Page:Library Construction, Architecture, Fittings, and Furniture.djvu/335

Rh given in Fig. 2, for it is interesting as showing the construction of one of the most celebrated of the early libraries. The structure was circular, and surrounded by a parallelogram. The centre was lit by a lantern supported on twelve massive pillars, the bases of which were surrounded by bookcases, the circular walls being also encased on both sides. The outer walls of the building were 150 feet by no, and in each of the four corners an odd-shaped room was formed for catalogues, manuscripts, and other rarities. The outer part of the building was three storeys high, access being gained by a staircase in the entrance-hall.

The public library at Athens was erected in 1892, from the plans of Mr. George Hansen, the building, which cost £100,000, being the gift of a wealthy merchant named Valliano. The ground plan of the library is simple. The reading-room extends from the entrance-hall to the back, and has on each side a large book-store, approached by a short corridor, running from the centre of the room. In the façade the central part of the building is accentuated by being brought forward, and approached by winding steps, the book-stores on either side being kept well back and subordinated to it. The architecture is classical, and in keeping with the ancient buildings near it. The building is two storeys in height, the reading-room being on the first floor, and is approached through a colonnade of marble pillars and an entrance-hall. It is a noble room, 85 feet by 50, with a row of marble columns running around it, and