There are a lot of things at Princeton that make students here feel warm and fuzzy. Late meal, for example. Free t-shirts. Professors who give out lots of A’s (grade inflation be damned) and a cell phone number with the casual “Call me if you have a question.” But despite the Princeton preoccupation with rating everything from courses to restaurants to campus sex hotspots (watch for the recent Prince survey for a comprehensive list), there exists no formal rating of the warmest, fuzziest parts of our lives: our libraries, each with a reputation as distinct as those of our beloved eating clubs.

Until we get a properly quantitative survey, you’ll just have to rely on random journalists’ views on the subject (The Press: telling Americans what to think since 1701!).  The Prince shared their opinion earlier this year; now, in honor of Reading Period, we at Press Club decided to give our own take.

So here goes.

Lewis Library

A library with a range of study environments, from the “tree house” to the Egg chairs (which, contrary to popular belief, have not yet been proven to cast grade-enhancing spells or whisper sweet, intellectual nothings in sitters’ ears, despite their exorbitant cost). Although, speaking of whispering — people are starting to take the “silent zone” thing really seriously in the tree house;  I’ve gotten dirty looks twice for merely sneezing in the place.

Marquand

Clearly the library in which to see and be seen. With those wall-to-wall windows and that nightly glow, Marquand is designed to lure unsuspecting students inside, like an exhibitionist moth to a flame. It is also, apparently, a breeding ground for such meaningful romantic (missed) connections as these: