A small conversation with an even smaller subject.

Late at night, as the stacks were closing, I collected my books to head home. As I turned, a dull golden light from an ornate wooden case caught my eye. I had never noticed, but there is a helpful model of Butler within Butler on the right hand of the third floor of butler, directly across from the stairs. In this model, several bronze figures reside. I found it to be my duty to ask them about the secrets of the library:

Hello, thank you so much for talking to Bwog. I’m sure you have some great insights about this school.

The strange bronze figurines in the model of Butler inside Butler: …

Let me start this off with a few questions about your life. When did you start attending Columbia?

TSBFITMOBIB: …

Wow, The Class of 1934? I’m sure you have a lot to say then! What was campus life like back then? I know there’s a sense on campus now that too that it’s very easy to get sucked in the Columbia bubble, do you have a sense that that’s always been the case for students?

TSBFITMOBIB: …

That’s true, a bubble is easier to get through than this literal glass pane. 

TSBFITMOBIB: …

I appreciate that optimism. I’d agree that there are few places I’d prefer to be trapped for eternity than a library. Can you tell me more about the other bronze figurines you’ve spent so long with?

TSBFITMOBIB: …

I can see it. Those ones on the eighth floor next to the assigned study cubicles seem pretty close as well.

TSBFITMOBIB: …

Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. It must be painful to have to be here with your ex for so long. Do you have any friends here at least?

TSBFITMOBIB: …

Oh yeah, it looks like he’s over near the coffee bar and lounge already. I don’t want to delay you too long from joining them, but would you be willing to quickly answer a few more questions about the library?

TSBFITMOBIB: …

Thanks. What’s your favorite room?

TSBFITMOBIB: …

Not what I would’ve gone with, but I can see it. Do you ever see any special exhibits?

TSBFITMOBIB: …

Not even the Rare Books and Manuscript room within the model?

TSBFITMOBIB: …

Well, I would highly recommend it. One last question about the library: do you find it easy to navigate Clio and the library system?

TSBFITMOBIB: …

That’s true, Bwog did write a useful guide. And the Library’s own website is pretty great too.

TSBFITMOBIB: …

I hate to cut you off, but it’s getting a bit late and I don’t want to keep you from your friends. Are there any final remarks you would like to say?

TSBFITMOBIB: …

That’s a great insight. Have a great night.

TSBFITMOBIB: …

After I waved goodbye to the figurines and left Butler, I could see Alma Mater presiding over campus. On her lap sits a book. I wondered if she, too, had gone to the library once before and if she had talked with the figurines as well. Perhaps the next time I am in Butler I will ask.

Butler Directory via Bwog Staff