Yale University has the best college library in America

Libraries play a huge role in shaping one’s intellect in college. Their style and setting form the backbone of an academic environment, which invariably affects students’ decision in picking colleges.

The Sterling Memorial Library in Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut is one that has constantly topped the list of best college libraries in America — and did again this week when Princeton Review named it the best in the nation for 2015.

The Sterling Memorial Library on the campus of Yale University in New Haven, CT. (Craig Warga/Bloomberg )

Designed by James Gamble Roger and completed in 1931, the century-old library is the main library building of Yale’s library system. It boasts a collection of 15.2 million and is the third-largest academic library in North America.

Students and visitors who walked in are immediately greeted by the Gothic Revival style. The cathedral themed Sterling Memorial Library is the main centerpiece of the university, and New York philanthropist and alumnus Richard Gilder donated $20 million to renovate the entrance hall earlier this decade.

On top of the splendor of the interior design of the entrance, the Sterling Memorial Library’s south aisle is also worth checking out. Study-friendly and thought-inspiring, students can work or study in its popular study lounge filled with end tables and computer work stations.

Despite the gothic architectural elements, the aesthetic quality does little to obstruct the incorporation of modern technology that facilitates academic learning. Moreover, self-service and learning opportunities are also available where students can check out library materials, and scan paper materials on their own.

Externally, a beautifully designed Selin Courtyard surrounds the library and features motifs from the history of printing.

All in all, Yale University’s Sterling Memorial Library lives up to the sheer strength of its academic prowess through its symbolic and elaborated gothic design.

Yale University students and others spend a fall afternoon on Yale University’s Cross Campus in New Haven, (AP Photo/Bob Child/file)