I dart across the Library Arcade toward the front doors, ascending the stairs quickly and quietly. I slip covertly through the double doors and do a quick side-to-side look as I plan my attack. After a split-second decision, I dart to the right, trying to make a clear path to the stairs. As I race past the Reference Desk, I conceal my precious cargo behind my back. As I reach the stairwell, I let out a sigh of relief. Yes, I have succeeded one more time in sneaking an open container of coffee into the library.
I find it rather absurd that this scenario even exists. Yet, the current Ladd Library policy states that “Food and beverages are not to be consumed in public areas of Ladd Library,” with the exception of “beverages in spill-proof containers, water in clear containers with covers, gum, and small candies which stay in the mouth.”
Bates.edu/library). But, everyone knows that this rule is violated probably hundreds of times a day. Just look at any trashcan in the Library and you will see plenty of proof pointing to noncompliance: banana peels, candy wrappers, chip bags, apple cores, orange peels, dressing packets and ad infinitum. Around the library, one can find countless abandoned mugs and bowls from Commons, all evidencing the consumption of quite a bit of food and drink in the library.
I see a couple of things going on here. Mainly, this rule prohibiting food does not seem fitting to the lifestyle of most Bates students, nor is it enforced with great effort. As philosopher H.L.A. Hart said, a law that is not enforced should cease to be law. The library cites a few reasons for the rule: custodians have to clean up the mess, garbage attracts bugs, beverages spill onto equipment and books, and spilled moisture promotes mold growth. Most of these reasons also apply to any indoor space on campus, yet eating is allowed in all other buildings, including study spaces like Pettengill. And, I can say with near certainty that about one percent of the people in the library will touch a library book while they’re there, so I don’t think the library materials are in any extreme peril – at least not any more than they already are with the allowance of gum, water bottles and leaky Commons mugs.
While this may seem like a petty grievance, I know I’m not alone when I state that I need food when I do schoolwork. I would argue that the chewing process actually helps stimulate brain activity. More so, if I am hungry, thinking becomes nearly impossible. Nothing cramps my style when I’m on a (rare) roll with my thesis more than having to trek all the way to Milts or the Ronj to obtain a coffee so I don’t pass out, or some pretzels so my stomach does not consume itself. The Den used to at least provide a relatively close-by oasis, but alas, that is no longer an option. Between work, meetings and socializing, the library is a place where many of us unfortunately spend the majority of our time. I argue that the library, as the center of campus and a cornerstone of Bates academia, needs to reflect the needs of the Bates community. And in this case, those needs include being able to stuff one’s face when homework requires it.
Throw me a bone here. Even a snack machine in the basement would do. However, more and more schools throughout the country are allowing that and far more in their libraries. Many other schools have cafés and other eating and drink establishments within the very walls of the library, including Rao’s coffee in the Mount Holyoke library and a Starbucks in that of The George Washington University. As increasingly more libraries are moving in the direction of providing food, can our library at least allow us to bring in our own? I assure you, it would be well worth it. I fear the sound of my stomach growling from hunger in the library is beginning to infringe upon people’s concentration.
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