Here it is. The debate you’ve all been waiting for. Who’s going to win in the battle of these buildings that both hold books and provide desks?
So, let’s start with Palace Green Library (the less popular older brother). I love Palace Green because it’s closer to the viaduct, where I live. It’s a really nice place to study, with the big desks and the bookshelf aesthetic. I also love taking a break in the Palace Green Café mid-study session. If I’m being honest, I respect how exclusive it is. Never too crowded, I won’t get easily distracted from my important work.
Okay, so it’s a bit snobby. No water bottles allowed?! Definitely no noise. Plenty of researchers looking through ancient manuscripts. I definitely feel more mature and sophisticated but at what price? Also, the limited space isn’t kind if you sleep in. Did I mention opening hours are pretty measly? Not ideal.
So where does Billy B weigh up in this debate? Definitely more space and desks, but more students go there. Is it just me or can you literally feel the stress and anxiety during Summative and Exam Seasons? Not to mention the 24/7 opening hours let people get away with saving desks there overnight! But, if you are behind and need to work through the nigh,t it’s a godsend. Oh, and the group study rooms are pretty handy for teamwork! The Yum Café makes a mean hot chocolate, but there is no space for relaxing with it. There are way more books though, to satisfy my essay needs.
Oooh this is a toughy. Personally, the distance to Palace Green compared to Billy B normally sways it during the Summer Term. But, when I need to get them Summatives in, the book selection at Bill Bryson wins me over.
And so after much thought, I will have to use more Google Books and JStor resources to enable my love affair with the older Palace Green. I am a historian after all!