolution photography and multimedia clips. If your interest is piqued, learn more with suggested resources from the Asher Library. This project is supported in part by a grant from the Spitz Foundation. MORE>

The Asher Library at Spertus Institute serves a diverse populace locally, nationally, and internationally, with a special emphasis on developing collections and services for Spertus students and the Jewish community. Our library is open to the public and responds to inquiries from around the globe.

View Collection Highlights and explore an online selection of treasures from Spertus Institute's collection. Get a close look at Jewish religious objects from around the world, as well as fine art, rare books, and historical artifacts. 

Take a look >

FEATURED VIDEO

See the stories behind the objects from our Collection. This one is about the Brook's Family Breastplate.
Watch now

ASHER LIBRARY CATALOG

Search the Library Catalog

FEINBERG eCOLLECTION

The Feinberg eCollection is a collection of Jewish Studies databases which give full-text access to Biblical and Rabbinic sources as well as scholary journals.

THE SENTINEL (1911-1977)

Digitized issues of The Sentinel, a Jewish weekly published in Chicago, are fully searchable on the Historical Jewish Press site.

ASHER LIBRARY HOURS

Due to the exigencies of the Coronavirus situation, Spertus Institute's Asher Library is closed to onsite visitors until further notice.

Contact the Asher Library

312.322.1745

Visit the Resources page to ask research-related questions. Please note that Spertus Institute is not currently accepting donations of books, archival material or artwork, and will not respond to queries about such donations.