The Trible Library is a building that matches the grandeur of all the new buildings around it. Situated directly across from the David Student Union, the Trible Library is also directly in the center of campus. If you’re a student of Christopher Newport University, you will grow incredibly fond of this building over your time here.
I’ll start, as usual, on the first floor. The moment you walk through any one of the many pairs of doors at the front of the library, you’ll be overwhelmed with two smells – paper and coffee. If you’re anything like me, those are the two best smells in the world. From left to right, you have four important areas: the 24-hour room, the front desk, the computer area and Einstein’s.
The 24-hour room is a complete blessing. It is exactly what is sounds like: open 24 hours. This room is perfect for pulling all-nighters and getting a huge amount of work done. When I know I need to get a good 4+ hours of work in and it is past 8 p.m., I head straight here so I don’t bother my roommate while she tries to sleep. Another great aspect of this room is that it is home to the amazing IT team who will fix literally anything your computer is going through, well almost anything. My only word of warning for this room is that it is very easy to settle down in this room thinking you’ll only be there a couple of hours and then suddenly realize it is 3:52 a.m. and you have an 8 a.m. class.
The front desk/circulation desk is where you will pick up any books you reserve on the online library. The staff is incredibly kind and will even assist you with finding books or learning how to work their system!
The computer area holds dozens of computers – almost like a computer lab, but more personal and comfortable – as well as study tables and a printer. It’s a great place to go if you need to print something out or don’t have your personal computer with you!
Finally, Einstein’s is the cafe that serves some of the best drinks around! They’re sell Starbucks products (so you don’t even need to leave the comfort of your own campus to get your favorite latte!) along with their own personal drinks. They also sell sandwiches along with a variety of other food items. The lines get super long in the morning, but it is well worth the wait! Plus, there are study rooms connected to it, making it the perfect reward for your group study session!
The second floor of the Trible Library is slightly less exciting, but it does have some very important rooms.The first feature of the second floor that is so very convenient is that is has a ton of study space. There are two major study rooms, and then a third study area with computers much like the first floor. One of the two study rooms is great for group studying, and has long tables and allows talking. The other study room is perfect if you need to study by yourself without getting distracted, because it is a noise-free room! Only study here if you’re committed to being as silent as physically possible.
The other most important area of the second floor is the Honors suite! If you are an Honors student, you will become very familiar with these rooms. If you have any questions about the Honors Program this is the perfect place to have them answered! Honors students turn in their activity reports here, and it’s home to the head of the program himself, Jay Paul! If you ever have any questions, I would suggest stopping by. He is always willing to help people out, and he is one of the kindest people I have ever met.
Additionally, the second floor of the Trible Library is home to the Media Center. Cameras, laptops, DVDs, the Media Center has it all for you to rent for free. You can use one of the desktop Macs or rend out an editing suite if you’re working on digital projects for class. If you find yourself with some free time after studying the Media Center has a wide collection of DVDs for your viewing pleasure.
Make sure, on your next visit, that you don’t pass up my favorite place on campus: The Trible Library!