Widener Library

Widener Library Review

Harvard University's Harry Elkins Widener Library was named for a young book lover who went down with the Titanic. Holding more than 15 million volumes in more than 90 libraries around the world, the Harvard University Library system is second in size in the United States only to the Library of Congress. Widener Library itself is one of the world's largest individual book repositories: 65 mi of bookshelves snake around six stories above and four stories below ground. Two additional levels are attached by underground tunnel. The imposing neoclassical structure was designed by one of the nation's first major African-American architects, Julian Abele. In the center of the building stands the private collection of Mr. Widener (including his Gutenberg Bible and Shakespeare First Folio) in a circular room featuring his original desk. It was his mother's express wish that fresh flowers be placed on the desk each day, a tradition that continues to this day. The library isn't open to the public; people with a "scholarly need" can apply for admission at the privileges office inside.