Library East, historic library in Gainesville, Florida, United States
Library East is an academic library building at the University of Florida in Gainesville, opened in October 1926 and designed in Gothic Revival style with stone work and pointed architectural details. Inside, the building features high ceilings, tall windows that provide natural light, and spacious rooms with shelves holding books, maps, and research materials across multiple floors.
The building opened in 1926 designed by William Augustus Edwards and was expanded after World War II by architect Guy Fulton. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and renamed in 1991 to honor Senator George Smathers.
The building houses collections that reflect diverse cultural traditions, from the Judaica Suite dedicated to Jewish literature to the extensive Latin American and Caribbean holdings. Visitors can experience how the library preserves and presents stories from different regions and communities.
The building is open to the public and welcomes visitors to explore its various collections across multiple floors, including maps, rare items, and research materials. Inside spaces are quiet and spacious, providing comfortable areas for reading and study at desks and in dedicated reading rooms.
A 1953 mural created by artist Hollis Holbrook depicts scenes from Florida's educational history and includes a hidden dedication to the artist's son on a small plaque. The artwork underwent careful restoration in 2015 and can be seen in the Special Collections Grand Reading Room.
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