William L. Clements Library
History of the William L. Clements Library
The interior of the Library is dominated by a grand exhibition hall with a high vaulted ceiling, symmetrical alcoves, and a second-story balcony. The oak-paneled walls of the main room are lined with bookcases, and the public rooms on the first floor are richly decorated with neo-classical details in carved wood, painted plaster, and marble. The fine craftsmanship seen throughout the building reflects the skill of master contractor Henry L. Van der Horst of Kalamazoo, Michigan, in executing Kahn's design. Originally intended as the primary reading room in the Library, the exhibition hall never actually saw service in that capacity. However, it has always retained its function as the primary public space in the Library. Today the main room serves as the primary exhibition space, and is used on a regular basis to host public lectures and special receptions for the Library and its friends' group, the Clements Library Associates.