University Library - MU

The gem of the university, a repository for over 400,000 carefully chosen books and pamphlets. This three-story Gothic structure was built of native granite in 1878, replacing a smaller wooden building. Although the marble halls are cold and drafty, the library is well lit by tall, arched windows that allow maximum light to penetrate an otherwise dreary structure. The library is open 8 A.M. to 9 P.M.,Monday–Friday; 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. on Saturday; 1–6 P.M. Sunday the reference room is open.

The mastiff chained near the front steps still stands guard at night, and Armitage has convinced the board of trustees that more security is needed. The university has asked Dick Ace to install an expensive electric burglar alarm system. The director of the library is, of course, Dr. Henry Armitage, A.M., Miskatonic; Ph.D., Princeton; Litt.D., Cambridge. Armitage is 73, white-bearded, and lives with his wife, Eleanor, in their home at 348 W High Street. He has directed the library since 1906 and knows its secrets better than anyone. Cyrus Llanfer, PhD is the Assistant Director of the library.

General Holdings

Bound periodicals and university records are stored in the basement. The library has near-complete collections of the Arkham Gazette and the Arkham Advertiser (and the latter’s predecessors), though the disastrous Miskatonic flood of 1888 destroyed portions of this collection, including the Arkham Gazette, 1845–1858 and 1864-1868; the Arkham Advertiser for the years 1851–1863; the Arkham Bulletin 1823–1826; and the Miskatonic Valley Gleaner for the years 1830–1831. There are also bound volumes of the Aylesbury Transcript (1844–present), the Innsmouth Courier (1833– 1846), and the Newburyport Correspondent (1839–present). The major book holdings are contained on the upper floors of the building.