Suspended high above in the atrium is Crystara a sculpture marrying aluminum and crystal. This art piece is just one unique aspect of the John Crerar Library. Let’s delve into the story of this Chicago landmark. The John Crerar Library stands as a beacon of knowledge. It houses extensive collections in science, medicine, and technology.
The John Crerar Library’s story began in 1894. John Crerar, a wealthy railroad supply magnate, bequeathed his fortune to establish a free public library. Crerar wanted a library promoting “healthy moral and Christian sentiment”. He wanted to exclude “nastiness and immorality”. The library opened its doors on April 1 1897.
Initially, the John Crerar Library was located in the Marshall Field building. It later moved to its own building on Randolph Street and Michigan Avenue in 1921. As the collection grew, the library affiliated with the Illinois Institute of Technology IIT. In 1962, a new building designed by Walter Netsch became its home.
By the 1970s, the John Crerar Library outgrew its IIT location. In 1981, a pivotal decision was made. The John Crerar Library would consolidate with the University of Chicago’s science collection. A new building was constructed. It opened on September 10 1984. The merger created one of the largest library collections in American history. It contained 900000 volumes.
The John Crerar Library’s current building at 5730 S. Ellis Avenue is impressive. Stubbins Associates designed the four-story structure. It covers 160836 square feet. The building can house 1.3 million volumes. The facade is limestone. It recalls the gothic architecture of the University of Chicago campus. The library’s motto is carved in stone: “Non est mortuus qui scientiam vivificavit.” It translates to “He has not died who has given life to knowledge”.
Inside, a skylight illuminates a three-story atrium. There is Crystara. This sculpture is made of aluminum and Waterford crystal. John David Mooney, a Chicago artist, created it. The sculpture refracts natural light creating a stunning visual effect.
The John Crerar Library has always been innovative. After World War II, it offered fee-based research services to industry and government. In 1952, it installed a Teletype machine. Today, the library provides computer-based searches of scientific and medical databases.
The John Crerar Library also supports future generations. The John Crerar Foundation sponsors a Science Writing Prize for college students. The John Crerar Library continues to serve researchers and the public. It upholds John Crerar’s vision of a library dedicated to science and knowledge.
The John Crerar Library is more than just books and shelves. It embodies the spirit of inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge. Take a moment to appreciate this institution. It enriches Chicago and the world.