From the Library Notes Newsletter, Wednesday, June 1, 1994

This plate is armorial in form, but presents no real arms.

The central frame, of Chippendale design, contains four quarterings that represent: Astronomy; Navigation, Geography and Mathematics; Literature; and Religion. Mercury and Minerva support the frame, standing on the ribbon which bears the Library's name; above the frame sits Apollo with his broad back to the full-shining sun; clouds which resemble toy balloons rise about him.

Beneath the frame appears an idealized version of New York City with, directly underneath, the Greek letters for "Athens" (presumably to suggest that the city was the modern Athens); an open book bears across its face the motto Nosce teipsum ("Know thyself") and a closed chest with a lighted candle on it bears the words, sed in candelabro ("but by candlelight").

The bookplate is signed by E. Gallaudet.