Page "Widener Library" Paragraph 4

From approximately 1997 to 2004, Widener Library underwent a comprehensive renovation costing $ 97 million that included: adding fire suppression systems, adding air conditioning, enclosing light courts, and remodeling the stacks and public spaces.

According to a campus legend, under the terms of the Widener family donation, the exterior of the library is never to be altered, or else ownership of the building reverts to the city of Cambridge.

Because of this, Harvard has always been limited and creative in its renovation options, including the building of a causeway to neighboring Houghton Library through what was a large window ( though this bridge existed well before the present renovation ).