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Clements Library Under Construction (1922 ca)
Bentley Historical Library Photo: BL004650
Clements Library Today
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In May of
1921, the university was given a rare collection of books by Regent William
L. Clements and asked that a building be constructed to house them.[42]
The library was constructed on the former site of one of the old
faculty houses (which also housed the engineering program and the Dental School) on South University Street next to the President’s house. Designed by Albert Kahn of Detroit, the building is Italian Renaissance in
style and is characterized by three large archways in blue and gold
mosaic. The main room is covered with
rich oak paneling, a beautifully painted ceiling, and contains eighteenth
century style furniture. The rare book
room is constructed with metal lined doors and steel shutters to ensure
protection of the materials from fire or theft. Machinery in the attic assures proper air
quality and humidity to prevent damages from aging.[42]
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