MacKimmie Library Tower

I was informed the other day by a friend at the U of C that MacKimmie LIbrary Tower is now completely closed, due to the opening of the Harvey Digital Library. Since I’ve finished my degree I haven’t been on campus a lot to clarify, but I don’t know if I have the heart to go in and see for myself anyways.
There has always been something about this library, that could never be replicated by the University’s new library building which resembles the Facebook headquarters and was a terrible mess to figure out (I worked temporarily in the library during the HDL’s development. I find this new library kinda soulsucking, Everyone who likes this new library has no soul, or is obviously a business major or something. No offense).
Something about MacKimmie used to inspire me to totally kick it old school. I would sit down for hours at a time
Each winter at school, I lived for the days where I would get myself a giant cup of tea, head of to the 10^th library tower, and hide out for hours at a time. Ofttimes, I would go laptop free, surround myself with all the relevant reading materials I needed, and draw up a first draw from scratch. I took so much enjoyment in doing this. I always kind of wonder how most students in university would fare without the convenience of the internet and having so much information at our fingertips. Really, anyone can graduate with a degree if they know how to use wikipedia. It’s a bummer.
One time though, when trying to write a twelve page paper on Ernesto Guevara, I gathered a bunch of books which were mostly in Spanish, hoping that if I thought about it hard enough, these words would just fall off the page into English translations for me. This was not the case and eventually I did have to enlist the help of the internet for translation purposes. But, MacKimmie is so magical, THAT IT MADE ME THINK I COULD JUST LEARN SPANISH BY STARING AT IT.
MacKimmie would also remind me of the fragile and beautiful tangibility of books. It was in this very library that I fell in love with a first pressing of Kerouac’s «Big Sur,» worn and weathered and dying to be checked out and rescued. While working in the library for awhile if I had nothing to do, I would often escape to the 10^th floor and spend a few hours reading through Bukowski poetry. This was always such a treat.
MacKimmie, if the rumours were true, I will miss you very much. You were not outdated. You were a REAL LIBRARY, and irreplaceable to me. Rest in peace.
(30/​30!!!)

Spent considerable time here whilst trysting with my university courses, they have an extensive fiction section (subdivided into authors from different countries, so if you need some good New Zealand or Portugese novels, check here first), and even some Hungarian books! Quiet and easy to study at, and if you get a good corner seat, there is a pretty fantastic view if you want to just sit and contemplate exactly why you are wasting your time there.

I have been SO SICK AND TIRED of this library. It’s never quiet enough and it’s super outdated. Has anyone tried to find a computer here during finals? or the last two weeks prior to the end of the semester? NO way.
Since the opening of the Taylor Family Digital Library I have found a new place to call home.
Sorry MacKimmie — you’ve been good to me over the years, but I gotta trade you in for the newer sleeker high tech Digital Library. totally worth crossing the 15+ for!
(One of my key frustrations with this place are the bathrooms! argh!)

I’ve been spending a stupid amount of time at this library as of late, and lucky for me, it’s one of the best libraries in our city.
With free and unlimited WIFI for students and alumni, as well as hundreds of computers available for use in the Information Commons (2^nd floor of the library), this place is accessible by all.
Not to mention the floors and floors of extensive literary collections it houses, as well as the expert, knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and patient staff, MacKimmie is the kind of place you can expect to spend hours on end.
The staff offers a multitude of free courses here, including courses on computer software and programs, and if you’re amidst a research project, chances are you’ll find resources here that you can’t find anywhere else in town.
Pick one of any of the floors in this massive tower and find recluse at a desk secluded by shelves and shelves of books.
If you’re looking for a hideaway where you can get gobs of work done without being bothered, this is the place for you. In fact, if it wasn’t for this place, I wouldn’t have been able to maintain the grades that I have.
Thank You!