The other library

As midterms approach, many of us are embarking upon a string of late nights fueled by coffee and the desire to not fail before Halloween. But if camping out in the depths of Firestone Library is taking a toll on your mental health, try taking a stroll up Witherspoon Street to the Princeton Public Library.

Forget what you think you know about public libraries. When you walk inside the glass-and-metal structure, you're greeted not by rows of ancient yellowing books, but by the latest movies and TV shows on DVD. With a coffee shop just past the check-out counter, the inside feels more like a modern bookstore than a typical library.

But make no mistake. If you are, indeed, looking for a library to use for, well, library purposes, the Princeton Public Library has what you need. Though it may not have the academic texts that fill Firestone, the public library features many warm and cozy places to study on each of its three floors. The best part: nary an overwhelmed undergrad in sight.

When you've put yourself through all the studying you can handle, the library features a range of activities to pursue during that much needed break from orgo or econ. If you're looking to relax, this Saturday (Oct. 24) there are T'ai Chi classes. If you're really looking for a break, there's a screening of "Ghostbusters" at 4 p.m. on Friday (Oct. 23). Or if you're feeling a bit of nostalgia for "Where the Wild Things Are," chances are you can find a colorful spot on the third floor to relive some childhood memories without being judged.

Library membership is free to residents of Princeton, including University students. For more information, check out the website (princeton.lib.nj.us) or pop just outside of the bubble to check it out for real.

To Get There: From Nassau Hall, walk straight down Witherspoon, library is on right (6 minutes)