1. The Fleet Library (aka RISD Library)
Named as one of the most beautiful libraries in the country, this breathtaking library (near Brown) provides both aesthetic pleasure and a quiet atmosphere. Across the hall is a RISD eatery and right outside is a conveniently located Starbucks.
Highlights: Architecture, atmosphere, Starbucks
Downside: It’s down the hill…but only a tunnel away.
2. RI Hall
Home to the Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World, this building was the first to receive a Gold Certification from LEED. The second floor tables and “hidden” couches are vitamin D certified thanks to the tall windows. For groups, the third floor has a large table.
Bonus: There’s real artifacts displayed in the building.
Highlights: Architecture, atmosphere, clean
Downside: Occasional noise from chattering TAs’ and professors, opened only on weekdays till 5pm
3. The Rock
Known as the humanities library, the Rock offers a little something for everyone. The first floor offers long wooden tables with scenic views, a dim (almost romantic) lounge near the computers, and a more typical study room filled with numerous tables near the stacks of magazines. The other floors offer quiet rooms, individual seats in the stacks, and smaller lounges with couches.
Highlights: Atmosphere, A variety of study areas, warmer than
Scili, more likely to find a computer
Downsides: No cart on Saturday, distance
4. Sidney Frank Hall
A lot of students have no idea where this building is though they walk past it every day on the way to the VDub. This giant treasure boasts a huge common space filled with couches and tables that are mostly empty throughout the weekday.
Highlights: Atmosphere, natural lighting, relatively empty, close to eateries
Downside: Opened only on weekdays till 5pm (or earlier), the occasional class coming in and out
5. The Scili
Infamous for it’s rugged beauty, the Scili offers several large lounges on the first four floors, the heart of free pizza on the 3rd floor, stack desks on all the other floors, and long white tables on the highest floors.
Highlights: The Science Center, Food, DVDs, Location
Downsides: Cold, avoid the basement bathroom
6. Faunce
Modern and still relatively new, Faunce is typically the first building visitors see. While the first two floors are bustling with student life thanks to the popular Blue Room, the upper two floors are as tranquil as a library.
Highlights: Architecture, atmosphere, Blue Room
Downsides: Noise, limited seats
7. Metcalf Hall Basement
Newly renovated and home to the CLPS Department, Metcalf Hall has red couches and tables scattered all around. The first floor lounge is a great place to chat while the more secluded basement is a study hub.
Highlights: New, open spaces
Downsides: Noise level on some floors
8. Granoff Center
This rookie is still a mystery to many students though it’s architectural design and height is distinct. Every floor has a cozy couch area except for the ground floor, which has a colorful seating area.
Highlights: Empty most of the time, $1 Coffee Machine, Close to Bookstore Cafe
Downsides: Empty most of the time, dim lighting
9. Orwig Music Library
Located near Perkins, this library is the home of music concentrators. Though smaller than the Scili and Rock, there’s still plenty of desks to go around.
Highlights: It’s not the Rock or Scili
Downsides: Distance from Main Green, spooky basement
10. Smithy B
As one of the cleanest classroom buildings located on Pembroke campus, Smithy B offers an open common space and several empty classrooms.
Highlights: Big open space, tables for groups, probably the best bathroom on campus, close to eateries
Downsides: Limited seats, Distance from Main Green