Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library

Wishlisted by Michelle

Yale University's Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library is the world's largest library dedicated solely for the containment, preservation, and open use of rare books, manuscripts and other publications. The architecture was made with delicate care of the titles in mind. The lighting specifically had to consider ample reading light for students and researchers, whilst limiting it enough that it won't affect the texts. With this in mind, the exterior of the building is made up of translucent marble panes, one and one-fourth inches that allows light to difuse into and illuminate the library. In the middle of the neo- gothic styled building is a glass tower that holds 180,000 of the millions of books the library carries. The tower houses the most valuable in the collection. These books are generally off- limits or exclusive to libriarians. But a marble staircase allows patrons to move around the glass tower. The mezzanine level of the library is an open area for students and other patrons to use for reading and studying. The library also has a classroom, reference and catalog room, reading room, staff room and a sunken room for use.

Bibliophile Stops