Southern standard. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1851-1856, 1853-06-25

Byzantile styles, or rather in the style Of the roy
al palaces of Florence, and presents strongly i'm
posing appearance, both in its external and inter-
nal structure Its dimensions are 100 feet in
length by SIS in width, and from the level of the
sidewalk, to the upper line of the parapet its
height is 81 feet 1t is built of brown cut stone,
and brick. No building in the United States, Of
this character, isformed to such large extent of
iron, as this; very little wood enters into its COM
position.
The Library Hall, which occupies the second
floor of the edi6ce. is truly, elegant apartment,
100 feet in length. by 60 wide in the clear. The
ascent from the front, is by single line of 36
italian marble steps, decorated on either side. at
the entrance, by stone sphinx.
Upon nearing the summit of these steps, the
visitor finds himself near the centre Of this i'm
mcnse alcove, surrounded by IA brick piers, plas
tered and finished IN imitation of Italian marble
and supporting iron galleries midway between the
floor and ceiling. The side walls from pit to DOME
form one continuous shelving. of a capacity sufG-
cient for hundred Thousand volumes. This is
reached by means of the main gallery, in connec-
from each corner of the building, and an interve-
ming gallery of lighter and smaller description,
also connected by its staircases, eight in number,
with the main gallery. The whole are very inge-
niously arranged, and appropriately ornamented
in style corresponding with the general archtec-
ture of the building. At an elevation of 81 feet
above the spectator, is the principcl skylight, 81
feet long by IA wide and formed of thick glass
set in iron. Besides this, are circular side sky
| lights of much smaller dimensions. All needful
light is thus furnished, in connection with the win
dows in the front and rear walls Free ventila-
ton is also had by means of iron ret-work, insert
ed in suitable portions of the ceiling. In the ex
IRENE rear are the two Librarians rooms, to which
access is had by means of the main galleries.
The first floor contains the lecture and reading
rooms with accommodations for 500 persons. The
latter are located on each side of the building, anc
separated from the Library Hall stairway at thu
front entrance by two corridors, leading to the rea
vestibule, and from thence to the lecture room
still further in the rear. The basement contain
the keepers cellars, coal-vaults, hotair fur
naces &c. The floors are composed Of richl,
wrought mosaic work, resting on iron beams.
The Library building, in its exterior, especial.
as seen from the street, presents an appearance a
once grand and imposing. The basement story i
laced with high rustic asher, projecting six inch
es thus imparting an extremely bold relief. Th
window frames are placed near the inside line c
the wall, forming deep recesses, in order to secur
: the same effect, These consist primarily of siz
occupying the central portion and admitting ligi
to the Library Hall, placed three above and tire
below given point; the upper connected with tn
: lower by columns supported by figures represent
ing the genii Of literature. Between these sci
; of windows is inscribed, castor Library, 1849.
The remaining windows are two in number, on
on either side of the entrance, and connecte
with the lecture room.