Students discover the nooks and crannies of the Westport Public Library

Claire Dinshaw, Editor|February 10, 2015

Students discover the nooks and crannies of the Westport Public Library

On a Saturday afternoon, the Westport Public Library is abuzz. The coffee line at the café stretches back to the stairs and small study groups crowd around the bookshelves.

Yet the Westport Public Library holds many treasures undiscovered by most students.

THE ART GALLERIES

The art galleries may just be the parts of the library that students notice the least.

“I feel kind of strange saying this, but I honestly have never stopped to look [at the paintings],” Malin Hovstadius ’15, a library regular, said.

The library’s largest collections of work are on display in the Great Exhibit Hall located on the main floor. This area generally features the work of Westport  artists.

Paul Mazzaccaro, the Director and Chief Operating Officer of the library, said that recommendations as to whose art should be displayed next are always welcome.

AND THE ART SECTION…

The library also has an art section that is worth visiting if you desire a quiet hideaway. “It’s tucked away, but you have a view of the Great Hall inside and the big window looking out on Jesup Green,” Maxine Bleiweis, the Executive Director of the library, said.

Charlie Colasurdo ’18 mentioned that the secluded upstairs areas in the library are also excellent places to study.

RESEARCH HELP

The research desk offers many little known services, according to Jaina Shaw, the head of Teen Services at the library.

“Not only will we pull resources for you,” Shaw said, “{But} we can make an appointment to discuss research strategies.”

THE CAFE
Everyone loves a warm drink at the library café after a snow storm.

Claire Meehan’s ’17 favorite drink is the “not too chocolatey” hot chocolate. Others, like Bleiweis, love the peppermint tea latte, complete with a York Peppermint Patty melting at the bottom.

But the café has a little hidden secret of its own. Ten cups of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate earns any customer one cup free. That is, if you have a rewards card. These little green cards are easy to get, you just have to ask.

A great exhibit in the Great Hall Several of Nina Minkowitz’s pen and ink drawings will be on display in the library until March 25th. Minkowitz has had her paintings exhibited in Metropolitan Museum of Art.
A great exhibit in the Great Hall Several of Nina Minkowitz’s pen and ink drawings will be on display in the library until March 25th. Minkowitz has had her paintings exhibited in Metropolitan Museum of Art.
A section with a view The Art Section has a beautiful view of the main floor of the library. The art books are housed on the second floor right next to the American Literature section.
A section with a view The Art Section has a beautiful view of the main floor of the library. The art books are housed on the second floor right next to the American Literature section.
Cozy Calculus A nice quiet spot to study right next to the art section, with a lovely view of downtown Westport and the trees.
Cozy Calculus A nice quiet spot to study right next to the art section, with a lovely view of downtown Westport and the trees.
Just bring your questions The reference desk is a great resource at the Westport Public Library allowing students to ask for copies of pages of books, help with technology, or even help with research.
Just bring your questions The reference desk is a great resource at the Westport Public Library allowing students to ask for copies of pages of books, help with technology, or even help with research.
Saturday pick me up This little café serves an eclectic mix of drinks including homemade chai and salted caramel hot chocolate. It is a great place for a quick snack to take a break from studying.
Saturday pick me up This little café serves an eclectic mix of drinks including homemade chai and salted caramel hot chocolate. It is a great place for a quick snack to take a break from studying.