Illinois Verse/The Old Library
The Old Library
Treasure house where hoarded wisdom is stored All sorted and labeled on shelves, row on row;And students who're eager for knowledge and some who're bored Hasten quickly to partake or with motions slowJust glance at the books assigned,—all sitting aroundThe tables with which the reading rooms abound.
Behind the loan desk's curved, confining length, Where busy librarians according to ruleDeal out from the stacks, a tablet of great strength Is seen to the founder of the Library SchoolKatharine Sharp, and President James' fine faceIn profile, high above the central space.
The mural decorations still bright today Are scenes from college life by Newton WellsWhose dust lies now in Egypt far away. Overhead we hear the chimes' deep bells,And see beyond the drawers of reference cardsThe Lincoln yolk, a framed glass case safe-guards.
A pleasant place for students to gather and read In scholastic atmosphere forever serene,Tho many a whispered date is made, indeed, Behind the cover of book or magazine.To the great new library soon we shall departBut memories of the old dwell in many a heart.