University of Virginia Library

A Protest

For anyone who ever used the old Alderman
Library, the huge new addition, whatever
its architectural shortcomings, offers
much-needed relief. The lighting in the old
reading rooms may still be dim and the
water fountains may still not work, but
for the first time in years the stacks have
been centralized and the student can actually
see the titles of the books.

With this long-awaited addition a reality,
we would not criticize such a minor feature
of the library construction as the floor tile
in the front hall if it did not irritate us so.

For the benefit of newcomers, the front
hall—a noble and spacious room with a high
ceiling and dignified pilasters—was once
paved with simulated black and white marble
tiles in large checks. These wore well and
harmonized with the classical decor, but for
unknown reasons they were replaced with
a dingy brown and black pattern in linoleum
reminiscent of someone's laundry
room.

This would seem an insignificant matter
if it did not represent what appears to us
as the increasing vulgarization of much of
what was once quietly simple and gracious
around the University.

The attrition is everywhere—here, an apparently
thriving tree the buildings and
grounds boys cut down; there, a pleasant
spot like the Amphitheatre made into a
parking lot. It is probably inevitable, but
we must protest.