Sterling Memorial Library - New Haven, Connecticut

Jeremy E.

Sterling Memorial Library, a Gothic masterpiece nestled in the heart of Yale University, stands as a testament to the institution's rich history and architectural grandeur. Yet, beneath its impressive facade, a complex tapestry of controversies and challenges emerges, raising questions about its legacy and future.

The library's sheer scale and architectural beauty are undeniable. Its soaring book tower, ornate entrance, and intricate details evoke a sense of awe and wonder. As the largest of Yale's libraries, it houses a vast collection of humanities and social sciences materials, making it an invaluable resource for scholars and researchers alike.

However, the library's legacy is marred by controversies that cannot be ignored. The depictions of Native Americans on its entrance, for example, have been rightly criticized as stereotypical and offensive. These images perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to a legacy of cultural appropriation.

Moreover, the debate over renaming the library due to John Sterling's connections to slavery-based wealth is a complex one. While it is essential to acknowledge and address the historical injustices of the past, renaming a building is a significant decision with far-reaching implications.

Balancing the preservation of the building's historical character with the need for modern amenities and technologies is another challenge. The library must adapt to the changing needs of its users while maintaining its architectural integrity.

Finally, the issue of public access to the library raises important questions. As a major research institution, Yale has a responsibility to ensure that its resources are accessible to a wide range of scholars and researchers.

Despite these challenges, Sterling Memorial Library remains a remarkable institution that is well worth a visit. Its architectural beauty, vast collection, and historical significance make it a must-see for anyone interested in libraries, architecture, or the history of higher education. However, it is essential to approach the library with a critical eye, recognizing its flaws and the ongoing conversations surrounding its legacy.

Chaya A. K.

Fascinating history behind its construction: It was meant to be a church but due to its being constructed by an alum architect who returned at a time of secularization of the university, it ended up becoming a library with a gothic design. It has stained glasses that are secularly themed. Many corners with a story to tell, such as its discipline-based zoning and painting of the first batch of female PhD graduates.

Martha

Beautiful architecture inside and out. You can visit it for free during the day. This is an operating library and study area, so please be respectful of the patrons. I have seen guided tours of the building, not sure how often those take place. Also, security will conduct a bag check on your way out.

Daniel

Wow this building is beautiful! I think it’s gothic. It’s gorgeous, massive, and feels solid. It’s at least a few hundred years old. The inside has intricate architecture, and the ceiling is beautiful and arched and made of wood. If you are here to actually checkout books they have plenty, and many are old which is cool. The place is very quiet.

Andrew M.

Wonderful old library right on Yale's old campus. The stone work is outstanding. Wish you could see more however most of it is only accessible by college students and staff.

Madison B.

Will always be beautiful and special to me.

I love all of the different reading rooms of Sterling. There truly is so much to see in here. Don’t just visit the first floor. Check out the reading rooms on all of the different floors. Some notable ones: Egyptology, Slavic Reading Room, and the East Asian Studies Library.

There also is an entire collection on Benjamin Franklin, which I randomly stumbled upon one day. Also, on one of the top floors, the film archive is an interesting find as well.

Explore all of the stacks and different rooms! There’s a lot more than what meets the eye.

Arik B.

The building looks beautiful from the outside. I came here in the early afternoon on a Sunday with my family, and it was supposed to be open to the public before 6pm. They turned us away and told us they could not let us in apparently because of a protest happening on campus. We were disappointed that we had to leave New Heaven without having seen the inside of the library.

Aggie W.

It’s the largest library at Yale and one of the most iconic buildings in the campus. The Library was built a Gothic style resembled an European cathedral. It’s beautiful and impressive both inside and out. It’s open to visitors until 6pm even you are not a Yale student. There are lots of seatings downstairs. At the end of the hallway, there is reading room and some exhibitions. It displays an ancient bible. Underground there is a pass way to Bass Library.