FIRST: Kent State University Library

For the tenth year in a row, the University Library has been voted as the best place to study in Kent.

It offers a wide range of support for students at Kent State, such as computer labs, study rooms, tutoring, writing-support, a media lab and much more. It also has a Starbucks café, known for its convenience.

While it is ranked the best place to study, the twelve different floors of the library all share different purposes, many of which students personally find charming in their own ways.

“I just like studying in the bottom floor of the library, right by Starbucks, because I can, one, get Starbucks, and two, it’s just the environment down here, it’s quiet and just nice to have the outdoors to look at.” Claire Anderson, a sophomore nursing major said. 

“I usually come to the 4th floor with my friends because it’s more alive and not dead and silent, so we can have a conversation while doing our work,” Elise Staczek, a freshman marketing major said. “And I just love the comfy chairs.” 

The University Library also employs a large number of student workers, many of which have had lots of opportunities to help other students study on-campus. 

“We really want to help students understand how to use these resources rather than just doing it for them,” Amber Hawkins, a graduate library sciences major, said.

Hawkins also said that her choice to pursue library sciences was influenced by her time spent in the library as an undergraduate English student.

“I’ve always thought about being a librarian, but the library really verified that I could fit here and that I could understand how it all works and become more passionate about helping people learn about that process.” Hawkins said.

SECOND: Scribbles Coffee Co

Meanwhile in downtown Kent, Scribbles has become one of the most popular coffee shops for students to enjoy a quick treat while studying.

The mom-and-pop coffee shop features a ton of different drinks and pastries and has been Kent, Ohio’s longest standing woman-owned coffee shop. This coffee shop is located at 237 N. Water St. 

The interior offers a lot of space for students to take out their books and laptops and has a quiet, warm ambience. The front and back of the coffee shop is great for those who want to sit down and relax while working.

“I started working at Scribbles because I used to study here a lot and thought the environment was really nice” Gracie Chenevey, a senior Aeronautics major and worker at Scribbles Coffee Co said. “I just applied, got the job and I have been here for almost a year.”

Scribbles Coffee Co can be contacted at 330-346-0337.

THIRD: Kent Free Library

Right on the edge of downtown Kent at 312 W. Main St, the Kent Free Library has continued to stay as the third most popular spot for students to study at.

The library gives students a good place to sit quietly, away from the hustle of the Kent campus. For those who live off campus or in the community, it can act as an alternative study-spot.

“Students often feel comfortable at their hometown libraries,” Stacey Richardson, the library director of Kent Free Library, said. “And during their time in Kent we also act as their new local library.”

Like the other contenders, it offers a quiet, relaxing space for students to do their work. The many rows of bookshelves just add to that environment, giving students and other patrons a chance to keep their work to themselves.

Free parking is another plus that the library provides.

“We have free parking, which makes the library more accessible for those who can’t park nearby the University Library,” Richardson said.

The Kent Free Library can be contacted at 330-673-4414.

Elaina Matricardi is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].