COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY: BUTLER & LOW

Butler Library, which opened in 1934, was modeled on the Greek Parthenon and is one of the largest buildings on the Morningside campus. Named after the university’s former president Nicholas Murray Butler, the library is home to over 9.3 million books. During the school year, Butler is the only library open twenty-four hours, which has made it the go-to spot for late night studying.

Low Library, a neo-classical gem modeled on the Roman Pantheon, is a famous New York landmark. Many can attest to feeling confused upon entering Low Library for the first time, only to be directed toward the real library across college walk. Yet, despite the fact that the building’s façade is still engraved with the words “The Library of Columbia University,” Low only served as the university’s main library until 1934, when it was supplanted by Butler. Now, Low mainly serves as an administrative center and includes the office of the president and the provost.  On warm days, hundreds of students congregate on its front steps to bathe in the sun.