Harvard Libraries Review

Thursday, September 25, 2008- Blog #4

It’s easier to write about things you feel like you have some knowledge of or experience with. As classes are now in full swing, I resumed my exploration of the many different libraries on Harvard’s campus which I started last year. This is my way to venture out of my little Kennedy School bubble and make hours of reading, studying and paper writing more interesting. Here is my review of a few :

Widener Library- beautiful building and lots of natural light in the daytime; the main reading room is big and very quiet; the long tables are nice to spread out on but the chairs have these armrests that prevent them from being pushed in close to the table, an issue if you are like me and like to get right up close to your work; it’s only open until 10pm on weeknights so does not really attract the all-nighter population.

Lamont Library- this one is basically open 24/7 so definitely attracts the all-nighter population as well as freshmen who like to think they are there to study, but really just want to flirt with the cute boy or girl across the room or throw spit balls at their roommate. But it does have some big comfy chairs, a café, classrooms that are good for group work and it’s the closest one on the list to my house.

Law School Library- another beautiful building like Lamont with a big reading room and long tables. The high ceilings and portrait of US presidents who went to Harvard definitely make you feel like you are at Harvard University. There are two free coffee machines with gourmet flavors like hazelnut and french-vanilla that can really brighten up you day of studying. But, there are often many law students around so a space to claim as your own can be hard to find. This is probably why the library is closed to non-HLS students during exam time.

Baker Library at Harvard Business School- Like everything else on the HBS campus, this one feels very exclusive and not welcoming to non-HBSers. I have only been there once and though the building looked big from the outside but I could not figure out how to get to any other parts of the library beyond the small reading room. This one maybe needs more exploring because I am sure there are many beautiful, well furnished reading rooms. And if the law school library offers free coffee, just think what HBS may have…if you can find it!