Beautiful College Libraries: University of Chicago
Nestled in the park-like campus of the University of Chicago is one of the most surprising, yet inspirational libraries in the state of Illinois. The Harper Library and Reading Room was established in 2009 as an answer to a need for combining the pre-existing Harper library and Stuart Reading Rooms. The academic portion of student life is equal parts quiet learning, collaborative research and inspiration. There is no better place on the University of Chicago campus than this, the Harper Memorial Library Commons.
There are six libraries at U of C; six libraries containing a total of 8.5 million books, manuscripts and rare volumes. Up until World War II, all buildings on campus were designed in the Collegiate Gothic style. The idea was to give the University of Chicago an ambiance close to that of Ivy League schools such as Oxford. For example, Mitchell Tower is akin to the Magdalen Tower at Oxford and the University Commons in which the Harper rooms reside is designed after Oxford’s Christ Church Hall. Collegiate Gothic architectural style is evoked in a tall, foreboding, and proud manner. The buildings stand out on the Chicago skyline, reminding residents of the knowledge that lies within.
Looking north, while standing on the Midway of the University of Chicago campus, one will be struck by the cathedral-like presence of Harper Memorial. Towers at either end of the building rise up, each crowned with differing turrets. Yet despite the differences, the towers pair well with the adjoining building very well. Seven three-story high stained glass windows enhance the adjoining commons building, yet the windows of the towers are simple leaded glass.
As one heads into the Harper Memorial Building the sweet smells of old wood and well-loved books invokes a sense of quiet comfort. Long oak study tables sit amid streams of sunlight coming through the towering stained glass windows. Upon closer inspection one can see how scores of students have sat at these study tables, undoubtedly with numerous volumes spread before them. The movements of learners and books have worn the wood down in comfortable rounded grooves in various places. Even the spots where antique librarian lamps have sat for perhaps 100 years are marked by memories of the original wood finish.
From afar, Harper Memorial looks a lot like a cathedral with its steeple missing. From inside the center building, the long and expansive study hall gives the same impression, yet with added warmth. Perhaps it is the quiet footsteps on subtle carpeting that feels welcoming. Or it could just be the friendly presence of more than 60,000 volumes, manuscripts and works of literary importance.
In truth, every corner of Harper Memorial Commons feels like an intimate European cathedral. Even the Common Knowledge Caf, with its striking red feature wall reflecting the light back through tall lead glass windows. A theme of dark ornately carved wood continues into the caf, and through the Al Weisman newspaper corner. The beauty and inspiration of the Harper Memorial Library is not only in its architecture, it is in the history of those worn oak tables. They symbolize the student, the seeker of education, and the importance of the never ending quest for knowledge. Read the rest of this entry
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