Sterling Memorial Library

Sterling Memorial Library

In the heart of central campus, Sterling Memorial Library is Yale’s largest library and one of the University’s most iconic buildings. Completed in 1930, it houses more than 2.5 million volumes, with a focus on humanities and area studies, on 14 floors of book stacks. Designed by architect James Gamble Rogers (Yale Class of 1889) and later named for its benefactor, John William Sterling (Yale Class of 1864), the library is built in the Collegiate Gothic style to resemble a European cathedral. The main entrance, known as the Nave, has a 60-foot ceiling, cloisters, clerestory windows, side chapels, and a circulation desk altar. Stained glass windows throughout the building—3,300 in all—were designed by artist G. Owen Bonawit.

The Linonia and Brothers Reading Room (L&B Room) is a popular study space serving generations of Yale students. A large space distinguished by its ornate plaster ceilings, rich woodwork, stained glass windows, and massive chandeliers, the room is outfitted with reading tables, comfortable green leather armchairs and couches, and built-in bookcases. Six alcoves, which overlook Selin Courtyard, provide a semi-private space for studying and reading. The renovation of the L&B Room will revitalize this architecturally significant space, providing improvements in lighting and environmental controls. At the west end of the room, the removal of wooden partitions will open access to a comfortable lounge area, a configuration that was part of the L&B Room’s original design.

Gifts of $100,000 or more to renovate the L&B Room will be recognized on a group plaque. A gift of $1,000,000 or more will be recognized with the naming of one of six available alcoves.

Gift Amount: $100,000-$1,000,000+
Available Opportunities: Multiple
The iconic reading room, originally built for Yale’s rare book collections, is one of the library’s most frequently used spaces. Distinctive in design, with ornate stone work, wood paneling, and two stories of glass-fronted bookcases, the reading room is an architectural showpiece. Through renovation, it has been significantly reconfigured to provide better environmental conditions, security for collections, and an improved researcher experience. An unrestricted circulation path enables easier movement throughout the room and provides a visual divide between the row of reading tables and the line of staff service stations, both of which extend the entire length of the room. Readers’ workstations are well lit and comfortably furnished, and a new elevator enables staff to transfer collections materials to and from storage more safely and efficiently.

A gift of $3,000,000 or more to name the Manuscripts and Archives reading room will be directed to the University Library endowment.

Gift Amount: $3,000,000
Available Opportunities: 1

Key Contacts

Basie Bales Gitlin

Director of Development, Yale University Library and Yale Collections
basie.gitlin@yale.edu
203.432.9851

Christina Woodford

Library Gift Officer
christina.woodford@yale.edu
203.432.6436