Art by Peau Porotesano
Many have spoken in hushed tones about Payson Library renovations that are to come — mainly because it’s a library, where talking at full volume is not allowed. However, there is a certain elusiveness and, dare we say, sense of foreboding toward these changes only spoken of in mere whispers, like “You-Know-Who.” After all, how many of us have spent the better portion of our early 20s inside Payson’s hallowed walls? The thought that we won’t be able to nap on the first floor couches one day soon is a terrifying reality.
But while on the subject (and since these changes are inevitable anyway), can we list some requests? After all, it is a student library adhering to the study and sleep — those couches are quite comfy — needs of students. Who knows our study and sleep needs better than ourselves? Our opinions are invaluable to the renovation process.
To the builders of Payson 2.0: Here are some ideas to consider while constructing the new student study utopia. This grocery list of needs has the students’ best interests in mind — remember, our success is your success (and vice versa).
1. Chocolate fountains. Yes, we’re kidding. And yet, we’re also not kidding. If a chocolate fountain were built, we doubt there would be any protests.
2. On a more serious note, we need more group study spaces. Places where theater students can run their lines as loudly as possible and places where the chemistry students can sit in a room and hammer out those molecular combinations. Technically, the PLC has some study rooms, but that’s like recommending the open cells at Malibu County Jail as viable homework spots. There’s something about spending hours underground in windowless rooms that brings one back to the days of storing canned foods in bomb shelters. At a school like Pepperdine, asking for an ocean view is not too unreasonable. The Cold War is over. Study rooms, however, are still quite necessary.
3. There should be more individual study spots. (We’re very needy.) We just need a lot of seats. Leather arm chairs would be nice, especially if they are next to fireplaces and classy wool rugs. Desk lamps and ample desk spaces are a must, and tapestries always add a level of sophistication. Something resembling Hogwarts would be a real crowd-pleaser.
4. Caffeine. Preferably decent caffeine that can be purchased with our Waves Cash money flow, as many students have a surplus at the end of semester and are typically in dire need of coffee at that time anyway. The pilgrimage to the HAWC at 1 a.m. for a triple espresso is such a lamentable distance that it’s almost laughable. (This is a more legitimate request than the chocolate fountain, though we still aren’t completely dismissing that one.)
5. Longer hours. This isn’t exactly contingent upon the renovations (hint, hint — this can start at anytime). One never feels good about oneself when the library, of all places says, “We’re closed. Get a life,” on a Friday or Saturday night. Malibu has a very limited nightlife, and as we’re concerned, Payson is the most happening club in town.
6. Walking treadmills. Some colleges, like Westmont, have these magical TrekDesks that allow students to be studious and mobile at the same time. They are selling for a limited-time price of $469 on Amazon with six months to pay, which is quite minimal compared to the amount of joy they will bring. And, students won’t complain, “But AKB, all the other college kids have one!”
7. Meditation room. A room entirely separate from the hubbub of studying and stress, one that is soothed by the sound of running water and the smell of fresh plants. This would be a wonderful study break area that gives students a quiet time to reflect and rest their minds. Couches and strewn cushions would be welcome in this place.
Now don’t think we’ve overlooked the construction period — au contrair, dear builders. Like the rest of the student body, we ponder: Where will we study in the meantime? Where will all the books go (the children love the books)? Will the library be filled with the noise of hammers, gruff construction workers and sawdust?
As pressing as our need for running chocolate is (it’s more drought-tolerant than water, to be sure), having enough study places for students during reconstruction is essential. But, of course, we have a whole other list of suggestions for that as well. Chad Jimenez reported on the renovations for Payson and the Law School, and you can find that article at www.pepperdine-graphic.com. Fellow students, make sure to email us at peppgraphicmedia@gmail.com with your own renovation suggestions or concerns.
_________
Follow the Graphic on Twitter: @PeppGraphic
