The Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library in Cambridge, MA near New York, NY
Known for housing one of the largest university book collections in the world, the library invites bibliophiles, academics, and tourists alike to dive into an ocean of knowledge. With its rich history and impressive architecture, the Library is much more than just a hub of scholarly resources; it's a testament to the love of literature and passion for learning.
The library's inception carries tragedy and tribute. It was established in 1915, as a memorial to Harry Elkins Widener, a Harvard graduate and book lover who tragically died in the Titanic disaster. His grieving mother donated $3.5 million to Harvard for the construction of the library, with a stipulation that the university should never modify its exterior look. Now, over a hundred years later, the Widener Library, standing in the heart of Harvard Yard, remains true to Mrs. Widener's wish.
The grandeur of the library is not limited to its neoclassical facade of red brick and limestone. Inside, it contains over 50 miles of shelves, housing more than three million volumes. It boasts of the Harvard Depository, where over a century's worth of books are stored. The Library's most notable feature is perhaps the Widener Reading Room, an enormous, light-filled space with high ceilings, rows of study desks, and a quiet environment that beckons visitors to pore over ancient tomes or recent publications in solace.
Moreover, the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library is also home to rarities, such as a Gutenberg Bible and a world-renowned collection on Byzantine Empire and Medieval history. An interesting highlight is the private collection of Harry Widener himself, which includes a treasure trove of early editions of Dickens's and Kipling's works, and Shakespeare's Folios. Also on display is the Widener copy of the Gutenberg Bible, one of the few remaining copies of the first major publication printed using movable type in the 15th century.
In summary, the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library in Cambridge, Massachusetts is more than a place to check out a book or find a quiet study spot. It is an enduring monument of love, a repository of intellectual wealth, as well as a cornerstone of Harvard University. For anyone with a fervor for knowledge, an appreciation for history or architecture, or simply a love for tranquility, the Widener Library is a must-visit. It promises to engage, inspire and captivate, providing an unforgettable experience.
