Lewis Library dedicated

Lewis Library was officially dedicated today to University trustee Peter Lewis ’55, who funded the building with a $60 million gift. University librarian Karin Trainer, architect Frank Gehry, President Tilghman and Lewis spoke at the dedication, which took place in the library’s atrium.

Lewis, who serves as chairman of the board of Progressive Corp., explained that the idea for the new science library originated in a conversation he had with then-University president Harold Shapiro GS ’64.

“I said, ‘Harold, if you can get it done, I’ll pay for it.’ That’s exactly how it happened, and I’m delighted,” Lewis said.

“This was a collaboration between two presidents [Shaprio and Tilghman], and a great thing for me to be involved in,” he added.

President Tilghman praised the design and function of the library.

The library provides “electronic access to a wealth of databases and journals at a time when some of the most exciting research in the world is taking place where the sciences intersect with each other,” Tilghman said.

She described Lewis as “a man for all seasons and disciplines … [who has helped] us to expand our vision of what it means to be a great university today.”

Trainer said in her introduction for the dedication that she believes the library has become an integral part of student life at Princeton.

“It was designed around [students’] needs and desires.” she said. “The students have given it an A plus."