Library Architecture

The library itself is a long, relatively narrow, and lofty room, running east-west, with a recess in the middle of the north side. It is 199 feet 8 inches long, 32 feet 5 inches wide, and 37 feet 3 inches high, the recess being 18 feet 1 inch deep and 34 feet 9 inches long. It is lined with bookcases throughout, reaching almost to the ceiling except on the south side. Here, the bookcases extend only to the bottom of a row of large windows, which light the whole of the interior, supplemented by the Serlianas. Additionally, artificial lighting was introduced in 1909, and is now concealed behind the cornice.