Russell Sage Foundation Library

provide adequate storage space for books not only for the present but for years to come, and to make the entire collection readily accessible; and finally to so arrange books and readers that the library might be a quiet place for serious study. The location of the library at the top of the building made sure, at the outset, of an abundance of light and the elimination of street noise, while the following brief description will show how the various needs have been realized: The library is reached by electric elevators, which open into the main public corridor on the upper floor. This hall, with its vaulted ceiling and oak wainscot, is a pleasing bit of Florentine work. At the east end of it is the main entrance to the library. At the left of the elevators is a well-lighted workroom, 16 x 23 feet, with seven large windows; the corridor and stairway being between this and the public rooms, the noise of typewriters never reaches the readers. Directly in front of the elevators, extending half across the front of the building, is the periodical room, containing bound files and current numbers of the magazines. Five great windows glazed after the Florentine manner, with copper rondels, open on to a loggia extending the full length of the room. The barrelled ceiling is supported by Kingwood stone columns and pilasters, with carved caps symbolizing some of the activities of the Foundation. The wood in this room is Colima oak, a Mexican product, and the floor of r...