Library, Columbia University, 1922

 

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The library at Columbia University is the Columbia University Libraries system, which includes more than 20 libraries and collections on the university's main campus in New York City, as well as additional libraries located off-campus.

The centerpiece of the system is the Butler Library, which was completed in 1934 and is located on the Morningside Heights campus. The building was designed by the architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White and is considered one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in the United States.

The Columbia University Libraries system is one of the largest academic library systems in the United States, with more than 13 million volumes, 160,000 journals and serials, and extensive collections of maps, manuscripts, and rare books. The libraries also provide access to a wide range of digital resources, including e-books, journals, and databases.

ChatGPT

Columbia University, Library, New York, 1906

LIB750671

Seth Low Memorial Library, Columbia University, New York, New York

[LIB11235]

Columbia University Library, New York City

[LIB9261] This monumental edifice, combining the Roman Classic Style with Greek Refinements was erected in 1897 at a cost of $13,000,000, a gift of President Low. It is the focal point of the general campus layout, occupying a commanding position on Morningside Heights, and has an estimated capacity of 1,500,000 volumes. [from the back of the card]

1917 The Library, Columbia University, New York, New York

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Low Memorial Library, Columbia University, New York City

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1913 The Library, Columbia University, New York City

[LIB2605] Jewels in Her Crown: Treasures of Columbia University Libraries Special Collections
Digital exhibition in honor of Columbia's 250th anniversary celebration (on display October 8, 2004 - January 28, 2005). Includes materials from Columbia's East Asian Collections. [Website]

1902 The Library, Columbia University, New York

[LIB2353]

The Library of Columbia University, New York City, New York

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1910 The Library of Columbia University, New York, NY

[LIB645] - Sorry, no reproduction available.

Seth Low Library, Columbia University, New York City

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Library, Columbia University, New York City

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1906 Library, Columbia University, New York

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I really like this card! Here is what I find fascinating. First, the sender asked, "Wait for me to night?" I wondered if this was a hand-delivered card or if it was actually sent. If it was sent, did the sender assume it would reach the recipient the same day? As you can see, this card was mailed. Notice the New York postmark, dated 30 May 1906 at 1:30 p.m. The card is addressed to Adeline Jackson, Danbury, Connecticut. Imagine that, no street address! So, the post office knew where Ms. Jackson resided (though the card does say c/o McLean Bros.). Notice next that the card is postmarked at Danbury, same day, at 6:30 p.m.! The sender really did expect the card to arrive on the same day!

1954 Low Library, Columbia University, NY

Columbia University Commemorative stamp, 1754-1954.

[LIB3555]

1906 Library of the Columbia University, New York

[LIB3344]
Addressed to Anthony Monteverde of Sayville, Long Island, New York.

Did you know? Low Library, Columbia University, NYC

Low Memorial Library was constructed in 1895 as the architectural center of the Morningside Heights campus, and named for Seth Low, a former president of the university. The building
housed the campus library until 1934, and today serves as the location of the office of the president and the Columbia archival collection, as well as the site for the annual awarding of the Pulitzer Prizes.

The Library was designed by the architectural firm of McKim, Mead, and White,
which was responsible for the design of much of Columbia's Morningside Heights campus.
The steps leading to the library's columned facade are a popular meeting place for Columbia students, as well as home to Daniel Chester French's sculpture, Alma Mater, a university symbol.

Designed in the neo-classical style, incorporating many of the elements of Rome's Pantheon,
the columns on the library's front facade are in the Ionic order, suited to institutions of arts and letters. The 106-foot tall rotunda, formerly the library reading room when the building was used for its original function, is lined with columns of solid green Connemara marble from Ireland, topped with gold capitals.

Low Library's location, atop a plinth of stairs at the centre of campus, was meant to demonstrate the value of the secular pursuit of knowledge as opposed to religion, the role of which was minimised via the subsidiary placement of the university's religious buildings on Low's right and left flanks.

The first building on Columbia's new Morningside campus when it was built in 1895, rising out of cropfields, Low originally served as the university's main library, a role which ended when it was supplanted by the larger Butler Library in 1934, and it now only holds the university's archives in addition to its administrative offices. In 1954, during the University's bicentennial, Low Library was commemorated on a postage stamp.

1914 Library, Columbia University, New York City

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Published by McGown-Silsbee Litho Co.

Low Memorial Library, Columbia University, NY

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1936 The Library of Columbia University, New York NY

[LIB2382] Published by Curt Teich, Chicago IL no. 5A-H117

1905 The Library of Columbia University NEW YORK CITY

[LIB1925]

Published by Souvenir Post Card Co. New York. Printed in Germany.