Gerber/Hart Library and Archives – Midwest LGBTQ History & Culture

Happy Birthday Pearl!

Join Gerber/Hart’s first annual Day of Giving to celebrate the birthday of Pearl M. Hart’s birthday (April 7)! Sign the virtual birthday card for Pearl, and support Gerber/Hart Library and Archives with a one-time or recurring donation. Pearl would have been 131 this year, so there are suggested donations ofContinue Reading

Expanded Ongoing Spring Booksale

Additional tables have been put out to hold more books, so it is up to about half the size of the offerings at the usual one day booksales. The booksale runs through the end of May and is in the the library reading room during open hours of operation. AsContinue Reading

New Online Exhibit Platform

A new online exhibit platform has been initiated. It currently has three exhibits: Chicago Lesbian and Gay History 1924-1978, Queer Zines, and Merchandise Catalogs. The platform can be accessed at exhibits.gerberhart.org or by clicking the “Online Exhibits” button in the above.Continue Reading

Q: Activism at the Margins of Identity

Emerging as an outgrowth of the AIDS pandemic and the activism it brought forth, the 1990s saw a new wave of advocacy sweep through queer communities in Chicago and across the country. Political hostility, gay-for-pay media representation, and ongoing threats of physical violence pushed queer identities to the margins ofContinue Reading

Organization Pins

Organizations are a foundation for LGBTQ communities. A selection of local and national organization pins from political, service and performance organizations are on display. The exhibit is in the Walgreens waiting area and runs through June 2021.Continue Reading

Gerber/Hart has resumed its regular hours of operation for walk-in patrons and for viewing exhibits. You do not need to make an appointment to browse the library collection, view exhibits, or come to the booksale.

Researchers (those making use of archives collections, periodicals, or items from Special Collections and making use of a researcher's table) should still make appointments. To make an appointment, please email info@gerberhart.org at least 24 hours before you plan to visit.

Hours of operation and for appointments are Wednesdays and Thursday 6-9 p.m., Fridays 12 noon-4 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Please wear a face mask when you visit. We are following guidelines to make your visit safe: seating has been arranged to ensure social distancing, reduced occupancy guidelines have been established, areas are sanitized in relation to patron use, hand sanitizer is available, and returned items are quarantined. We look forward to your future visits.