By Omar Higine
The Tommaney Library isn’t just a storage space for books but for the body and mind also. Tommaney may be a library for some, but to others, it’s much more than that. The library is made for on and off-campus students to utilize however it benefits them. This could go from just needing a place to study to needing a place to meet with friends. A lot of students use this building as a break from reality, as they let their minds free. They offer many services, from checking out books for classes to reading about Native American history through old readings. You might not be much of a reader, and that’s ok. They also offer a wide variety of Native American films that you can check out. Located in the middle of campus, a lot of people come here with friends to do a variety of things. The library is open from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily. Primarily, it is used by most students to study as they have different seating such as comfy chairs and desk chairs. If you don’t enjoy the social aspect of studying, then that’s ok. There is a study room that you can book exclusively for yourself. Club meetings are also sometimes held here if needed, as it provides a place that everyone can mutually come to. They also have a lounge area with bean bags and a couch, where they usually show a movie. This helps students to give their minds a break from college life. The Tommaney Library’s purpose is to create academic scholars who want to excel in their studies. I asked Jayme Pargeets, an employee at the library, what it’s like working here. “I enjoy working with students, whether that’s helping them or directing them in the right direction.” These librarians want to do all they can to help students excel by providing an environment where they can make themselves comfortable. They offer computers to use in the computer lab for those students who don’t have laptops. They also offer help when needed, and if you need something printed, they can help you out with that. I asked Nahcs Wahwassuck, a Haskell University student, what he uses the library for: “I use this place to get my homework done, to read, and to play chess with friends.” This building is as important to students as a sports stadium, as it creates a safe haven for those who might not have a suitable place to study or if they just want to chill out and get away from others. Some see the building and instantly think to themselves, “It’s just another library,” but to others, it’s way more than that. When you can turn an environment meant to be used for books into a building for personal comfort, that changes the whole view of what the Tommaney Library really is.
