Columbia University @ 116th Street
Architect: McKim, Meade and White
Date Constructed: 1897

The Low Library is located at the center of Columbia University’s campus, and the broad plaza in front of it (featuring the statue Alma Mater) is a favorite spot for students to study, chat, and watch the day unfold. The library was designed as the centerpiece of the campus when Columbia moved uptown in 1897 (before that, Columbia was at Madison and 49th). It now contains offices rather than books, which were moved to the larger Butler Library in 1937.