Thursday, August 27, 2009

coffee in concerto with Chaucer



Twelve ounces of coffee and twelve stories of books? Yes, thank you!

Scaling the foothills of the Appalachians, the Houston Cole Library at Jacksonville State University has always maintained a certain charm. Boasting more than 600,000 titles and eight micro-libraries (with subject professionals working each one), it was nearly the perfect place to research and read. I say nearly perfect because until this fall, I have always frowned a little at the sign stating no food or drinks. The library has great long hours, but who can study too terribly long without a little caffeine?

Over the summer, the university took on a number of new projects to enhance the institution. Starting this fall are the Gamecock Express, free and green routes to class and town, an exceptional honors program, a renovated cafeteria, new dining options and hours in the student center AND...drum roll please...a cafe and bakery in the library called Jazzman's!

Also exciting--a certain Mr. Sintos is one of the first employees of this cafe, putting his excellent Starbucks training to good work. This is actually really great because most male students have to seek out work at least 30 minutes away. You see, there is some unspoken law about having to be female to waitress anywhere in Jacksonville. Some conundrum involving a small Southern university town and similarly small uniform shorts.

I'm not going to lie, some strange part of me wishes I started new classes yesterday. The thrill of learning and such. Now I'm sad I won't get to experience studying with a latte in hand. It's a great move for current students, though, and I might just have to become an official "friend of the library."


3 comments:

Sarah&Jason said...

oh how great for the library! is there a better smell than fresh coffee and old books?! no!

tin can photography said...

oh, i agree! did you know they make a perfume called "in the library"...maybe this is going to far? :)

Sarah&Jason said...

you are kidding me. i gotta smell it.