Widener Library

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Widener Library is the centerpiece of the Harvard Library system at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is one of the largest libraries in the world and serves as the primary repository for Harvard's extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and other scholarly materials.

History

Widener Library was constructed between 1912 and 1915 and was named in honor of Harry Elkins Widener, a 1907 Harvard graduate who perished in the RMS Titanic disaster. His mother, Eleanor Elkins Widener, donated funds for the library's construction as a memorial to her son. The building was designed by the architectural firm of Horace Trumbauer & Associates, with Julian F. Abele, one of the first prominent African-American architects, playing a significant role in its design.

Architecture

The library is an example of Beaux-Arts architecture, characterized by its grandiose and elaborate design. The building features a large central block with two wings, a grand staircase, and a prominent portico with Corinthian columns. The interior includes a vast reading room, numerous study spaces, and specialized rooms for rare books and manuscripts.

Collections

Widener Library houses over 3.5 million volumes, making it one of the largest university libraries in the world. Its collections cover a wide range of subjects, including the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The library is particularly noted for its extensive holdings in American history, European history, and classical studies.

Services

The library provides a variety of services to support the research and educational needs of the Harvard community. These include reference assistance, interlibrary loan, and access to digital resources. The library also offers specialized services for the preservation and conservation of rare and fragile materials.

Access

Widener Library is primarily accessible to Harvard students, faculty, and staff. However, it also offers limited access to visiting scholars and researchers. The library's main entrance is located on Harvard Yard, and it is connected to other libraries in the Harvard Library system through an extensive network of tunnels.

Related Pages

• Harvard University
• Harvard Yard
• Harvard Library
• RMS Titanic
• Beaux-Arts architecture
• Horace Trumbauer
• Julian F. Abele

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