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Author: Polly Johnson

Remember the good old days in Starr Library when the deafening sound of unzipping your jacket caused death stares from the intensely studious people sitting all around you? Well, you can't even hear that zipper over to the chatty cell phone conversation heard from across the stacks in the new library. How about that lovely door alarm that seems to sound for one out of every ten people or the lobby telephone echoing from every corner or the printers. I could go on and on. And don't get me started on the not so silent study rooms. First of all, they are not soundproof, and the sound of your neighbor's iTunes does not make for the most conducive study environment. I don't care how well you can "1,2 Step," - some of us are trying to memorize 250 Art History slides or trying to finish a 2,500 word essay. Secondly, it seems that only large groups of friends utilize the rooms to "work" as a group. And by work I mean catch up on the gossip they missed by being separated between their commencement of dinner and the grand arrival at the library.

What prompted this change? When did the library become the new Grille? When will the live musicians start? It's only a matter of time before $2 Otter Creek drafts are sold at the reference desk (for those with a bracelet, of course).

And what exactly is the dress code here? For a girl, it is vital to exude the "I just threw on these sweatpants, yet my hair is perfectly straightened and makeup is ready for Friday night primetime." Guys are fine as long as their collar or two is perfectly popped and they're sporting a pretty stylish 'do.

No one would argue that the library has become the new hot spot, however, most people would be hard pressed to find a library anywhere better than this one. With a fantastic selection, reclining chairs overlooking the gorgeous mountains, wireless internet and the newly offered "check out" laptops, this social haven can't be beat. Though we'll always miss the musty smell of the orange shag carpets or the creaky reference room of Starr Library, I think it's fair to say that this unnamed establishment has truly become our new home. Alright, gotta run, I've got to get ready for my 7:00 library rendezvous. I sure hope my sweatpants are clean.