Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library

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Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library

The Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library is one of the premier architecture libraries in the world. It is part of Columbia University in New York City, and it serves as a vital resource for students, faculty, and researchers in the fields of architecture, historic preservation, art history, and urban planning.

History

The library was established in 1890 through a bequest from Henry Ogden Avery, a prominent architect who was a graduate of the Columbia School of Architecture. Avery's widow, Mary Ogden Avery, donated his extensive collection of architectural drawings and books to Columbia University, forming the foundation of the library's collection.

Collections

The Avery Library houses over 400,000 volumes and more than 2 million architectural drawings, photographs, and archives. Its collections include rare books, periodicals, and manuscripts that cover a wide range of topics in architecture and the fine arts. The library is particularly noted for its comprehensive collection of architectural drawings and blueprints, which span from the Renaissance to the present day.

Notable Collections

• The Frank Lloyd Wright Collection
• The Le Corbusier Archive
• The Philip Johnson Papers
• The Frederick Law Olmsted Collection

Facilities

The library is located in Schermerhorn Hall on the Morningside Heights campus of Columbia University. It features reading rooms, study spaces, and specialized facilities for the preservation and digitization of its collections. The library also offers various services, including reference assistance, interlibrary loan, and access to digital resources.

Services

Avery Library provides a range of services to support research and scholarship. These include:

• Reference and research assistance
• Access to digital collections and databases
• Interlibrary loan services
• Workshops and instructional sessions on using library resources

Related Pages

• Columbia University Libraries
• Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation
• Art Libraries Society of North America
• New York Public Library
• Library of Congress

See Also

• List of architecture libraries
• List of art libraries
• List of Columbia University buildings

External Links

• Columbia University Libraries