The Tower Room

When architect Jens Fredrick Larson designed Baker Library more than 70 years ago, he wanted a special room "where students could read for pleasure rather than for marks." The Tower Room, patterned after the library of a fine city club, was so faithful to the original that even smoking was permitted. Among Larson's mood-enhancing details:

• Wall panels carved from Virginia white oak.

During winter, fires were lit every day at dusk.

• Shelves filled with "readable books."

• Alcove chairs that were "simple, sturdy, not too bulk)-, yet supremely comfortable."

Although the era of smoking and fires has passed, students still sleep in the chairs.