If you’re a first-year student here at Pace, you most likely have not yet realized the sanctity of our one and only Edward and Doris Mortola Library. I can assure you, if you decide to stick with this whole college ordeal, in the coming years you will learn to appreciate the giant asset that our campus library is.

If your roommate is being loud, if your room has too many distractions, if the house next to you is having a party, if your computer is developing an attitude, if you don’t wish to walk all the way back to your residence hall (or drive home) in the middle of the day, if you didn’t bring any books with you from home, the library is here for you.

I would say that while the student staff’s quality depends on the year, they are mostly great. More importantly though, I must say that the permanent staff at the library has always been extremely helpful to me. I won’t name drop, but that is mostly because I would probably name every worker in the library.

Each time my computer has failed me, the printer is overloaded, I cannot find a book, or I have any sort of question, the staff is friendly and more than accommodating.

Pace Mart has also served me well in times of need, especially when I had a three-hour class in the electronic classroom. A huge upgrade than just the vending options we had before, Pace Mart offers coffee, energy drinks, or just a nosh to keep me focused for the remainder of the class.

Pace Mart is a stellar addition to our library, and I think that the majority of the Pace community is very thankful for it.

When it comes to classes, I alternate with how I can get my work done. Sometimes it’s better for me to use the desktops on the main floor amongst the hustle and bustle of students, and sometimes I prefer to be tucked away in a cubicle on the second (quiet) floor. I love that our library has both options.

There are many different corners of the library that have suited me well these last three years. I have made good use of the group cubicles on the second floor, which offer a bit of organization and a bit of privacy. For a variety of group projects, or just to have a quiet place to get work done next to friends, these cubicles are wonderful.

However, when I am in serious need of some focused, get-down-to-business work, the desks and tables that run along the sides of the quiet floor suit that purpose for me.

During many of my all-nighters, particularly during finals week, the library reminds me to take a break every hour or two.

They lay out a relaxation area with crafts, Play-Doh, and other fun break-time activities to remind us not to take life too seriously.

I truly feel as if the library cares about our wellbeing. They’ve taught me to remember to take a moment for myself which will produce the best work and, not to mention, the happiest student.