Overnight Sensation

Checking out the library until 2 a.m. closing time

by Stokeley Ellison

You can tell it’s finals week at MTSU— because everyone is in the library. This is a great thing, though. Everyone should visit MTSU’s James E. Walker Library. We have so many different resources and cool features here.

One of the best things about the library is that it stays open until 2 a.m. And I’m going to tell you what it’s like to stay in the library until 2 a.m. during finals week.

8:29 P.M.

I arrive at Walker Library with a checklist of things I need to do in my hand. I am almost done with classes, but I have a couple of end-of-thesemester papers to wrap up. Once I walk in, I do my usual thing. I typically walk immediately over to where the booths are and hope that one is open. Luckily for me, one is available! I set my things down, open my laptop, and get to work.

My objectives for the night are to finish a 1,200-word critique, take a final, and write this article.

9:30 P.M.

I reach 600 words on my critique. This is a major milestone, so I decide to treat myself to Starbucks! I find enough coins in my backpack to get a cake pop. When I get up to get my cake pop, I run into a couple of my friends.

Did you know that Starbucks is the only franchise on campus that takes gift cards? I know, kinda crazy.

I get my treat and slowly saunter back to my booth to get some more work done.

11:00 P.M.

I am starting to get tired. I’ve been staring at my computer screen all day, but I must finish these things tonight. I have 967 words down, so only 300 more to go.

The library is still very crowded. Many people who are here are using the free printing on each floor. Some people are using whiteboards.

Did you know the service desk will let you check out markers for the boards? I haven’t done that, but I may someday. You can also check out study rooms.

12:37 A.M.

The clock has rolled well past midnight. I finished my critique and my final! I completed both those things so early that I have time to study for my final that’s tomorrow, well actually today.

I am getting extremely tired, but I have so much more to do. The rest of the students in the library are starting to call it a night. There are a strong few who are still working, though.

1:42 A.M.

The warning announcement has gone off twice now. The announcement tells you how much time you have before the library closes. It goes off at 30 minutes until close, 20 minutes until close, 15 minutes until close, and five minutes before close.

I am about to start packing my things up. I need to go to my bed. Good night!

About the author

Stokeley Ellison is a senior studying Public Relations with a focus on the Recording Industry.