Wow!

The only thing better than a cup of Joe coffee is riding the escalator upstairs to a modern/chic study space. Bwog editor Amara Banks continues our library review series with her take on the Science and Engineering library, located in Noco. 

Location:  On the campus level of the Northwest Corner Building, 401 Northwest Corner Building
550 West 120th Street New York, NY 10027

Hours: They vary. Typically, the library is open from 9am-11pm, but during midterms the library remains open until 3am. See the full schedule here.

Contact: (212) 851-2950

Seats:

Levels: 3

Total: ~345 seats according to the website.

First Level: ~75 seats

Second Level: ~90 seats

Third Level: ~70 seats

Computers: 24 by our count, but the library also has the Digital Science Center, where “high-end computers are specially equipped with software and hardware to support teaching, learning, and research in the science and engineering disciplines.” — CU Libraries

Comfy: 250– all the chairs here are comfy

Seats for talking: ~56– the entire first floor is *supposed* to be a space for collaboration, but sometimes people are rude about it. Don’t let them be. Chat away.

Amenities:

Scanners: 10

Computers: 24

Lighting: Chill– it’s bright, but warm.

Outlets: Plentiful. They are located on the study tables and booths; you shouldn’t need a cord longer than three feet here.

Bathrooms: Located on the mezzanine. Clean, nice mirrors, fun tiling.

Water fountains: Located next to the bathrooms. There is a water bottle refill station; its dot is usually green, which is nice.

Food/drink: Bottles with a screw-on lid are the only kind allowed in. Disposable coffee cups and drinks without a legit lid are not allowed. Food is not allowed, but there’s a nice little lounge up the stairs outside of the library’s front doors where you do your thing.

Windows/Views: This library is basically made out of glass, which affords students lots of natural light during the day time. On the west side of the library, large floor to ceiling windows are covered by shades as the sun sets in the afternoon.

Smoking: The closest designated smoking area is right outside in the quad.

Books: Chemistry, biology, physics, astronomy, psychology, and engineering

Decor: Chill blues and greens mixed with gentle industrial/modern tones

Bonus: Sometimes there are dogs here

Atmosphere: This is a good library to go to if you are a part of the STEM field, as there are a plethora of resources available for students to access in addition to the natural light and friendly staff. However, even if you aren’t, there are still a lot of nice amenities (like clean bathrooms and proximity to Joe) that everyone would enjoy.

The lib via Columbia University Libraries