As a graduate student I spend a gross amount of time trying to find quiet space to think. Who knew silence was so golden in the heart of a city? Although my University library more than offers comfortable amenities it is usually filled with a librarian’s worst nightmare: Students with no regard for the universal library code of silence or what I like to call “no one cares about your date last night so get off your cell phone” code. The Carnegie Library downtown on the other hand provides the silence I so desperately desire on a daily basis.
One of nineteen Carnegie Libraries located in Allegheny County, the downtown branch, located on 612 Smithfield Street, allows patrons to escape into a world of adventurous solitude within its walls. Upon entrance, the library seems quaint and limited but further examination reveals seemingly endless stacks of knowledge.
The first level houses books about cooking, popular new releases and autobiographies. The second level contains an extensive business resource center that regularly features programs to aid with resumes and cover letters as well as assistance with taxes and credit advice. While I’ve yet to attend one of these aforementioned programs there is one about organizing your home, office and life on Thursday, January 21 at 12:15pm that I’ve already marked on my calendar. I guess I’m more organized that I thought.
The only two evident drawbacks are the library’s lack of space and operation hours. I’ve made the short walk from my apartment to the library at all times during the day and either I am the unluckiest person alive or the library is just always busy. As an avid reader and supporter of public libraries I can’t complain but it can make finding a seat somewhat difficult. The library is also only open from 8:30am – 6:00pm Monday thru Thursday, 8:30a.m. – 5:00pm on Fridays and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. This helps feed my procrastination gene and causes last minute antics to complete assignments. I wonder if my professor would accept “the library was closed on Saturday” as a valid excuse?
Maybe it’s because I’m part nerd (from my Dad’s side) but stepping inside a library makes me feel like a kid again. It always has and hopefully always will. I constantly have to fight the urge to skip up and down the rows of books shouting with excitement. Of course its partially because you’re not allowed to, but also because it’s so invigorating to be among all those famous (and not so famous) writers. Every time I step into the Carnegie Library downtown I hold in my shouts and quietly run my finger along the titles in search of my next adventure. Next time you’re downtown consider the Carnegie Library for all your silent adventure needs.
I look forward to more adventures with your life downtown. Academic as well as r/l.