As a freshman everything is pretty new to me. One thing that I have recently discovered is the library. This sounds a little silly, but I came from a high school where our library was pretty much just a place to hang out and avoid class. I had no idea about all of the amazing things the library has to offer.
Honestly, I’m not that much of a reader. I read the occasional book a friend suggests or something my mom sends back with me but I don’t just love books. I used to think libraries were just a place for books and you go there when you want to get a book. I was very wrong.
I have been to the library four times this week alone and the only book I have picked up was my Statistics book to do homework. I love the peace and quiet of the fourth floor to go through my emails that have been stacking up all week or to get my homework done without being distracted. It’s a wonderful place to come sit and even just gather your thoughts.
The first time I was brave enough to tackle the library alone was three weeks after school started. I walk up to the main entrance not sure what to expect, and I open the doors and walk in. The most beautiful staircase is in front of me but I’m not sure where they lead, so I walk past to the rest of the first floor. I don’t see any books, there are shelves but they look pretty empty so I continue to walk forward and I run into Café Libro. I get coffee and walk back to my hall. This was definitely a success. Okay not really but what’s better than some great coffee?
I may not have braved the books or the stairs yet but it was a start. That start led to my adventure of finding the fourth floor and once I did, there was no going back. This is my new favorite place on campus. I love to sit up here and look out onto the lawn, sometimes at the people walking, and sometimes at nothing. I just can’t get over the view.
I know a lot of freshmen, and even some sophomores that still have not stepped foot in the library. I have tried to tell them that it’s about more than books. To me it’s a new way to look at everything.