With higher temperatures projected for the next few weeks, now is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the summer sun and the beautiful DU campus. And what better way than with a good book? Check out my suggestions below for some of the best reading spots on campus.
The Humanities Garden
The Humanities Garden is easily one of the most beautiful places on campus. You can sit in the shade and enjoy the tranquility of the ponds, waterfalls and flowers, and you may even spot a mother duck and her ducklings. There are several benches in the garden to utilize, or if you prefer, the grass makes a nice reading spot as well.
The Driscoll Rooftop
The rooftop of Driscoll North (located near the Student Life office) is stocked with tables and benches where you can sit and bask in the sun. It’s never crowded, as most people don’t even seem to know it’s there, and it should be even less populated during the summer. Grab a refreshing beverage from Jazzman’s a few floors below (which is still open for the summer) and you’ve got a perfect afternoon of reading lined up.
The Sitting Tree
Near the Humanities Garden, there is a tree with branches that create a perfectly formed seat. The tree doesn’t have an official name, per se, but I have lovingly dubbed it the Sitting Tree. There’s no need to climb at all, because the branches are sturdy enough and low enough to the ground that you can simply walk up and take a seat. From here, you can observe the world around you while taking in the world of the book in your hands.
The Sturm Amphitheater
Behind the massive maze of Sturm lies a little oasis of shade and tranquility. The outdoor classroom/amphitheater behind Sturm is surrounded by trees, bushes and plants; the shady area is ideal for enjoying the outdoors without being fried by the heat, and it could provide a change of scenery since it’s a part of Sturm that’s less frequently traveled.
The Chapel
The chapel and its surrounding area offers a serene, quiet atmosphere for reading. It features a similar scene to the Humanities Garden, but is slightly farther off the beaten path, so you are less likely to be bothered by passers-by. However, it is closer to the Charrington Hall construction site, so you may want to utilize this spot after work is over for the day to avoid the noise of construction.
The Renaissance Room
If you’re looking for a quiet reading atmosphere, the Renaissance Room is the way to go. Though this reading spot isn’t outdoors, it does feature a nice view of campus, and the beautiful vaulted ceilings and chandeliers will make you feel as if you’ve entered a world straight from the pages of a book.
These reading spots provide the perfect atmosphere for enjoying your book while also enjoying the beautiful summer weather. If you know of any great reading spots that should be added to the list, let us know on Facebook or Twitter.
See the map below to find these reading spots on the DU campus: