One would think this is a distraction free zone.

I found the stacks on a fateful day when it felt like the entirety of Butler library was occupied (as usual). As the type of person who needs pin drop silence to study, I was not mad at the stacks being my only option because it seemed like the ideal place to acquire this type of atmosphere. The stacks have everything you could want from, mood lighting to artwork on the walls.

I would like to believe that studying here makes me more productive but it also provides some pretty hefty distractions now that I look back on my experience. Upon arrival into the stacks, it’s a little dark and dingy, but I can excuse that and call it mood lighting. The temperature feels like it’s on some sort of continuum, I tend to find it warm and stuffy when I enter but something happens around one hour in and it becomes way too cold. Sometimes it’s so cold that I have seen people put their puffers back on and continue studying!

Oh and if you ever get bored while studying, do not fret because the art on the walls is way too entertaining to not take a break and have a glance. From love notes and confessions of questionable habits to fun little doodles there is always something to keep me entertained if I’m ever in need of a little study break.

Towards the end of my study session I always find myself wishing I just went somewhere else because contrary to the silent atmosphere I crave, the stacks are not the most quiet place. The sheer stillness amplifies footsteps which sound more like thuds, you can hear the elevator screeching as it goes up and down and, every time that elevator bell dings I regret my decision but I am already there and frankly too lazy to leave. 

The stacks and I have a love hate relationship. Whilst I do greatly fear being locked in there, I still continue to go, so there must be something about that place.

Image via Bwarchives