What to check out besides books? Part 2: Queen’s University Libraries

Drawing of Douglas Library by Dr. Navjit Gaurav.

As you may already know, The Joseph S. Stauffer Library will be closed soon for renovation between June 8 – late August. The first floor will be re-imagined to include an expanded , gender neutral bathrooms, large library classroom, new service desk and study areas (During this time, you will still be able to request research material which you can pick up at another library location either on campus or within the Omni network.

With Stauffer’s closure, it is the perfect time to check out the other libraries on campus, specifically their study spaces and resources.

: 93 University Ave,

  • It is Douglas Library’s 100th birthday this fall! The celebrations hope to be in line with homecoming (keep your eyes open).
  • There is a legend “told among students that Douglas Library was built backwards, and the side that faces away from University Avenue is actually supposed to face the street” Read more here. 

On the top floor are two beautiful readings rooms:  

- AKA The Harry Potter Reading Room. This is a great space to get work done. The room has stained-glass windows, vaulted ceilings, and individual study carrels with warm brass lights. See the drawing pictured above by Dr. Navjit Gaurav.

– This room is often less busy than the 1923 reading room. It features a large stained-glass window with arched ceiling. In place of individual study nooks, you will find round tables with chairs for group work.

has been relocated to the ground floor of Douglas Library while Stauffer is under construction. At the ATC you will find specialized hardware, software, and assistive devices to support student success.

  • Bookable Adaptive Technology Study Room is now located in Douglas room 404 
  • Adaptive Technology Lab is in Douglas room 405, which includes, sit stand desks, computers, laptop stations and adaptive software.  
  • The Library Accessibility Services Staff are available Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm to assist.
    -    Coordinator, Adaptive Technology Centre, Douglas room 402
    -Adaptive Technologist, Douglas room 402B
    -Alternate Format Specialist, Douglas room 402 D
    -Library Accessibility Services Assistant, Douglas room 402 C

One of my favorite spaces to visit is:

 located on floor 2. Here you will find:

  • An impressive collection of rare books, maps, posters, and artist books. When I visit next, I hope to see by Beth Follett and by Alan Suddon, and Claude Aubry.
  • Starting June 17, a portion of W.D. Jordan Rare Books and Special Collections -- specifically the Rare Books Reference Reading Room (south side of the 2nd floor, Douglas Library) – will be open as a study space for graduate students, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. In line with Rare Books and Special Collections guidelines, there is no food or drink allowable anywhere on the 2nd floor of Douglas Library.
  • Curator, Dr. Brendan Edwards’ exhibitions are always a must see, highlighting special items from the collection. Forthcoming exhibitions at W.D. Jordan Rare Books and Special Collections are (this summer) Wayzgoose1979-2024; and (this Fall) Poison Books.

:

  • Like all libraries on campus, there is walk in support, this unit’s support is for Engineering and Sciences research.
  • Along with typical research resources, they usually have an activity and puzzle out if you need a break. Currently they have a student engagement activity with QR codes linked to short books on notes.
  • If you need a break from reality, the is great to escape to another planet or world through sci-fi and fantasy books. 
  • There is also a strong EDII Collection (Equity Diversity Inclusion and Indigeneity)
  • And a New Books Shelf – offering an ever rotation selection of the cutting-edge books in the sciences.
  • Want the inside scoop? Ask the desk if you can check out a board game for a little fun!

: 18 Stuart Street, Botterell Hall

  • Walk in reference research support for Nursing, Rehab Therapy, School of Medicine, Bio-Chem and Life Sciences.  
  • - Lovely view of the Botterell Hall Garden. Open space for quiet study.
  • Wally’s Cafe - Closed for the summer.
  • Interesting resources including: , virtual resources for
  • One of the libraries shared that is a favorite and a must check out.

: Duncan McArthur Hall, 511 Union Street

  • Research support for educators.
  • Beautiful study areas with views of Lake Ontario.
  • Bookable group study rooms.
  • Alternative teaching resources including board games, toys, and dolls for children, art supplies.
  • Great selectin of Children’s and Young Adult Books including the and .
  • Stauffer Foundation Indigenous Adaptive Tech (coming soon)
  • Teacher Resource Collection & Teachers Prep Area (coming soon)
  • Food Truck located out front for when you need a break.
  • Feeling creative? I am excited to use the x 4 with over 200 over 200 Ellison die shapes. Bring cardstock, Bristol board or patterned paper and get cutting.
  • They also have a fun Button Maker that makes 2.25" and 1.25" round buttons.

: 128 Union Street

  • Legal materials, resources and walk in reference support.
  • Lovely quiet space in their old-fashioned reading room.
  • Private study carrels on the second floor.
  • ATC bookable study rooms &
  • Escape into 1.  2. Graphic Novel Area and 3. BIPOC Author Collection.

Additional Study spaces include:
: second floor of Kathleen Ryan Hall

: 49 Bader Lane, Watson Hall