Alyssa GregoryStudents will soon begin to reacquaint themselves with Olin Library. Returning students, however, will notice that Olin is definitely not the same as it was two years ago-or even last April.
Over the summer, construction workers installed a temporary wall around the outside of Olin, and they renumbered the floors inside the library. In addition, the new level B (formerly floor 1) will soon reopen, now containing many of the books that had been housed at West Campus last year.
With the renovations to Olin come inconveniences for students. Many books will continue to be located at West Campus, and more importantly, construction noise may disturb students trying to study. Library administrators say they are working hard to minimize the noise problems, and to that extent, they are offering earplugs to students who request them.
But for students who still find the library too difficult to navigate or too noisy to study, there are other options.
Libraries
East Asian Library (January Hall): Probably the most ornate library on campus, the East Asian Library is a good location for students who are looking for a quiet, picturesque studying experience. As an added bonus, browse the narrow stacks of books in the back. You never know what you’ll find there.
Law Library (Anheuser-Busch Hall): Located on the fourth floor of the law school, the virtually silent law library has numerous law resources and plenty of space to spread out. Just be careful-you might get stares when you cough. Did we mention it’s quiet?
Earth and Planetary Sciences Library (Wilson Hall): Essentially designed for students who need to grab a book and go, the EPS library has everything you need in the way of phanerozoic biogeography, but little room to work.
Social Work Library (Brown Hall): Clean, bright, and comfortable, the stuffed chairs and hushed study rooms of the Social Work Library make it a great spot to study. The space is well lit and quiet, thanks in part to plush carpeting that keeps the noise level at a minimum. Copy machines are readily available, too.
Art and Architecture Library (Steinberg Hall): A bit off the beaten path for those who normally don’t venture past Brookings, the Art and Architecture Library nonetheless offers a quiet study area among the seemingly endless stacks of art books. Complete with undulating ceilings and globular lamps, the retro d‚cor and large collection of current art periodicals make it one of WU’s more unusual study spots.
Mathematics Library (Cupples I): Buried beneath Cupples I, the tiny Math Library is perfectly silent if lacking in character. With one large study table, a few shelves of textbooks, and a handful of chairs, the Math Library simply doesn’t offer the space to accommodate more than a few studiers at any given time.
Chemistry Library (Louderman Hall): For those who dare to endeavor past the radioactive material signs that adorn the building’s classroom doors, the Chemistry Library is a sunny, spacious room with long tables, walls of reference books, and a great view of Olin construction. For those who like to study in solitude, individual desks tucked away in the balcony offer privacy. Students with a burning desire to peruse the Journal of Organic Chemistry will probably blend in best.
Gaylord Music Library: Even if you’re not in the market for music books, this library still has one thing going for it that the rest don’t-proximity to the South 40. Plenty of table space plus quiet surroundings make the Music Library a fine spot for anyone to study, but not having to deal with the underpass makes this a perfect destination for WU’s lazier residents.
On-Campus Hangouts
Holmes Lounge (Ridgley Hall): The big leather chairs. The majestic ceiling. The palm trees. Does it get any better than Holmes Lounge? Holmes is ideal for studying, except maybe during lunchtime on weekdays, when nearly every student on Campus comes for a turkey wrap or a carvery sandwich. Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to midnight. Not open weekends.
Ursa’s Fireside (Lien House): The constantly hushed atmosphere of this study room makes for the ultimate study place on the South 40. But beware not to cough-you may get shushed. Hours: 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. every day.
The Hilltop Bakery (Mallinckrodt): This smoothie and scone shop is a great place to hit the books right before a quiz. Tuck into a back table to seclude yourself from jabbering in the monstrous smoothie lines. Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Coffee Shops
Aesop’s (6611 Clayton Road): On an average night, this hole-in-the-wall across from Schnucks is packed with close to 40 WU students. The noise level is average-not particularly quiet, but not particularly loud. Try the turtle mocha. Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to midnight; weekends, 9 a.m. to midnight.
The Grind (56 Maryland Plaza): The sometimes mellow, sometimes hopping atmosphere of this coffee shop in the Central West End features comfy couches and pool tables good for frequent study breaks. With ample outdoor seating, it’s easy to get a breath of fresh air while sipping on your caf‚ suada or Vietnamese iced coffee. Hours: Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 3 a.m.; weekends, noon to 3 a.m.
The Coffee Cartel (2 Maryland Plaza): A mix of late teens and St. Louis college students can be found lingering in this retro caf‚ all nights of the week. The generally quiet atmosphere lends itself nicely to a relaxed place to enjoy a cup of joe and some 18th century European literature. Give the standard mocha a try. Hours: 24 hours a day, every day.
Kaldi’s (700 DeMun): This coffee shop holds between 15 and 20 WU students studying on a weekday night. The music is not catered to the studying crowd, however, so don’t let the slightly louder tunes detract from your organic chemistry. Also, make sure you don’t mind squishing up to the coffee-drinker next to you, as the tables tend to be a little tight. Outdoor seating available. Go for the turtle latte. Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., every day.