The mosaic floor by Oppenheimer of Manchester features the emblem of the owl and the motto sapientia (wisdom) reflecting the Library's role as a centre of learning. The stained glass windows in the front hall show famous people in the worlds of literature and philosophy. Moving up towards the main Reading Room you will notice the carved figures which represent the continents of Europe, Asia, Africa and America on the mezzanine landing of the main staircase. The ancillary rooms on the first landing, which now accomodate a Microfilm Reading Room and the Genealogy Advisory Service, have wood panelling throughout and ornate carved wooden fire-surrounds by Carlo Cambi of Siena.