Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library, Ann Arbor

Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library, Ann Arbor

The Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library is the largest and most historical of the libraries on the University of Michigan campus. It is the primary research library for students of humanities and social sciences. The library contains over 3.5 million volumes, more than 10,000 periodicals and culturally important maps, manuscripts and government documents.

The building itself was completed in 1920. It was built on the grounds of the old library, which was incorporated into what was then called the General Library. The building was designed by Albert Kahn who used the Harvard campus as his inspiration.

The first floor entrance, which is now called the North Lobby, was decorated in Pompeian medallions designed by Ulysses Ricci. The symbols incorporated into the motifs include the staff of Aesclepius, a pegasus and a Greek mask. These figures are said to symbolize healing, poetry, music and drama.

Visitors to the University of Michigan campus must make an appointment to enter the stacks of the Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library. Appointments may be made Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Ann Arbor. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library on Map

Sight Name: Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library
Sight Location: Ann Arbor, USA (See walking tours in Ann Arbor)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Create Your Own Walk in Ann Arbor

Create Your Own Walk in Ann Arbor

Creating your own self-guided walk in Ann Arbor is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ann Arbor Introduction Walking Tour

Ann Arbor Introduction Walking Tour

A western exurb of Detroit, the charming green college town of Ann Arbor possesses a unique charm and down-home atmosphere – a combination of big-city amenities and a small-town vibe.

It started off as a small strip of land registered in 1825 as "Annarbour", named after the wives of its co-founders, both called Ann, and the stands of bur oak trees. Following the move of the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
University of Michigan Walking Tour

University of Michigan Walking Tour

Ann Arbor is a home to the sprawling University of Michigan – one of America’s best public educational institutions, attracting top students and faculty from all over the world.

Founded in 1817 in Detroit as the University of Michigania, 20 years before the territory became a state, this university is Michigan's oldest. The school was moved to Ann Arbor in 1837. Among its alumni there...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Ann Arbor's Historical Buildings

Ann Arbor's Historical Buildings

Founded in the 1820s and centered on the University of Michigan, the city of Ann Arbor boasts hundreds of splendid buildings, many of which are included in the National Register. The U-M campus itself was registered as Historic District in 1978.

The abundance of down-home charm, especially in the historic district, is richly complemented by plethora of time-tested architectural landmarks in...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles