Sometimes it’s rough stuff being a nerd. The Lord of the Rings Pandora playlists, the all-consuming obsessions with BBC television programs (or should I say programmes!); at points it’s almost too much to bear.

 

But it isn’t all bad. Because in my travels across the UC Berkeley campus this year, utilizing my finely tuned geek senses, I have managed to compile a fairly extensive directory of my favorite, if perhaps lesser known, libraries on campus. So, if you find yourself jousting for that spot at Main Stacks this finals week, remember that you attend a school home to over two dozen libraries, and now is as good a time as any to branch (LIBRARY PUN!) out. Here is a selection of locations where you can bust out that last minute studying in style.

 

1. East Asian Studies Library

I know this may be old news, but I couldn’t leave out my dear, dear friend, the East Asian Studies Library. This architectural beauty is the place to be if you’re in the mood for taking in lovely views while being surrounded by enormous texts full of deep poetry in a language you will probably never learn. East Asian is by far my favorite place to go to do copious amounts of studying, because a nice gaze out the window at the birds and plants living a much happier life than I always seems to ease the pain. Just be sure to check out their hours before making the trek; I have been forcibly removed on one occasion. They don’t like people overstaying their welcome. (Disregard how ridiculously cool it is that I’ve been kicked out of a library)

 

2. Environmental Design Library

Housed in the second floor of the architecture building, this library will make you wish you were a design student. The library typically isn’t very crowded, and Romona’s is just downstairs if you get hungry or want to procrastinate. Also, the building itself is always full of cool projects and well-dressed people gazing pensively at things hanging from walls; it is my untested hypothesis that you become hipper just by walking inside.

 

3. Biosciences Library

Found in the Valley Life Sciences Building, this library comes complete with plenty of study spaces, natural light and enormous dinosaur heads. Although the hours of this library are limited, if you don’t mind moving after a while, a trip there is definitely worth it. Plus, if you get bored, you can read books with cool titles like The Primate Ovary!

 

4. Kresge Engineering Library

While, as a simple humanities major, this isn’t exactly my turf, I will gladly take a trip to Bechtel every once in a while in order to take advantage of the engineering library. The atmosphere is great, especially if you’re working on a group project, because talking is allowed. Plus, it’s always entertaining hearing about how someone “just isn’t in the imaginary numbers mindset right now.” And you don’t have to trash your precious coffee at the door because beverages are allowed. Engineering or bust!

 

5. God’s Library

You won’t find it on a campus map, but God’s Library has branches all over campus. I’m talking about the great outdoors, folks! I know it’s sometimes hard to focus while working outside, especially when it’s been so beautiful out, but every so often it can be nice to take in the beauty of nature while differentiating a function. And who doesn’t want to get a tan while finding a tangent! Okay I’ll stop with the calculus. But seriously, don’t stay indoors for too long this finals week. Being in the sun will brighten your mood and keep people from suspecting you of being a vampire.

 

Good luck with finals, Bears! Hopefully with this list in hand you’ll be able to survive whatever the UC Berkeley assessment gods decide to throw your way. Or at least find a comfy spot to watch bootlegged TV on your computer.

 

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