Uris Library

Uris Library is the central undergraduate library of Cornell University, located on the Arts Quad in Ithaca, New York. Dedicated in 1891, it was the university's first library building and is named for Harold D. Uris and Percy Uris, alumni and benefactors. The building is renowned for its distinctive Romanesque Revival design and houses the iconic A.D. White Reading Room.

History

The library's construction was funded by a gift from Henry Williams Sage, a trustee and benefactor of the university, and was dedicated on October 7, 1891. It was originally known simply as the University Library, serving as the primary collection for Cornell University until the completion of the larger Carl A. Kroch Library in 1992. The building was renamed in 1962 following a major donation from the Uris Brothers Foundation, established by Harold D. Uris and Percy Uris. Throughout its history, it has been a central academic hub, with its collections evolving alongside the growth of the Cornell University Library system. Key figures in its development include the university's first president, Andrew Dickson White, whose personal collection forms the core of a special library within the building.

Architecture

Designed by architect William Henry Miller, the library is a premier example of Romanesque Revival architecture in the United States. Its exterior is characterized by Triassic brownstone masonry, rounded arches, and a prominent clock tower. The interior centerpiece is the A.D. White Reading Room, a grand, three-story space with a vaulted ceiling, ornate woodwork, and stained-glass windows depicting figures from history and literature. The room is furnished with long oak tables and green lamps, preserving a traditional academic atmosphere. Miller, who also designed other early Cornell buildings like Boardman Hall and Schwartz Center, incorporated symbolic carvings and details throughout the structure, reflecting the educational ideals of the Ivy League institution.

Collections

While its general circulating collections were transferred to other libraries in the late 20th century, Uris Library maintains robust holdings supporting undergraduate study across disciplines. It houses the extensive Asia Collections and the School of Hotel Administration library. The building is also home to the rare and distinctive A.D. White Library, the personal collection of Andrew Dickson White which focuses on the history of the French Revolution, the Reformation, and the history of science. Other notable collections include the Eugene B. Power Collection for the study of British literature and the Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division. These materials support research for students and scholars from the College of Arts and Sciences and beyond.

Services and facilities

The library provides a wide array of services tailored to undergraduate needs, including research consultations, course reserves, and interlibrary loan access through the Cornell University Library network. Key facilities include numerous group study rooms, computer labs, and a media center. The A.D. White Reading Room serves as a quintessential silent study hall, while other floors offer collaborative workspaces. The library also hosts workshops and instructional sessions led by librarians from the John M. Olin Library and other units. Its central location on the Arts Quad makes it a highly accessible and popular study destination for students from the College of Engineering and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

In popular culture

The iconic A.D. White Reading Room has been featured as a filming location, notably appearing in the movie The Last of the Mohicans. Its grand, scholarly atmosphere has made it a visual symbol of the Ivy League and has been used in numerous university promotional materials and publications. The library's distinctive clock tower and facade are often depicted in artwork and photography representing Cornell University and the town of Ithaca, New York. It has been referenced in works by authors associated with the university and serves as a backdrop in campus tours highlighted by the Cornell Athletic Association.

Category:Cornell University Category:Libraries in New York (state) Category:Buildings and structures in Ithaca, New York