The New Neilson Library: First Impressions
The new Neilson Library opened Monday of this week! I have been walking by regularly, but today (Friday) was my first time inside. The interior is absolutely incredible! This is not going to be a super detailed post as I have only wandered around for about 20 minutes and taken a few photos. For some more professional images and a more complete tour, check out this video. I also wrote this post from a little study spot in the exhibition gallery. In the future, this space will be used to showcase research and artwork from the Smith community. I am finding the chair to be very comfortable and absolutely love the minimalist desk.
I have always liked libraries, but in all honesty, I tended to just study in my room last year. Seeing and experiencing the new Neilson makes it clear what we have been missing this whole time. I am unsure if the new Neilson will actually change my study habits, but I definitely look forward to spending more time here.
It is worth noting that the library is not completely set up. There are numerous rooms that are only open to staff or closed completely. For instance, Special Collections is slated to open in the fall. Another cool room that is currently closed off is the reflection room (shown below, photo taken through the window).
Furthermore, for social distancing, the library has been de-densified (i.e. chairs have been removed). At current, the building capacity is limited to 300 people. The real-time occupancy can be viewed here. At the moment, there are 101 people here.
Now for some of the oddities of the space. I found it hard to see the individual steps of the stairs down to the basement. Not sure if this is something that others have found to be true. Secondly, the curved transparent walls in the basement bend the light strangely which was a bit disorienting.
Beyond these little nitpicks, the new Neilson is one of my new favorite places on campus. I think Ford Hall is still my favorite building, but Neilson makes a close second.
