4 minute read
Stories From the Stacks
Stories From the Stacks
MEMORIES OF UC SAN DIEGO’S ICONIC LIBRARY THROUGH THE DECADES
Sybil, Rachel, and Herb York, founding UC San Diego chancellor. UC San Diego graduation, 1971
Photo provided by: Rachel York '71
"As a freshman, I commuted from East County and spent hours studying and reading in the Library between classes. My favorite spot was in one of the corner armchairs on the 4th floor, hanging out in space—no part of the building visible above or below me—and looking out at the eucalyptus groves. Fog off the ocean frequently drifted through the trees, giving everything an air of mystery. It was wonderful to be so immersed in a completely new environment, one that not only sparked my intellectual curiosity but my imagination as well." BARBARA CARLTON '78
"When I first discovered the Library as a freshman in 1970, I was gobsmacked. I spent as much time there as possible just to be in that sci-fi, amazing environment. My favorite spot was in the northeast corner of the 5th floor with a chair pulled into the corner, wall to-ceiling glass on both sides of me, suspended in the air. I would watch the fighter jets launch from the nearby air station and fly out over the ocean, then gaze down at the eucalyptus forest below. Needless to say, the view made it hard to study for four years, but I absolutely loved it." STEVE GRANT '74
"My go-to study spots were the corner desks near the windows on floors 6 and 7 where the views were stunning and I found it easy to concentrate. I also have good memories of studying with friends on the more active floors and browsing books on politics, economics and developing regions on floors 5 and 6. The librarians were very helpful any time I had an inquiry, and the social events were awesome. I feel very proud and lucky to have experienced this world-famous library, a place where I always felt safe and inspired." WENDY ROMERO '19
"I began studying at the Library when it opened even though I was still in high school. My boyfriend at the time was a Third College student and we would get a spot on the upper floors in a northeast corner. The view was fabulous. Later on I had a summer job working in new acquisitions with the card catalog. The Library was my place to hang out between classes, meet friends before heading off to dance classes and practice transcendental meditation." YVONNE DOWS '79
"In 1995, I was a student working at what was then known as the Central University Library. Somehow, I was roped into helping out with the renaming ceremony, which was a big event for the campus. News crews were everywhere and many important university officials were present. I had been assigned to the hand-spun cotton candy station, even though I had never made it before. Eventually, I got the hang of it and started offering it to guests as they walked by. To my surprise, the next guest to walk by was none other than Audrey Geisel! She politely declined the treat as she was about to speak, so I didn't mind." ROD MINA '96
"I grew up next to UCSD and my dad was a student. He would bring me to Geisel Library to see the architecture, walk down Snake Path behind the Library and watch the greatest movies from the Library’s archives. I learned so much at Geisel Library—from architecture to film and philosophy— and my experiences there have enriched my life." YASMIN HELLMAN
"My husband was the Scripps Institution of Oceanography librarian from 1966 to 1993. In 1971, we attended the dedication of the Central University Library. I remember the lights were programmed to switch on and off to create a beautiful pattern while music played in the background. As an undergrad and then doctoral student in biology, I often cruised the stacks to find new things to read. One of my favorite memories is coming across and getting to hold a rare copy of T. E. Lawrence's 'Seven Pillars of Wisdom.'" JANET GOFF
"As an undergrad and then doctoral student in biology, I often cruised the stacks to find new things to read. One of my favorite memories is coming across and getting to hold a rare copy of T. E. Lawrence’s 'Seven Pillars of Wisdom.'" STEVEN TRACY '72, PHD '79
"My favorite memory at Geisel Library was volunteering for Dinner in the Library before I started my freshman year. I loved seeing the 8th floor alive with remarkable speakers and rare artworks by Dr. Seuss. I hold this memory closest to my heart when I miss Geisel Library." SYREETA NOLAN '21
"My favorite memory is my professional visit to UC San Diego in 2011 as part of the German-U.S. Library Association exchange program. Having the opportunity to work at Geisel Library was a true once-in-a-lifetime experience!" ANGELA GUENTNER
