The entrance level of the library has a mix of spaces that support a variety of social activities, including a small, cafĂ©, computers, a makerspace, gallery, and comfy chairs to relax. A key landmark is the User Services Desk. Status Last checked: June 2nd, 2023 Entering the library After entering the first set of double doors, there is a square pillar about 3 feet tall on the right with a push button near the top to open the second set of interior doors.  Between the inner doors and lobby are five vertical electromagnetic security panels about 3 feet apart. You pass through them to enter and exit the library. An alarm goes off if someone leaves the library without checking out a library item at the User Services Desk. Once through the security gates, there is a large User Services Desk to the left, at 10 oâclock. Sounds Ambient sounds  Refrigerator and coffee maker at second cup People entering and leaving the library, Makerspace may have music playing lightly at some times. Elevator doors opening. General conversation of library users Scheduled announcements Announcements about the library closing will happen 30 minutes, 15 minutes, and 5 minutes before the library closes Emergency audible fire alarm visual ceiling strobe alarms are on each level (but may not be visible in every seating area) emergency exit stairwell on south side of building User Services Desk The User Services Desk is the place to go for help about anything related to the library.  People go to the desk to ask for help with using the library, to get a key for an individual study room,  or to get referred to a specialist librarian for assistance with an assignment. Staff will also check out library materials for you. Resting Areas There are lots of chairs to rest in on the main floor. Pickup Shelf  Library users can use Omni, the libraryâs primary online search tool, to request that books be pulled from a shelf on the upper floor and be put on this bookshelf  on the main floor. This saves time from having to go to the bookshelves on the upper floors. Robert Langen Art Gallery On the main floor, on the south-east side of the building, is the Robert Langan Art Gallery. It is a large open space. Depending on the exhibitions, the layout of the gallery can vary. The gallery hosts annual exhibition programs, activities and events which fosters creative thinking, critical debate and the exploration of ideas. Beyond visual exhibitions, some of the things that go on in the gallery include: Musical performances, Author  readings Receptions for events Student movie nights The gallery does not have an automatic door opener to enter or exit the gallery. Library Makerspace  The Library Makerspace is to the right of the gallery. A sign says âCome in. Make stuffâ.  The makerspace is a large room enclosed with glass walls and often has music playing in the background. Inside are tools for 3D printing, sewing, electronics, video editing, knitting and much more. Makers are encouraged to learn and share their knowledge with each other. Instruction Room Next to the makerspace is an instruction room. It is also enclosed in glass walls. Library or archive lessons can happen here. If itâs not being used for a class, students often study in it. Study Tables On the west side of the floor are study tables that can seat four. There is also a long study counter that looks through a window onto Albert Street. Information Commons The Information Commons is an area on the main floor where there are three rows of computers to work on. Three computers (1 sitting, 2 standing) for members of the general public Accessible workstation Right next to the Information Commons is a workstation with accessibility features: height adjustable desk large monitor Library Administration Offices Office of the University Librarian and administrative staff Offices of the two Associate University Librarians Second Cup CafĂ© Get a coffee, tea, or snack Seating tables Washrooms One single-user, accessible washroom with X turning radius and transfer bars Automatic door opener (inside/outside) Amenities Water bottle filling station Self-checkout machines for checking out books or other library items Photocopier, printer, stapler, and 3-hole punch Bulletin boards for advertising community events Vending machines, near the elevators Moving between floors The library has seven floors. One floor is beneath the main entrance level. A central stairwell in the middle of the building is available. An elevator on the north side of the building is available. On the south side of the building is a stairwell for emergency exits. Review more of the library Description and images of exterior, Waterloo campus library Description and images of 1st floor, Waterloo campus library Description and images of 3rd floor, Waterloo campus library Description and images of 4th floor, Waterloo campus library Description and images of 5th, 6th, and 7th floors, Waterloo campus library