Today's Hours:
By Keila Santa '25
I’ve always had a love for libraries. The smell of books, the clack of keyboards, the cozy seats—they are the pinnacle of aesthetics and ambience. Since this year's NLW theme is “Drawn to the Library”, I wanted to share a bit about some of the things that draw me to the library as a commuting English major and an intern at the Henry Whittemore Library.
In the age of phone addictions, it can be hard to get yourself to focus on anything. Our brains are so used to getting dopamine hits from social media and binge-watching TV shows that it can feel impossible to sit down and work on yet another electronic device without typing YouTube into the search bar. The lack of separation from home and workplace when you take online classes or work remotely further disrupts any successful attempt at trying to get things done at home, which is why utilizing your library is my number one tip for anyone struggling with productivity.
As much as I want to go straight home after class sometimes, I know that my dogs barking and my bed calling my name for a midday nap is not going to help me get any assignments done. At the library, I can book a study room, sit by a window, or set myself up at one of the computer desks—a versatility that is hard to find at other public study spots. Not to mention, there are outlets everywhere. I used to be an avid coffee shop studier, but one of my biggest struggles was arriving to a shop only to battle for one of the few outlet seats available, or worse, finding none at all. Libraries take the stress out of finding a good place to focus, and if you're someone who needs quiet background noise to work or enjoys body-doubling, they're even more of a recipe for success.
Outside of being a productivity hack for academic and work goals, it’s also an underrated space for personal goals. I have had so many friends tell me they want to read more for fun, but struggle to get themselves to sit down and actually focus on a book. Again, we live in an age of distractions. If I want to guarantee a good place for finishing the book I’m reading or getting a Bible study session in, I can count on the library to facilitate the perfect environment.
Lastly, it’s also just a great (and free) way to get out of the house. I live less than five minutes away from my local library. Whether they are hosting an event that I’m interested in or I’m just looking for something to do, I love taking a walk over there in the summer and browsing the books. No matter how overwhelmed I may feel, no matter how bad my phone addiction might be, there is something about being in a library that works to silence the mind. It gets me out of the chaos of the world, and it's full of books that I can read for free—what more is there to ask for?
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