eleven

When someone thinks of the word eleven, she may just think of the number, but I think of the hardwood floors and decorative rugs and spacious windows that make up one of the most relaxing and comfortable locations to study on the OSU campus, the 11th floor reading room of the Thompson Library. The reading room has an excellent atmosphere with two bamboo plants that create the feeling of a Buddhist zen temple. These green plants harmonize with the soft brown and white colors of the floor and walls.

On the day I visited, the sunlight shown through one of the many windows that overlook all parts of campus. Most of the students were studying or reading books that lay one of the many wooden tables. Rather than studying alone, a group of students had an active study group session where they were engaged in memorizing chemistry information, probably for a quiz or test.

Although the room was mostly quiet, different sounds could be heard. While one boy was studying, I could hear the tapping of his fingers while he was nodding his head along to the beat of music from his laptop. Another group of girls that were sitting by a window whispered and giggled about their events from previous night. These various sounds and the soft white light shining through the windows created a relaxing and alluring atmosphere where one could relax and converse with others or study comfortably. Lounging in the leather chairs, the students were truly taking advantage of the atmosphere in this special room in the renovated library.

The warm feeling of the room may have contributed to the students acting kind towards each other. For instance, one boy lent his calculator to another stranger without any second thoughts and seemed willing to lend it again if needed. Another student also offered to assist another student memorize Spanish vocabulary by going through flash cards.

The Thompson Library 11th floor reading room is more than just a study room. It is a unique and comfortable place to converse and relax after a long day.