2025 marks the 100th anniversary of Parks Library, which has long been a resource for many ISU students. Students use the library as a quiet study space with resources, but many students have places within the library they prefer.
Jameson Boevers, a freshman in engineering, said he goes to the higher floors and the basement to get his studying done.
“Some of my favorite spots would be down in the basement, where all the computers are,” Boevers said. “I like hooking up my computer and having a big screen. I also like the second and third floors, they’re usually empty and a lot quieter.”
Boevers said his least favorite spot is on the first floor.
“I wouldn’t say I don’t like it, but the first floor, I think, is the worst spot,” Boevers said. “You have a bunch of movement around you, and it’s kind of distracting for me. I always want to look back and see what people are doing.”
June Volding, a sophomore in animal science, said she has a specific go-to spot for when she needs a silent room.
“The third floor, behind the bookshelves,” Volding said. “It’s really private back there.”
Volding said being in a quiet, private space helps her focus.
“It just helps me lock in,” Volding said. “They have little cubicle areas there and a lot of good workspace whiteboards, which are nice to use for doing problems.”
Gage Kegley, a junior in industrial design, said he doesn’t have a specific spot and the entire library can be used as a good study space.
“I just find a spot that is kind of quiet,” Kegley said. “I’m not too worried about people being around as long as there is an outlet nearby to charge my computer; that is usually my go-to spot.”
Lucas Mills, a senior in civil engineering, said he likes the basement for its silence, but also enjoys the second floor.
“I like to study in the basement behind all of the desks in the back row,” Mills said. “I also like to study up on the second floor, out overlooking the windows just to get a piece of the scenery there.”
Mills said he does not like studying in the tiers, as it is almost too quiet.
“I personally don’t like to study in the tiers,” Mills said. “I know it’s really quiet in there, but it’s kind of just a void. It can get really distracting, so to stay focused, I like to have a little bit more going on in the spaces I’m at.”
For more on Parks Library and its study spaces, click here to visit the University Library website.