Doe Memorial Library, main library of the UC Berkeley Library System
Doe Memorial Library is the main library of the University of California, Berkeley, built in Classical Revival style with columns and ornamental details. It connects underground to the Bancroft Library, which houses important historical documents and research collections.
The library was founded in 1911 after architect Emile Benard won a design competition, made possible by Charles Franklin Doe's bequest. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, and the underground Gardner Stacks opened in 1995.
The library is named after Charles Franklin Doe, a benefactor whose gift made this building possible. The statues and classical details on the facade, particularly the Athena sculpture above the main entrance, reflect how the library represents wisdom and learning at Berkeley.
The library is accessible to visitors with disabilities through ramps and accessible pathways, with no special registration required to enter. Hours are flexible with extensive study spaces, though some services like borrowing may be limited during late evening hours.
A statue on the grounds is often mistaken for Albert Einstein but actually depicts writer Mark Twain holding a copy of his novel. The common confusion shows how visual similarity can blend history and identity in surprising ways.
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