So...yesterday I had to go to the Stewart Memorial Library at Coe College to check out a book. I needed the book for my research proposal and the public library did not have it. For those of you who don't know...I graduated from Coe six years ago. As you can imagine, the library could be quite familiar to an alum.
I, like most people returning to their college campus, was struck with many fond memories. I was not prepared for the fact that most of my fond memories involved the library. After I found the book i was looking for, I started to wander around. I first went to the top floor where I went when I actually had to do work and not chat with anyone around me. I also stopped by the computer that I used to write numerous English papers. I always used the same one (is that an OCD tendency?).
Then, I went to my favorite place in the library, the second floor reading room. During my freshman year, I lived off-campus (AKA with my parents). Three days a week I would have an hour gap between classes and I would always go to the reading room and sit on a chair facing the window that overlooks the quad. I would watch people walking to classes, do some reading for class, and oftentimes fall asleep. Ah...the memories...
After that, I was off to the basement. I walked straight to the AV Theater. Most students at Coe probably don't know that it exists, but I was forced to watch 3 hours per week of Indian movies with Bengali subtitles during my first term at Coe. It was part of my Fist Year Seminar class. I will tell you what...the 13 people in that class got close. But do you really have an option when you are subjected to Bengali cinema week after week?
As I walked out of the library, I realized what great memories I have of it. Am I strange that the library holds so many college memories for me? I maybe should have titled my blog "allofthecoolkidsaredoingitandIamnotoneofthem."
10 comments:
I laughed at this one because I, too, am a library fan(atic) (Parks Library ISU). I loved it so much I went to work there. I can totally identify with your memories...but you forgot to mention the smell...ahhh the smell of libraries. Okay...now I really sound like a freak...(by the way, this is Tara, Kerstin's friend, you have our bed in one of your rooms : )
What about the private study rooms? No nostalgia in those? I love the Coe Library too. When I was in study mode for my GlaxoSmithKline job I hung out on the 3rd floor for 3 weeks straight, 8 hours a day a loved it. Why in college did we think studying was such a drag and now we'd love to have the time to read like that?
I feel like you guys are speaking in a different language.
Libraryese...it's not a very difficult language to learn...includes words like card catalog, reserve items, and reference materials. Such a romantic language ; )
I don't think my college even had a library! Oh wait...I didn't even go to college...
what is this building that you speak of?
I too worked at the Parks Library at ISU - in Archives. I am a library freak as well, although I hate to admit it. I could spend hours and hours in most any library - sick, I know. But it sounds like there's a lot of us sickos out there!!!
Sorry I don't know how to create an identity - it's me, Jill
OK, we obviously need to have an intimate conversation about all my college library experiences. While some are fond memories, many more are freakish nighmares of being exposed to campus pervs. As I said, needs a more "in depth" exploration at some point. If I blogged it myslef, I might get stalked! Glad your memories are sweet.- J
Honestly, that is exactly what i would do with my time now! I love to study and read, and chill...so, what I am trying to say is that i am (as you know) totally cool....and we like the same things!
More precisely does not happen
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