On the facade of the main entrance to the Yale Library, on High Street, are carved relief panels representing the more ancient civilizations which have left written records. These panels display Cro-Magnon, Egyptian, Babylonian, and Hebrew inscriptions, each with a typical scribe of that culture below the script. The entire facade was based on a sketch by Mr. Lee Lawrie of New York City, and sculpted by Mr. René P. Chambellan. The Hebrew inscription is from Psalms XC; 1-6 and 16-17. These passages were selected by Professor Charles C. Torrey, and the lettering was designed by Ralph Marcus. The translation of the verses are:

...Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations, Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God. Thou turnest man to contrition; And sayest: "Return, ye children of men." For a thousand years in Thy sight Are but as yesterday when it is past, And as a watch in the night. Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep; In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; In the evening it is cut down, and withereth. Let Thy work appear unto Thy servants, And Thy glory upon their children. And let the graciousness of the Lord our God be upon us; Establish Thou also upon us the work of our hands...