Between classes and deadlines, when life gets too overwhelming, the coziest little space to enjoy a fun read to reset is right here at the Libraries! With colorful, comfortable furniture, and neatly stacked books, this is the place to be.
The Loft, located on the second floor of the Bartle Library, is a neat, cozy corner featuring a selection of fiction and nonfiction books, designed for students who want to unwind. The Loft collection even spans different types of books including graphic novels. It is a great place that offers a pleasant and inviting atmosphere for students to rediscover their passion for reading.
The origins of this place started when students would ask where the “fun books are” in the library. Jennifer Embree, subject librarian for psychology, biology, comparative literature, and Latin American & Caribbean Area Studies, had the idea to start a collection where students can easily find casual reading materials. After extensive research and planning, including carefully handpicking the furniture, the reimagined space officially opened in June 2023.
“When I first envisioned the Loft, I wanted to create a warm, welcoming space where any student could come and discover their next favorite book,” said Embree. “I wanted them to be able to browse the shelves and find a real diversity of titles, genres, and authors that were exciting and engaging, and for it to overall serve as a cozy gathering place that supports small events, comfy studying, and curling up with good books.”
In addition to the books on the shelf, each month The Loft features a themed book display curated by Jen or Instruction and Outreach Librarian Jillian Sandy. These monthly recommendations are thoughtfully selected, recommending books that align with the holiday or observance of that month. This system of selecting books on a theme makes it easy for students to find something timely, interesting, and exciting.
“A lot of students who don’t always see their identity, could hopefully find something that is written by POC or LGBTQ+ folks, and other identities,” said Sandy. “The goal is for them to not only enjoy that book, but on some level to recognize that this is on a shelf in an academic library. This is important to us as well.”
In an effort of amplifying differing and diverse authors, monthly reading lists are shared on the Library News Blog and distributed on social media. The limited space in The Loft display sparked the idea to use the blog to more intentionally highlight books from the broader library collection, especially during heritage months or through staff picks.
“We try very hard to include something for everyone – every demographic, every genre,” said Sandy. “Historically, publishing has been dominated by male authors, but we want to amplify more diverse voices. At the same time, we include popular titles students are already excited about. The goal is to regularly feature more inclusive and underrepresented perspectives, making it visible on the homepage and ensuring this kind of representation is done consistently each month without it being a heavy lift.”
Notable reads from some of the most recent reading lists include:
- Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop
Featured in Libraries Winter Reading List 2025.
The story centers on someone who leaves a high stress job to open a bookstore in Seoul, which feels inspiring and comforting. - Making the World a Better Place: African American Women Advocates, Activists, and Leaders, 1773-1900
Featured in Amplifying Black History Month Reading List 2026
Highlights powerful contributions of African Women throughout history and the focus on advocacy and leadership feels truly empowering. - I was their American dream
Featured in Amplifying Arab American Heritage Month Reading List
A coming-of-age story of the classic American dream with a unique twist.
Beyond the physical space, students who want to browse The Loft Collection virtually can find the digital collection on the Libraries website. Furthermore, The Loft is open for book display collaborations with partners across campus.
“Any student organizations, campus organizations, or departments can please feel free to reach out if they are interested in collaborating on anything related to the Loft,” said Embree.