Also available are numerous remote-access and on-site research databases such as CCH-Intelliconnect, Hein Online, LEXIS Advance, LLMC Digital, OED, ProQuest Congressional, and Westlaw Next.

The library received donations from various leading lawyers, including a copy of his Commentaries from Chancellor Kent, which is now designated as its "first book."

This request was granted, but misfortune struck when the building, later described by a New York Times editorial as an "old rathole," was destroyed by fire in January 1854.

During his lifetime, the judge was also famous as a staunch believer in spiritualism, and once felt compelled to deny allegations that he consulted with the spirits before making decisions on the bench.

While located in the Post Office Building, the library paid no rent in exchange for free access for federal judges and United States district attorneys.

Under the leadership of long-time director William H. Winters, an 1868 Harvard Law School graduate, the library continued to grow rapidly.

In 1915, it relocated to its present home — another controversial structure — the 40-story Equitable Building at 120 Broadway, whose construction had prompted outrage and the promulgation of the Zoning Resolution of 1916 because of the seven-acre shadow it cast over its surroundings.