PowerBlog

The first exams won't be written for another week but we're not waiting till then. We know you need extra time to get ready. That's why we're going to be open extra hours - starting this weekend. So from this Saturday and right through to the end of the exam period, the Library will be open until 1:00am. For all of our hours, go here . And that's the entire library, not just the main floor. After 11:00 there won't be any staff to offer help or check out books but there will be someone from Security to keep it open for studying/cramming. We think this will be particularly popular with residence students who will be able to find a quiet place to read while avoiding rowdy roommates. As far as those exams are concerned, good luck! A few more weeks and it will all be over.

Not all of them. But most of them. We have 7 available right now with more to come. And they're better than ever. The changes to the library's main floor are not just cosmetic ones. Group study rooms have been built in what used to be the Reserve Reading Room at the furthest end. They've been designed to accomodate groups of students who want to work together on class assignments without being disturbed (or disturbing others). They've got new flooring, lighting, walls and furniture. And they're (fairly) soundproof. No more crowding around a table in the middle of the Reference Room. Drop in and have a look for yourself. There are also new study rooms in the space previously occupied by the administration offices. And the large study room on the 2nd floor is still there. It's especially good for groups of 8-10 people. To find out if a room is available, or to book one in advance, just visit the Circulation Desk or call them at 420-5547.

Which do you want first? The good news? Or the bad news? Let's start with... The Good : The renovations of the washrooms on the 2 nd and 3rd floors have (finally) been completed and they have reopened. New plumbing and fixtures, new walls and floors, new everything. They're not 35 years old anymore. Followed by The Bad : Now that they've finished the upstairs washrooms, they can start working on the ones on the main floor. In fact, "start" means tomorrow, Wednesday, March 2 at 7:00 am. Which means that for the foreseeable future there will be no washroom facilities on the library's first floor. But which may not be as dire as it sounds. It just means you will have to get some exercise (or take the elevator) traveling to the aforementioned nice new ones upstairs. And remember that there are also washrooms not so far away in the Atrium and the now-connected-to-the-library-so-you-don't-have-to-go-outside Burke Building. Of course, and unfortunately,...