J Edgar & Louise S Monroe Library

The Monroe Library will always be somewhat special to me, since I spent many nights here during midterms and finals cramming multiple chapters into one all nighter. After graduating Loyola in 2012, I was looking forward to never having to study again. Fast forward to present day, and I find myself enrolled in the Pre-​CPA program at UNO, requiring many nights of study in order to bring myself up to speed on subjects that I learned in class 5+ years ago.
The physical building is beautiful and definitely one of the high points of Loyola’s physical campus. It’s a beautiful brick building with stained glass windows. The inside is modern and spacious, with lots of seating scattered throughout. I especially like the multiple long rows of study caddies they’ve got set up: there are power outlets at every desk which makes for a very convenient study area. The entire 2^nd and 3^rd floors are quiet study areas, and since this isn’t a library that attracts tons of parents/​kids, people generally respect it. They’ve got a great selection of books and online references/​databases which are comparable/​better than any public library in the area. It’s also right next to Loyola’s Danna Student Center, which hosts a smattering of food options including Smoothie King, Starbucks, and the main dining hall. It’s also open until 2 AM Sunday-​Thursday.
The one reason it doesn’t get 5 stars is that since it’s on Loyola’s campus, access to library services is somewhat limited. You must have some kind of affiliation with Loyola to check out books/​equipment/​study rooms (or pay $ 100/​year for a community card), access printing services, or to connect to the WiFi. Parking on campus is super restricted and Loyola cops WILL boot your car if you park on campus without a permit. Even if you park on Calhoun like I usually do, most of the parking on that street is a 2 hour residential zone.
Overall, Monroe Library is a great place to study, and if you can somehow provide your own internet and printing, it’s definitely worth using it as a study spot. I’d come here over most New Orleans Public Libraries any day.

The Monroe Library at Loyola is actually pretty new so it isn’t the library I used as a student there. But it is GORGEOUS. They did a great job of blending the gothic elements of Loyola’s campus with a thoroughly modern building. I’ve been here a couple of times for training session or lectures and the meeting facilities are first rate.
The space is inviting and accommodates a variety of student needs.