The John Speck Memorial Library consists of one the nation's largest collections of mountaineering books, guides, pamphlets, and journals. It also contains materials related to the Club’s history, and serves as an archive for other Club records. The library's is located at First Ascent Climbing Gym, 701 Rohlwing Road, Arlington Heights.

The library is currently undergoing cataloging and maintenance after having moved into First Ascent Arlington Heights. Until this work is completed, the library will be closed; current estimate for opening the library to membership and the public is Summer 2024. 

Planned features for the library include:

• A searchable online catalog
• Patron accounts for members
• Once a month staffed open library days, for members to checkout books, and the public to explore what the library has to offer.

For all inquiries, please contact the CMC Librarian.