The Ussher is my favourite of the Trinity libraries. The basement is full of interesting periodicals on topics ranging from literature to psychology to geography. The first floor was my old hangout, where English literature from all over the world was housed on endless shelves, alongside psychology texts. Second floor is French, history of art and music (history, criticism and scores), third floor is languages, fourth is classics, ancient history and philosophy, and the fifth is given over to religion.
The building itself has been highly acclaimed internationally for its innovative design. Depending on where you seat yourself, you can bask in sunlight or hide away in the shadows. The layout is very open plan, which means you are forced to save the snoozes for later and concentrate despite the distractions happening all around.
The side wall of the library has floor to ceiling, wall to wall windows looking out onto the playing fields and the Pav student bar, which was a very big distraction indeed. I was lured away from my studies on many occasions towards the end of summer term by the sight of the crowds gathered on the grass drinking cans in the sun. read more