Noreen And Kenneth Murray Memorial Library

As libraries go this one is pretty great.
First off, we have Noreen and Kenneth Murray for whom the library is named. And why? Well, from inventing a vaccine for hepatitis B (the first genetically-​engineered vaccine approved for human use), to starting a fund for early career scientists (i.e. mainly PhD students) these two are superstars. Give them a Google there and you’ll have a chance to take in the awesomeness.
Second, the building is environmentally sustainable. Features include: rainwater harvesting, a green roof and natural ventilation. So they’ve ticked all the ‘good karma’ boxes there.
Thirdly, as a library, it’s a good’un. I use it fairly frequently (when Google lets me down) and the librarians are helpful and kind. The library has automatic check in/​check out facilities so there’s no queuing at peak times. The study spaces are pretty nifty, lots of room, comfortable chairs and a great view. The sun hits the ‘study’ side of building most of the day so it’s usually a comfortable temperature. There’s bookable private study areas for groups and the floors are divided so that ‘quiet study’ is separated from ‘silent study’, a subtle yet vital difference. I’ve not had too many incidences of ‘unaware patrons’ (you know the type, chew loudly, tap the table, take off their stinky shoes, I’ve even had one guy (somewhere else) put his hand down his trousers, not in a dangerous ‘I’m going to report you way’ that just seems to be where he liked to keep his hands. Anyway, none of that here.
Finally, there’s a café with an informal study area downstairs, and just outside a large group of steps which are designed for sitting on. The café is decent and reflective of KB, notably the selection is better than in the Upstairs Café of the Swann. The informal study area has a great set up with nice seats.
Okay, so I like libraries, but this library is particularly nice, aesthetically and functionally.