Butler Library

Butler Library, the largest of Columbia's libraries, houses collections in the humanities, history, government documents, social sciences, literature, philosophy, and religion. The building also houses numerous service points and special collections, including the Library Information Office, the Rare Book & Manuscript Library, and Research & Teaching Support Services.

Services & Tools

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Collections

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Black Journalists Oral History Project

Reminiscences of Bobby Bowen

Alexander Gumby Scrapbooks

The Spirit of 1968

A Brief History of Anti-Black Violence and Policing at Columbia University

In the School of Wisdom: Persian Bookbinding ca 1575-1890

John Brown and Harper's Ferry

How Harlem Became Radical

Software

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Software

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Workshops & Drop-In Help

Workshops
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News

Browse news and announcements about the Libraries

Columbia Magazine highlights 10 "lesser-known artworks and artifacts on the Columbia campus," including a 1934 mural by American painter Eugene Francis Savage in Butler Library that visualizes the University’s motto, “In thy light shall we see light.”

The Ask A Librarian Internship Program, which provides students with hands-on experience in academic librarianship, announces the Fall 2025 interns: Christine Thuy Minh Nguyen, Jaimie Lopez, and Lily Sellei.

Welcome to the Libraries! Not sure where to start? Visit any library location to participate in our Library Passport program, which encourages users to explore library spaces, services, and resources in a fun and self-paced way.

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Librarians in this library

The broad range of collections and services in Butler Library are supported by over 200 dedicated experts, subject specialists, and other staff members in addition to the librarians listed below.