Page:Library Construction, Architecture, Fittings, and Furniture.djvu/303

Rh and the most useful reference hooks are within easy reach of all. Books are unpacked in the basement, and are brought to this room by the book-lift, M.

From the inner entrance-hall, C, a staircase leads to the "White" historical library. This is shelved in the large room, W (Fig. 124), which is 66 by 23 feet, exclusive of the large bay, and extends through two storeys into the roof. This room is arranged upon the alcove system, and is intended as a study for historical students. In the open central space are large reading tables, and in each of the twelve alcoves is placed a small study table. Its ultimate book capacity is 50,000 volumes. The rooms on this floor, marked N, O, P, R, are used as seminary rooms, and are each shelved with books appropriate to the studies for which they are intended.

In the basement, which is approached by a staircase from the entrance-hall, are four other seminary rooms, the receiving and packing rooms, and a lecture-hall, seating 900 persons. These are all well lit, as from the sharp slope of the site it has been possible to have windows on each side of the building.

The Milwaukee Library and Museum, now in course of erection, is expected to be finished this year. It is built from the designs of Messrs. Ferry & Clas of that city, the internal plan being founded upon the suggestions of Miss Theresa West, the late librarian.

The site is central, and has a frontage of about 300 feet to one of the principal squares, occupying