What's with the giant bird book in the Special Collections Reading Room?
Answer
That is a 1985 facsimile of John James Audubon's The birds of America. It measures 40" tall and is comprised of a four-volume set (the other three volumes are stowed in the cabinet below the display stand). While this set is not available for checkout, feel free to drop by during the Reading Room's open hours to peruse these illustrations.