Remembering VHS

Many of the students at Coe seem to forget about our wonderful AV department. To me, this place has and always will occupy a special place in my heart. You don’t just browse through films in the AV department but rather you browse through history. Looking through the VHS tapes, personally, brings back fond childhood memories of rewinding a tape before watching it or the pure frustration of renting un-re-winded movie. To many this experience is foreign but to me, and surely many others, it takes me back to simpler times I dearly miss. Unfortunately, technology has made places like the AV Theater more obsolete, since with a click of a mouse you could find any thing you desire. However, I would like to challenge everyone to take a moment and walk through the aisles of not just film but history, before it is too late. Yafet M.

Computers

Computers. Super important here at Coe and I'm glad the library has so many. Last semester, my computer was broken so I spent a LOT of time in the library at one of the computers. The library also seems to be immune to whatever seems to be going on with Coe's wi-fi (most of the time). Even though the library isn't open all day, there's usually a good bet that you can use a computer when you need one. ~Angela A.

Accused--Book Review

Ever just want to sit down and get lost in a book? The Stewart Memorial Library has many books that can transport you to a different place; we have thrillers, romance, and mysteries. If you are looking for a thriller I would recommend the book Accused by Lisa Scottoline. It is a thriller about three women in the law firm, Rosato & Associates. They are given a case by a thirteen year old, Allegra Gardner; this young girl’s sister was murdered six years prior. The case at the time was solid, the man who was accused, Lonnie Stall, was seen fleeing the scene; his blood was found on the sister and her blood was on him. He also plead guilty at the trial. Open and shut, right? But there is a twist, Allegra does not believe that he is guilty and wants Rosato & Associates to reopen the case. Now the question is whether or not they should take the case; Allegra’s family is powerful and influential so taking this case would be risky. But was justice really served those 6 years ago? These three women and a thirteen-year-old will find out.

Does this book interest you? Come check it out! Located in the browsing section on the first floor of the library, the call number is PS 3569 .C725 .A65 2013. ~Ashley K.

Adventures of working at the library

When I first started working at the library last year I thought I was going to be very productive and get a lot of homework accomplished while working at the Circulation Desk. The opposite could not have been truer. Instead of working on my academics at work I learned a lot of other new things, most importantly improving my social life. When I walk into the library I always see a friendly face and that is what I love about Coe College; there is always a friend wherever I go, whether it is at the library, in the cafeteria or workout.
Working at the circulation desk there is never a dull moment, there is always someone to greet when someone walks in the door or say bye to when leaving. I am constantly learning new things about books and authors because everyone likes to share a story about their favorite book or author when checking a book out. There is always something to explore when shelving books or dusting. Sometimes when I am straightening the books on the shelves or doing inventory I pull out an interesting book just take a few minutes to read the back out of curiosity.
People not only come to the library to study and do their homework but some people come to the library to be social. I have seen many friends sit in a study room or at a study table chatting or playing card games. I have also seen people napping at a desk or sleeping on a couch. Many people bring food into the library as a snack; I have even seen Jimmy John’s and Pizza Hut being delivered here for dinner. There is always something interesting going on in the library and a great place to be! ~Taylor W.

Fault in our Stars--Book Review

Two weeks ago during my shift I was browsing the library catalog and saw that The Fault in our Stars was downstairs in the Youth section. I was quite excited because I had been on hold for it the whole four weeks of my winter break at my library back home. I had heard so many good things about the book so I started it right after my shift ended. Well now as I sit here, two weeks later, with the book finished I am saddened to say that I think it is probably one of the most overrated books I've ever read.


The book is about Hazel, a teenager living with cancer who knows that she only has a few years left at best. She has pretty much come to terms with her diagnosis and is just taking life day-to-day. At a cancer support group, she meets Augustus Waters who is another very charismatic teen cancer survivor. As you can assume, the two end up falling for each other and there is a lot of conflict about allowing themselves to get close to another person and make their lives meaningful given their short time that they have left. I've read my fair share of romance/ terminal illness books and frankly this just seemed like every other one. Other than a sub-plot about corresponding with an author who they both idolize (a storyline which in my opinion felt very unlikely, forced, and a little over the top), the plot was pretty predictable. While I liked the character of Hazel and connected with her views on life and it's meaning, I never warmed up to Augustus. And I get that he wasn't always supposed to be the most likeable character but I just never developed a strong yearning that he and Hazel were meant to be.

While I appreciated John Green's attempt to try to throw a twist on your typical cancer romance novel, I just don't think it worked for me. I'm sure a lot of my opinion on this book was influenced by the mass amount of hype that it got. I probably set my expectations way too high and expected way too much. I would like to state that it wasn't a bad book, it definitely kept my focus and I was motivated to finish it, it just wasn't very memorable. If you're into teen romance novels, there's a good chance you might like this book. As for me, I think I'm all teen romance-ed out and will be sticking with adventure/ mystery books for the forseeable future. ~Bellamy

Did Monkeys Invent the Monkey Wrench-Book Review

Ever wonder what it's like to visit an old hardware store? Ever wonder how rubber came to be or who invented the Vice Grips? Look no further than the book, Did Monkeys Invent the Monkey Wrench, by Vince Staten. This book is chalk full of witty humor along with quite an insight into the world of selling nuts and bolts. Believe me, this is not a book that will bore you to sleep. It may just keep you up in the wee hours of the night, just like the running toilet did in your home. This easy to read book is perfect for those that like tinkering with hand tools, even if you are not very successful. Even the author claims to not be a handyman, but he has a plethora of knowledge on the tools handy persons use. Pick up this book and get a glimpse into a culture that may one day be gone. Tyler G.

Hidden Nooks and Crannies of SML

While working in the library, I have come to know the building's secrets pretty well. I’ve learned that the top floor is kept at just above freezing practically year round, the Whipple sticker means that this book is brand new, and where to find the Grant Wood paintings. But what I have found most useful and interesting is the kept secret study areas found abundantly on each floor.

Working from the bottom up, the basement level holds not only a hidden space but a wonderful asset. The Archives are found down the main stairs and to the left. Here I have found not only some of the comfiest armchairs the library has to offer but an irreplaceable asset in Rob DeSpain, and his knowledge of Coe College and its past students. The next floor up contains the most abundant overlooked spaces. In the Joanne M. Pochobradsky Reading Room, located to the right of the main staircase when entering through the main doors, caters to both the groups and the individual. In this wing of the library there is both a medium-sized room for group meetings tucked behind the shelves of magazines, and a L-shaped couch positioned perfectly in front of a large window and is made complete with lamps to read by. Next time you go to the second floor seek out these other hidden study spaces, specifically the two smaller galleries found to the left and right of the Perrine Gallery. There are plenty of comfy leather armchairs, illuminating golden light to read by, and the doors can close so you can control the sound. The largest hidden secret of the library would have to be the illusive third floor. Few people realize that this top floor even exists because it can only be accessed by the side staircases. The noise level is kept at a chilling whisper and is the perfect spot if you need to hunker down, focus, and get stuff done.

So go out at explorer these mysterious niches the library has to offer and good luck with your studies! Katie K.