William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library

Named after a university president, the William O Thompson library has changed for the better since my days as a student. Renovated a few years ago, It now showcases both its original 1910 aesthetics and a new sharp modern look. Such a feat would seem to be challenge for any architect, but the ones on this project hit the mark and then some.
It had been a decade since I stepped inside here, the main library of tOSU, until last summer, when I stop by to use the restroom on a biking trip. I was surprised at what I seen. Since then I have stopped by many times while on campus, showing old classmates and alumni what we missed.
Gone is the dark, dusty, and cramp rooms and bookshelves. Those low ceilings that made me feel claustrophobic have been gutted out. In its place is wide openings and transparencies that allow the flow of light. Walking in one is met with a towering ceiling and gigantic wall of glass showing stories and stories of floor levels, as if it was a display of wealth. Likewise done away with is the old narrow stairwell that spiraled up with small steps that seemed to scream fire hazard. In the back is a café and computer room that certainly would help students get work done. Also is a artifact room that would be of interest to history buffs.
The best part of the renovation is the reading room. Overlooking the oval on the east side, the room brings out an original designed arch that had been hidden in my day. I had always seen pictures of the library dating back to the early 1900s but could never figure out where the photo was taken. Walking into the room and seeing the large ceiling, moldings, and arches excited me. It seems that in the 60s the room was cut in half by a ceiling destroying the original look. The 2009 renovation brought this back and it is beautiful. (what in they heck were they doing in the mid 20^th century? People need form as well as function. We spend so much time and money fixing their stupid mistakes everywhere!)
The only downside is that the transparent view to the upper stacks must had ended the upper floor club.(Though I’m sure there are those with a certain constitution to think transparency is a plus.) What that was I’ll leave to your imagination.
I never spent much time here as a student, only going when I had too. But if it looked like it did today, it would had been ground central for studying.

Awesome library with so many books, quiet places to study, and pretty cool views. I would go to Thompson a lot more if it weren’t far from many of my classes and if it didn’t get so crowded during finals time. My only complaint would be that it’s very hard to find a good place to sit and study when everyone is cramming for finals, but what can you do at a college of 60,000+ when this is the main study spot? Thompson also has a ton of resources for students like private, soundproof study rooms you can rent and more.

Love, love, LOVE Thompson. This is absolutely one of my favorite places on campus to work and study. Plenty of tables for intense studying and comfy chairs for relaxed reading. The only time it’s challenging to find seating is during finals week, but that’s to be expected. I think they make the absolute most of the space, which is huge. The 11^th floor is a must-​see, the view of campus it offers is amazing and this floor is also what inspired my non-​OSU friend to start calling Thompson ‘Hogwarts’. But actually, she’s not too far off. It’s huge, beautiful, elegant, and you really do feel smarter just studying there (as I would only have to assume the students at Hogwarts feel). This is quickly turning into my nerdiest review yet…
As much as I love the Grand Reading Room, it’s not somewhere I can study because it is so, so, so, SO quiet. I feel like even just breathing is as loud as a rocket launching. And forget about eating in there. Nope. Terrible idea. But it’s fine, studying here isn’t necessary when there are tons of chairs/​tables everywhere else where quiet noise is completely acceptable and barely noticeable.

If I could review the Thompson Library solely on the basis for its being a bastion of architectural beauty, it would be an instant five. For functionality, complete with spacious seating, a gorgeous top-​floor study room, a café, and a walk-​in technological consultation service, it too would be an instant five.
Yet I’m docking a star for three reasons:
— every aneurysm I’ve almost suffered through whilst waiting for a computer to open up because everyone was on Facebook
— frequently standoffish student employees at the circulation desk
— desserts that look good but taste dryer than a bucket of sand.
After four plus years I’m still trying to find a library at OSU that fulfills all of my high-​maintenance needs, but Thompson comes close.

Oh babei! Iz grrrreat heir! Dey got soo many nukes and grannies I canne sleïp heir (fur free) vitout anny van disturbbue mei! Also, cheap pastah ein de coughy shoppe!

Sitting in the grand reading room, a room lifted straight out of a classic movie, it is practically impossible not to happily slave away at whatever you’re working on. In addition, the Thompson Library also features a more modern reading room at the other end of the building. Both rooms are awash in an ample amount of natural light making these rooms much more comfortable than others across campus. The top floor also offers a beautiful view of the Oval and is a solid place to relax and enjoy a book.
The library also houses a coffee shop on the ground floor, but it is almost always packed and, to be honest, nothing to write home about. Bring your own.
In terms of resources, Thompson has nearly anything you could want. If it doesn’t (and you are a student), request it online, and it will be delivered to the OSU library of your choosing for you to pick up. Winner.
The Thompson Library makes me feel like a better student just by going inside. Take advantage of it if you have the opportunity.

I’m not an OSU student, but the OSU library is a great place to work, study and get stuff done in a quiet, safe and consistent environment.
The coffee shop on the ground floor is often crowded. Grab your coffee (or bring your own) and head up to a higher floor. Seating is plentiful, as is power, good lighting and various types of seating. I personally prefer the 11^th floor, which has some great views of campus and the city. The large reading room reminds me of the main Boston Public Library in Copley Square.
The AT&T wifi can be meh at times, but its usable. If you’re OSU affiliated there’s the OSU network which is significantly better.
There’s a pretty solid book selection, as this is a huge university. Whatever you need is probably here.