The Museum's extensive collection of published materials includes more than 66,000 books and pamphlets, 14,000 volumes of periodicals, 3,500 volumes of newspapers, 5,700 pieces of sheet music, and 10,000 maps and atlases. The collection holdings grow daily, primarily through donations from individuals and organizations.

The thousands of materials available through our Research Center provide background and content for both our own exhibitions as well as many outside publications and exhibitions. The materials includes such varied items as turn of the century guidebooks, department store catalogs, Chicago-related magazines and newspapers, high school yearbooks, World’s Columbian and Century of Progress souvenir booklets, and ephemera ranging from programs for sports and entertainment events to menus and invitations.