Butler Library

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Butler Library is the largest single library in the Columbia University Libraries system and one of the largest buildings on the Morningside Heights campus of Columbia University in New York City. It is named after Nicholas Murray Butler, the university's president from 1902 to 1945.

History

Butler Library was designed by the renowned architect James Gamble Rogers and completed in 1934. The library was constructed to address the growing need for a larger library facility to accommodate the expanding collection of books and resources at Columbia University. The building is an example of Beaux-Arts architecture, characterized by its grand scale, classical details, and symmetry.

Architecture

The exterior of Butler Library features a grand facade with columns and a portico, reflecting the Beaux-Arts style. The interior includes several reading rooms, study spaces, and specialized collections. The main reading room, known as the Butler Library Reading Room, is a large, open space with high ceilings and ample natural light, providing a conducive environment for study and research.

Collections and Services

Butler Library houses a vast collection of books, periodicals, and other resources across various disciplines. It is particularly strong in the humanities and social sciences. The library also offers a range of services, including research assistance, interlibrary loan, and access to digital resources. Special collections within Butler Library include rare books, manuscripts, and archives that are of significant historical and scholarly value.

Notable Features

One of the notable features of Butler Library is the Milstein Family College Library, which is located on the second floor. This library within a library provides a more intimate setting for undergraduate students. Additionally, the Rare Book & Manuscript Library (RBML) is located within Butler Library and contains a wealth of rare and unique materials.

Usage

Butler Library is a central hub for students, faculty, and researchers at Columbia University. It is open to members of the Columbia community and, in some cases, to external researchers. The library's extensive hours and numerous study spaces make it a popular location for studying and academic work.

Related Pages

• Columbia University
• Columbia University Libraries
• Morningside Heights
• James Gamble Rogers
• Beaux-Arts architecture
• Nicholas Murray Butler
• Rare Book & Manuscript Library