herr2ck: Rubbing The Head

September 2025.

Thompson Library is Ohio State’s main library, a position it has held since its construction. An unusual Beaux-Arts structure on a brick campus, it was recently beautifully restored and excellently renovated. Thompson Library is located centrally along the Oval’s east-west axis, bordered by University Hall to the north, Mirror Lake to the south, the Oval’s green space to the east, and Townshend and Lazenby Hall to the west.

History

Before I get to the history of Thompson itself, it’s important to know the context in which it was built. Ohio State first held classes in 1873, and Thompson didn’t open until 1913. That leaves a gap of 40 years without a dedicated library building, so what happened? Originally, the library was located on the first floor of University Hall. It outgrew this space by 1884 and moved to the third floor. When Orton Hall was built in 1893, its fireproof construction made it the most desirable candidate for the library, and it was relocated there. It already began to outgrow that space, which prompted the construction of the gallery above in 1896. Apparently this still was not enough, as the following year head librarian Olive Branch Jones called for the construction of a new library in her annual report, continuing yearly until Thompson Library began construction. However, she wanted it to be located off-campus, and previous university president (at that time librarian of Columbia University) James Canfield had to convince her otherwise.

The Main Library under construction in 1911. (Buckeye Stroll)

Thompson Library is also unique in that an architectural competition was held to choose a design. (I could have sworn I saw the other entries somewhere, but I can’t find them anywhere online. If I recall correctly, one appeared similar to the Altes Museum in Germany.) The winning firm was Allen and Collins, a Boston firm that mainly worked in the Gothic Revival style. Interestingly, they have designed two buildings called Thompson Memorial Library. (The other is Vassar College’s library in New York.) Their Beaux-Arts design was accepted in 1910, and construction began in December by D. W. McGrath. It was completed by December 18, 1912, when the Board of Trustees accepted the work, at a cost of $314,515. Books were moved during winter break, and the new Main Library opened for service on January 6, 1913.

The Main Library after construction, c. 1915. (Buckeye Stroll)

The original portion of Thompson is the easternmost part of the building today, and it appears almost identical today as it did when it was built. The only noticeable difference is the windows in between the columns--today they are larger and span from floor to ceiling.

The Main Library’s original footprint.

An addition to Thompson was designed by university architect Howard Dwight Smith in 1948. This added the iconic tower that held the stacks to the rear of the original building and two wings to the front (now demolished). It was built starting that December by Mellon - Stuart Co., and was dedicated on June 2, 1951. This coincided with the renaming of the building to the “William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library.” Over time, the tower grew to have a nasty reputation, as it was dark and full of hiding spaces. That meant students got up to all sorts of fun things you can probably imagine.

Thompson Library’s footprint as of 1948.

The first addition under construction, 1949. (Buckeye Stroll)

Thompson Library as it appeared after its first addition. (University Archives)

In 1965, the reading room was divided into two floors during a renovation. This was a pretty typical move at the time and completely butchered the original character of the space. I believe the original windows were replaced as well, since in the above picture they are identical to the Mid-Century Modern ones on every W. E. Linch building on campus. Just look at how they massacred my boy:

The Grand Reading Room before… (1915)

…and after its renovation. (Buckeye Stroll; University Archives on Instagram)

In 1975, a second addition was designed by Lorenz, Williams, Lively, and Likens. This addition extended westward from Smith’s tower, and it occupied a similar footprint to the current structure. I like the Brutalist west facade, but it curved oddly in plan and stuck out in a bad way from the orthogonal building and first addition. It also did not connect to the westward path as the new addition does now.

Thompson Library’s footprint after its second addition.

Thompson Library as it appeared after its second addition. (Acock Associates website, attributed to Knowlton Digital Library)

The interior was also renovated at the same time, which looked very 1970s. While I acknowledge that the current iteration is vastly superior, I still think the 1970s decor was cool in its own way.

Thompson Library’s interior as it appeared in 1978. (Buckeye Stroll)

Most recently, Thompson Library was renovated by Graham Gund (design) and Acock Associates (record) in 2007-2009. I think this is probably the most successful renovation of a historic building on campus thus far, as its original character was restored when possible, and the new design is excellent.

Thompson Library’s layout today.

My third-year structures professor (Dave Schoeff, also the engineer for Knowlton Hall) was a structural engineer who was involved in the design, and I learned a ton about the renovation from him during lectures:

Originally, Graham Gund wanted to tear down the stack tower. This was due to the poor reputation and dark quality of the space. Acock eventually abandoned this idea and ran with the tower. Their changes involved adding glass to the east and west sides where it intersects with the new atrium, expanding the windows and the roof gables, converting the attic to the now-famous 11th floor reading room, and whatever a “lateral systems upgrade” is. (I’m not a structural engineer.)

The original 1913 building was significantly altered, but restoration work was done in other areas. An original atrium was reconstructed and expanded, which is the first thing one sees when entering from the Oval. The building’s attic became the fourth floor. Howard Dwight Smith’s 1951 additions to the east were demolished. Most significantly, the 1965 renovation that divided the original double-height reading room was undone, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace replica was rebuilt, replacing the original that was removed in 1953.

To replace the 1977 addition to the rear, a new portion of the structure was designed, which emphasizes transparency with large expanses of windows. Special steel brackets had to be fabricated for the large westward window to minimize the size of the mullions. This is in contrast to the design of historical libraries, as they were often known as stuffy and dark places. Connecting the library to the west was also important, and now users can exit towards the brick path that leads to the RPAC.

Thompson Library during its renovation in 2007. (Buckeye Stroll)

Thompson Library is named after William Oxley Thompson, the fifth president of The Ohio State University from 1899-1925. He is also honored with a statue on the Oval and a bronze bust inside the library, whose shiny dome apparently confers good luck to students when rubbed. Importantly, he was president during the passage of the Eagleson Bill, which marked Ohio State as Ohio’s flagship university and granted it sole permission to perform research and offer doctoral degrees. He also served while Ohio State was elected into the Association of American Universities, and guided the university through the large enrollment drop during World War I.

However, it is important to note that Thompson was also the president of the Columbus Board of Education during the early 20th century and was an avid segregationist, attempting to segregate schools despite it being illegal in Ohio. He was successful in opening the Champion Avenue School through gerrymandering, which was de facto segregated. Although rubbing his head is a cool tradition, I’m not sure if his legacy is one we should continue to honor.

Photos

Thompson Library is one of those areas on campus that makes it glaringly obvious that you attend one of the largest universities in the world. It is almost always completely filled to the brim with students studying. I often avoided doing my homework there for this very reason (although much of my architecture work had to be done in studio), but lately I enjoy doing readings or writing these posts in the Grand Reading Room.

In order to take the best possible pictures for this entry, I had to visit right after they opened. I kinda went bananas with the photo quantity, so grab a snack or coffee while you read. Here is the principal, east facade:

I was experimenting with night photography and got this one, too:

Zooming in on the tower--it’s just gorgeous in this dawn light:

Another slightly later view from further away--note the fluted pilasters and large circular pediment in the middle, as well as the acroteria along the roof:

The closest my lens could get:

At night:

The statue of William Oxley Thompson on the Oval is one of the most iconic features of the library.

Rear--it was a gift from the classes of 1923, 1925, 1926, and 1928:

We even dress him up during Hate Week.

The other sculptural feature is the carved seal near the entrances, which appears to date to the 1960s:

The east facade is dominated by these large Ionic engaged columns and entablature above:

The parapet itself is rather flat, a more Neoclassical detail, and the frieze is engraved with “OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY.”

Gorgeously lit detail of the Ionic capitals, frieze, and cornice:

The cornice is denticulated, which is another common Ionic motif, but the mutules above are more common on Corinthian/Composite designs.

Just a touch off-center, but here is one of the new windows:

The grand entrance has three doors, each vaulted with a large keystone and a metal fanlight:

I quite like these small balconettes with their balustrades and key pattern below.

Detail of the elaborate fanlight--even the door has Ohio State’s name on it:

Note the subtle coffering of the vault’s interior.

Each of the four columns has a carved seal below. Starting with the north end, we have Ohio State’s seal:

The State of Ohio:

It took a bit of digging to figure out this one, but it’s the seal of the Northwest Territory, which includes Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and half of Minnesota. “Meliorem Lapsa Locavit” means “having fallen, she has set up a better one” in Latin.

Last is the United States’ seal, of course:

The north and south wings project slightly, but they have sparer fenestration and no columns:

Note the rougher stone of the base and how it yields to smooth masonry above. This is a Renaissance move that gives a classical building visual weight.

Looking southwest, we can see the fenestration pattern of the wings continues down the north side:

The stone podium is carried over in the new addition, but the glassy Buckeye Reading Room above floats above it on small columns.

The west facade is dominated by the glass room, at least from this angle:

It really glows at night.

A closer look at the entrance:

The masonry portions of the latest addition are still somewhat classical in their design, mainly in their materiality and echoing the fenestration of the rest of the library.

Side view of the tower:

The decorative panels seem to be granite affixed to the frieze with visible bolts:

A better look at the south facade in good lighting and without too many trees in the way:

Edge detail:

Now it’s time to bust out the telephoto lens for some nice details. Here’s a spandrel--the book and lamp symbolize knowledge, while I’m sure the swag below is the fruits of it:

I always enjoy the jutting of a cornice as it rounds a corner:

I might have peaked compositionally with this one:

Column capital, frieze, and cornice:

Okay, time to head inside. Now might be a good time for a break?

These three wooden doors greet you upon entry:

The north and south wall of this vestibule have identical blind arches, too.

The doors from the other side:

Thompson’s well-worn dome:

One’s first sight upon walking in is the massive atrium and the axis leading west:

Another seal in the floor:

Wow, look at all those books!

Another angle from higher up:

Remember, before the most recent renovation, there was no atrium or huge glass curtain wall. It’s interesting how the east-facing panes are frosted, which reduces glare and UV:

Looking up at the stack tower’s exterior:

Detail of the special brackets holding the glass, which are attached to metal trusses and beams:

Each floor bordering the atrium has a stepping effect, and the top floor is the furthest back:

Looking back east:

The southeast side usually has some exhibits on display. My current studio professor’s Underground Railroad models are here, interestingly enough:

Another recently-added truss:

The west side actually drops down a floor:

The massive, cantilevered glass staircase:

Looking east from the west atrium:

The west entrance itself also has three doors, but it is much more contemporary in design.

We’ll wrap up with some pictures of the three reading rooms. Up first is the 11th floor, which is the stereotypical no-talking zone. The wood panels’ warmth and the morning sun made some interesting lighting effects:

Elevator detail:

I also like the indirect lighting of the vaulted ceiling.

It’s interesting how the dormers make little nooks:

This reading room has some of the best views on campus. Looking north--I can see Independence Hall, University Hall, 18th Avenue Library, Math Tower, Cockins Hall, Baker Systems, Dreese Labs, Scott Lab, the CBEC Building, Fisher Hall, and St. John Arena:

The glare was brutal looking east, but I still spy Orton Hall, Mendenhall Lab, the Wexner Center, and Mershon Auditorium:

Looking south, I can see Campbell Hall, Jennings Hall, Pomerene Hall, med campus, and downtown’s skyline:

Finally, west is Townshend Hall, Lazenby Hall, the Psychology Building, Wilce Student Health Center, RPAC, Cunz Hall, Lincoln and Morrill Tower, and Ohio Stadium:

Next up is the Buckeye Reading Room, which is on the west side. It is glassier and more contemporary in its styling:

Detail of the trusses supporting the curtain walls from the concrete columns:

Nice view looking west:

I saved the best for last…here is the Grand Reading Room in its classical glory:

This is probably my favorite space to study on campus. It has such a warmth and character to it, yet the windows provide much natural light. Unfortunately, it is never this empty.

South wall--note the doubled pilasters:

Winged Victory of Samothrace:

Detail of the vaulted ceiling:

The molded panels are cool, as is the spiral pattern in the middle:

There are a few small balconies overlooking the space, but the doors to them are locked.

Detail of the various ornamental features across the space--pilasters, cornice, and vaulted ceiling above:

It’s odd to me how the east and west side have a larger pilaster that bisects a smaller one supporting a smaller cornice, yet the north and south side only have one continuous pilaster. This creates strange moments like this corner: