UC Berkeley’s Chemistry, Astronomy & Physics Library has played a catalytic role in the evolution of modern science. Within its walls, generations of researchers have found the resources — and inspiration — to fuel their world-shifting scientific breakthroughs.
Among those storied pioneers are Nobel Prize-winning biochemist Jennifer Doudna, whose research on CRISPR gene editing is poised to revolutionize fields from disease treatment to biofuel development, and Glenn T. Seaborg, who won the 1951 Nobel Prize in chemistry for the discovery of multiple elements that now grace the periodic table.
An exceptional group of donors recently got to sample the space’s unique chemistry. Their visit was part of an event to recognize UC Berkeley Library Legacy Circle members, who sustain the organization through their estate plans. The Library organizes exclusive insider experiences for these dedicated supporters each year.
Alan Templeton, who also serves on the Library Board, was certainly in his element. He kicked off the proceedings by reminiscing about his parents, who were chemists at UC Berkeley, and expressed a fondness for the library dating back to its opening.
“I love the subject libraries because they do so much service,” he said. “As beautiful as Doe is and Bancroft and the (Main) Stacks are, a lot of how people actually get help is here in the subject libraries.”
Templeton related an anecdote about his father coming to the library every week to peruse chemistry journals. His father read up on the latest research but was also inspired by older articles, whose ideas, even if they were out of fashion, could still spark inspiration.
“That’s why you need libraries,” he said.
Nicholas Dehler, UC Berkeley’s chemical and physical sciences librarian, shared insights into the library’s evolution and services, including the 2024 merger that formed the Chemistry, Astronomy & Physics Library. The unified space brought together the collections and expertise from the former Chemistry & Chemical Engineering Library and the Physics-Astronomy Library.
“Our researchers here have real strengths in physical chemistry, computational chemistry, chemical physics, and quantum science,” he said. “All of these subject areas cross the interdisciplinary bounds between chemistry, astronomy, physics, and other areas. And so it was important to have our physical collections merged but also provide those researchers with a space where they could meet and learn together.”
That spirit of collaboration and discovery is celebrated in the library’s design elements. Dehler pointed out several pieces of artwork in the space that echo those themes.
One standout was a large display of the periodic table of elements, showcasing those discovered by Seaborg and his team — a list that includes berkelium, a campus favorite.
Dehler presented a selection of items from the library’s collections as well. One highlight was an original set of mimeographed notes from Robert Oppenheimer’s Berkeley course on quantum mechanics. The notes, written in 1939, were used as a quasi-textbook for the foundational class in the development of modern physics. Dehler also spotlighted a landmark work in astronomy: Theorie der Bewegung der Weltkörper unseres Sonnensystems, a German text on celestial motion published in 1800. It has the distinction of being the oldest single-volume monograph in the library’s holdings, and is stored at the Systemwide Library Facility-North.
Later, guests had the chance to leaf through these remarkable volumes and tour the library’s diverse study spaces. Along the route, visitors could be heard recounting memories of their own time on campus and expressing appreciation for the library’s legacy.
Supporters also had the opportunity to hear from Suzanne Wones, university librarian, who drew a line between donor generosity and UC Berkeley’s legacy of success in science. She said that donors who make planned gifts to the Library sustain the critical research happening every day on campus.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for choosing the Library,” she said. “Thank you for all that you do to help us keep thriving, and for providing support to allow our students to seek knowledge to better the world.”
To learn more about giving via your will or trust, please contact the Library Development Office at 510-642-9377 or give-library@berkeley.edu.