American University has many resources–so many that it’s often difficult to keep track. One of those frequently forgotten resources is the Music Library, located just across the street from main campus in the Katzen Art Center. While another library may not sound appealing, Katzen’s Music Library stands in a league of its own. Home to 15,000 music scores, 10,200 discs and more, the music library is a small corner of Katzen with a large offering to the campus community. Surrounded by practice rooms and the sounds of musical instruments, the music library is both tranquil and lively, an atmosphere that is nearly unparalleled on campus.
In a back room sits five computers –three PCs and two Macs–and a printer. These facilities are ideal for printing out an assignment before a Katzen class or for working on a paper in the library’s soothing environment. Studying music? Use the computer lab to listen to and print out sheet music, or use the copy machine to photocopy many of the musical scores on reserve. Aside from it’s resources, the library is extremely small and compact–perfect for staying focused on an assignment without the bustle of the larger library!
According to Inti Figgs-Vizueta and Haley Nordeen, two students who work in the music library, it is a “chill, relaxing place to work,” and is a “community with practicing open spaces.” (They would also like to initiate the #practicingopenspaces hashtag on Twitter.)
In the constant motion of D.C. and campus, the music library offers a unique sense of peace that not many other spots on campus can match. Through its door lies a portal of music, art, creativity, and community. Do not let the small size and hidden location fool you–this corner of Katzen is simply waiting to be discovered by more and more students in the coming years.