libraries Queen's has some amazing libraries, their collections are immense and their architecture stunning at times. Chances are you'll be spending a fair amount of your time at Queen's holed up in a study carrel here, paying your overdue book fees, or frantically tracking down that required reading.
Food is allowed in the libraries in small quantities, but don't think about bringing in your curry from last night. Use commmon sense and bring in small, quiet study foods. Drinks can be brought in so long as they are sealable. Additionally, there are a few vending machines with pop, candies, gum, and random stationary. Plus, you are never more than a few meters away from an on campus coffee shop! There are ample photocopy machines available, you just need to buy a copy card, and in most libraries there are after-hour check outs, in case you desperately need that John Berger book at 2am. All libraries are now equiped with wireless internet as well as ethernet ports and it's handy to bring your laptop along. I've even left my powerbook unattended for hours at a time and had no problem with theft. Affectionately known as Club Stauff, Stauffer is the place to see and be seen on campus. People often 'dress up' to study, err people watch, here. Because of, or despite of this (depending on which way you swing), Stauffer is a great library. It's new, clean, and is an overal great facility. The higher you go the quieter it gets, and the easier it is to hear those annoyingly frantic msn converstaions your carrel buddy is engaged in. During exams it can be hard to find a spot, even ONE spot, so stake your claim early. The wealth of resources here is tremendous. They have a great art library on the third floor and a fairly deep online journal database as well. Don't forget to check out the Fireside Reading Room where you can cram the night away infront of a crackling fire. Hours at Stauffer are good, especially during exam time when it stays open until 2. Douglas is the Engineering and Science library, and it's where the medium to hard core studiers go. You don't have to get dolled up to go here. In fact, if you walk in in stillettos you'll probably be dragged out. Douglas has a sweatpants or Eng jacket only rule, unwritten, but it's there. Don't attempt to eat, chew gum, or make a peep, as hard core Eng Chem kids are dealing with life and death finals, and that girl in your Children Lit course thinks that if she doesn't finish Harry Potter by 10pm the world will end. You know the type? If you are in the mood to get some serious studying done, go here, you'll either produce a set of killer cue cards or die of boredom. The top floor of Douglas is stunning. There are stained glass windows that let beams of light in and old wood bookshelves that bring to life all your ivy league fantasies. The rule with Douglas is, the further down underground you go, the quieter it gets. The Law Library To be honest, I've never studied here. In fact, I can count the number of books I took out at university on both my hands (shh). However, I do know that this place to get lots done, and also pick up a cute law student if you are so inclined. Bracken Libarary This is the health sciences library and is a smaller and quieter library than the others. It's located in Botterell Hall on Stuart Street and provides a great escape from the frantic Stauffer and Douglas crowds. Kingston Frotenac Public Library The town library at 130 Johnson Street is another good bet to get lots done and to be able to take out fun books. It didn't dawn on me until third year that there are no fluffy fun books to read on campus. If you are in the mood for a good thriller or even something remotely non-academic you have to buy it at Indigo, or else come here. There's a small cafe in the Kingston Frotenac Public Libary that serves nice snacks, the staff is friendly, and the clientel is refreshing. If you are getting stressed out with school, come study here and you'll soon realize there's more to life than that Bio-Chem midterm. |
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Above: Douglas library is a gorgeous building that sits right at the heart of campus.
Above: The top floor of Douglas library is lit by large stained glass windows.
Above: Stauffer libary is likely a place you'll spend many late nights.
Above: Botterell Hall houses the Bracken Health Sciences Library, steps away from Kingston General Hospital and Lake Ontario.