Harvard library reading room

The reading room of Harvard's Widener Library is one of the most iconic academic spaces in the United States, blending neoclassical architecture with a collection of millions of volumes.

About this subject

The Widener Library, located on Harvard's campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, houses the university's main reading room. Built in 1915, it was donated by Eleanor Elkins Widener in memory of her son, Harry Elkins Widener, a bibliophile who died in the sinking of the Titanic. The main reading room, with its high ceiling and bronze chandeliers, is an example of American neoclassical architecture, designed to inspire study and contemplation. The space can accommodate hundreds of students and researchers, with oak tables and solid wood chairs arranged under a central skylight that bathes the room in natural light.

Widener's collection is one of the largest in the world, with over 3.5 million volumes covering humanities, social sciences, and literature. The library is part of the Harvard Library system, the largest academic library on the planet, with about 20 million items. Among its rare works are medieval manuscripts, first editions of Shakespeare, and the Gutenberg Bible. The reading room has hosted notable figures such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, T.S. Eliot, and Helen Keller, who studied or conducted research there.

Interestingly, Widener has a peculiar tradition: every year on the anniversary of Harry Widener's death, a red rose is placed on his grave in Philadelphia, and the library holds a silent ceremony. Moreover, the building was constructed with fireproof brick, an innovation at the time, ensuring the preservation of the collection. The reading room is so iconic that it served as inspiration for sets in films like 'The Social Network' and 'The Exorcist,' highlighting its solemn and intellectual atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Harvard's Widener Library so famous?

It is one of the largest and richest academic libraries in the world, with a collection of over 3.5 million volumes and a history linked to the Titanic. Its neoclassical reading room is a symbol of scholarship and has appeared in famous films.

Who was Harry Elkins Widener?

Harry Elkins Widener was a book collector and Harvard graduate who died in the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. His mother donated the library in his memory, with the condition that students learn to swim.

What is the architectural significance of the reading room?

The reading room is an example of American neoclassicism, with a high ceiling, skylight, bronze chandeliers, and oak furniture. Its design was intended to create a quiet and inspiring study environment.