I thought there was a fee to visit the library but perhaps I'm not remembering correctly. Here is the URL with frequently asked questions about the library:
http://www.newberry.org/collections/FAQs.html#Eligible

The city directories are not in their regular catalog but can be found here:
www.newberry.org/genealogy/dirholdings.html

It is very sad that the politicians in my home state behave the way they do. But please don't assume every institution in the state behaves the way the politicians do.

Patricia
Champaign IL