By Hannah Quan ’26
Whether you are looking to cram for a math test or talk through an English project with your classmates, the Andrew Mellon Library’s selection of study spots has you covered. The most important part of doing work is finding a productive environment to work in, so here’s a quick guide to finding the best Library spot for you!
For big group projects, the ideal environment is a large space that allows people to collaborate and talk without needing to whisper. The large oval table in the basement is perfect for that. Grace Yoon ’26 said, “It’s a great area to get work done without distractions while being able to communicate with others.”
For smaller groups, one of the four basement study rooms is ideal. As you can reserve the rooms ahead of time, planning and staying on track is much easier. Study rooms allow for more privacy, which enables students to talk to one another without disrupting those nearby. These rooms are a go-to spot for Ryan Liu ’26 because of their comfortable chairs and quiet.
The small tables in the open basement area offer a more casual option. According to Lois Kahu ’26, “It’s a quiet space, but there’s still things going on,” which allows one to stay in tune with what’s going on in their surroundings.
As part of the main library area, the Reference Room is a bit louder, perfect for those who enjoy some background noise or would be happy bumping into a friend or two as they do their homework.
“You can see what’s going on around [you], while having your personal space,” Norah Wang ’27 said. Additionally, the Math Center, Writing Center, and librarians’ help desk are nearby for assistance.
If you work best in complete silence, the Quiet Section is for you. Near the charging station, the help desk, the bathroom, and the water fountain, these spots are almost completely silent and close to everything you might need while studying. Lorraine Hillgen-Santa ’24 said, “I always have so much work to do, and I love being able to sit in the quiet section and just lock in.”
While Sofia Schmidt ’25 generally sticks to the basement study rooms and the Quiet Section, she also loves “to sit in the comfy chairs in the Reading Room if [she’s] doing light work.” But, be warned: those chairs are dangerously comfortable. “Sometimes, I even fall asleep in them mid-assignment,” she said. “I would highly recommend [them]!”
“I’m in the Library almost every day, and it’s been interesting getting to know the other people who are there at the same time as me,” Schmidt said. “Studying with friends is such a nice way to spend time together while also staying on top of your work, and I maintain that friends who study together stay together.”
So, next time you need to do some work, visit one of these spots and maybe find your next best friend!
