[1][2] The library is located in several parts of the college, and houses a priceless collection of early printed books and more than 300 medieval manuscripts.The historic collection was initially built through benefactions, including manuscripts donated by the medieval clergyman William Reade.Large dormer windows were added to the roof to allow more light in, and Thomas Bodley reorganized it in the new Continental style; the old book chests and lecterns were replaced by bookshelves — among the first to be used in England — with benches between them.The library also has important collections of papers and manuscripts from three former Mertonians: mountaineer Andrew "Sandy" Irvine and authors T. S. Eliot and Max Beerbohm.Merton College Library was a pioneer in placing books in an upright position rather than horizontally.