It’s the age old question that has yet to be answered: which JMU library is the dominate, better library? In the right corner, we have Carrier Library! Located on the main campus, Carrier Library is home to many students hailing from the College of Arts and Letters. The first library on JMU grounds often gets a bad name of being crusty and old but hey, don’t argue with the OG. And in the left corner is Rose Library, lovingly dubbed East Campus Library or ECL for short. ECL is where all the cool math and science majors go to hang out and study. It’s newer, more modern feel gives off the “I’m better than you” vibe but when you think about it, isn’t a five story library a bit ~extra~?
Now that our competitors have been introduced, let’s begin!
Recommended for you
PROS--Carrier
1. Carrier’s Starbucks feels like an actual Starbucks with seating and all! The coffee shop-esque vibe makes students (read: me) feel all hipster-like and there have been times that I’ve sat in Carrier’s Starbucks for so long that I forgot that I was in a library and not an actual Starbucks shop.
2. The layout is pretty straightforward. You don’t need to be a brainiac to figure it out AND you don’t have to go searching for a printer because it’s right there when you walk in the door!
3. You can actually talk on the first and second floor without getting dirty looks.
4. We have quiet sections that are just perfectly cozy!
5. Have you taken a walk around the first floor? It’s like a museum! Just go for a lap and get lost in the miniature exhibits that Carrier has on display!
6. Three and a half words: Lofted-cubby-esque Desks. Third floor. Coolest thing ever.
7. The bathroom on the third floor is the perfect place to go number two. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.
8. Carrier is next door neighbors to some of the finest dining places on campus (#convenient). The list includes PC Dukes, Top Dog, SSC and if you’re there until closing, Dog Pound.
CONS--Carrier
It is ~a bit~ crusty and old and kinda smells like your great grandma’s doilies that have been in the family for generations.
Your move, ECL.
PROS--ECL
1. Newer, more modern, cooler vibe; would be the popular kid in school if it was a person.
2. The statue of Gandhi when you first walk in makes you feel like you need to do your absolute best/it’s hella intimidating/awe-inspiring
3. More places to sit and spread out and better group study rooms.
4. You can literally throw a rock to Festival from ECL aka food is no inconvenience.
5. You can actually get work done without being distracted by fellow students talking at the next table over.
6. The view of JMU/Harrisonburg as a whole from ECL is absolutely breathtaking and gives those tired eyes something gorgeous to look at as the hours pass by and night falls.
7. For ~whatever~ reason, taking a nap in ECL is way better than in Carrier.
8. It’s just so pretty inside and out.
CONS--ECL
Five floors is very extra. If the elevators break, you’re pretty much screwed.
So, who’s the winner?
In my opinion, both are. They are built for different needs for the different majors and whichever you claim as your homeland, they’re both JMU gemstones and we would be lost and failing without them!
