Butler Library, academic library at Columbia University
Butler Library is the main library of Columbia University on campus in Manhattan and holds more than two million books and other materials. The ten-story building in Neoclassical style was constructed between 1931 and 1934 to replace the older Low Library, which no longer provided adequate space for the growing university community.
The building opened in 1934 to replace the overcrowded Low Library and was later named after Nicholas Murray Butler, the university's longtime president. Architect James Gamble Rogers designed it with classical features meant to serve the institution during the Great Depression and for decades to come.
The library displays names of famous writers and thinkers engraved on its exterior, though most are from earlier periods and represent primarily male scholars. Over time, students have protested and hung banners featuring women authors and Black writers to advocate for more diverse representation on the building.
The library remains open year-round and stays open all night during the school year, making it accessible to students studying at different times of day. Facilities include computer terminals, group study rooms on multiple levels, a cafe, and lounge areas that support different learning styles.
During exam periods, students often hold spots by leaving books or laptops overnight, and some even stay through the night in the library to remain near their study materials. These practices reflect the intense academic pressure and have created a unique campus phenomenon where students strategically place belongings to claim study seats.
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