The library at the Convent of San Marco dates from 1436. Directly connected to the Dominican monastery where Fra' Angelico frescoed each of the 44 monk's cells with scenes from the life of Christ, it was one of the earliest public libraries. Michelozzo's design consisted of a twelve-bay central hall with reading alcoves to the left and right. Built according to Brunelleschian principles, each bay was based on the perfect cube, controlling both plan and section. Each alcove contained a wooden bench to which was chained one of the library's precious books lit by a window carefully centered in the bay wall. The design formed a controlled system of space, information and light that merged use, meaning and form.