As we all know, our campus is quite small, and finding a good study spot can be a challenge. The quiet spots are usually taken; Kanbar is full of distractions; and while I love a good café, I don’t always want to spend money on coffee and treats just to get some work done. So, I’ve been on the hunt for a new spot where I can focus. Lo and behold… libraries! Who would have thought?
I’m not talking about the Gutman Library on campus, although that one can be great for studying, too. I’m talking about the public library, with all of its wonderful resources and varieties. Recently, I decided it was time to renew my membership with the Free Library of Philadelphia, and in doing so, I rediscovered my appreciation for a place I hadn’t given much thought to in years.
Growing up, my parents would occasionally take me to the library to pick out books, and in elementary school, our media classes encouraged us to use the school library with weekly trips to browse the shelves. But somewhere between the introduction of iPads, Chromebooks, and online learning programs, physical media seemed to become a bit of a lost art.
I remember looking through the campus library when I first started at Jefferson and feeling disappointed by the lack of variety and modern relevance there. While I have noticed improvements over the years, such as the installation of the tiny library on campus, I had still been craving more options.
I’ve missed the excitement of wandering through the shelves, judging books by their covers, and picking out something simply because it caught my eye. There’s something so satisfying about being surrounded by books of every genre, all available to read right then and there, without having to spend a dime.
We’re lucky to have the Falls of Schuylkill Library right in our neighborhood. It is located on Midvale Avenue, which is only a few minute’s walk from Ravenhill side of campus. Beyond being a great study spot, our local library offers so much more than books. It hosts community events like Sit and Stitch and mindful meditation sessions. You’ll also find flyers advertising local events, making it a great way to get more immersed in the community beyond our campus.
Libraries are one of the few remaining places where you’re welcome to spend time without the expectation of spending money. They are a third space: somewhere outside of home, school, or work where people can gather, relax, and connect with their community.
One of my favorite things about the library is the freedom to explore books without the commitment of buying them. There’s no pressure to finish a book you don’t enjoy or justify spending $20 on something that may end up collecting dust. If anything, having a return date gives me a little extra motivation to actually finish what I start.
In a world where we’re constantly consuming content on our phones, it’s refreshing to slow down and just enjoy some physical media. And it’s not just books! Libraries offer magazines, CDs, and plenty of other resources that are easy to overlook. The Falls library also occasionally hosts book sales, giving away old books in exchange for donations.
Public libraries are such valuable community resources, yet they’re easy to take for granted. They provide free access to knowledge, create opportunities for connection, and offer welcoming spaces for people of all ages and backgrounds. So, consider this my love letter to the local library, and an invitation to rediscover yours. The next time you’re struggling to find somewhere to study, craving a new book, or simply looking for an excuse to get off campus, take a little walk down to the Falls of Schuylkill Library. Sign up for a library card, wander around, and maybe borrow a book or two!