At the start of the Fall semester, Columbia University Libraries promoted the Library Passport program, which encourages Columbia students to explore library spaces, services, and resources in a fun and self-paced way. Participants were asked to visit as many library locations as possible to learn about the resources available in each library and receive a stamp in their Library Passport. Students who visited all locations were entered to win a $50 gift card, and in December, Cecilia Li, ’26SIPA, was announced as the winner. Here, Cecilia shares her favorite library spaces, “hidden gems” in the Libraries, and how the Library Passport program has helped her coursework. (Students are welcome to continue to participate in the Library Passport program – and stay tuned for future drawings and more prizes!)

Which of the libraries that you visited was your favorite and why?

My favorite library is Butler because it offers small self-study spaces in some rooms, separated for individual use. It also has cozy sofas and an upstairs space with a great view, reminiscent of Hogwarts common rooms. It’s super cozy and quiet. The café downstairs in the corner is another highlight—I especially enjoy the muffins they serve. For group study or job interviews, I’d recommend Uris Library. The rooms there are fully enclosed, ensuring privacy, and require reservations. Luckily, multiple rooms are usually available even the night before, so there’s no rush. Additionally, I appreciate using the monitors in the Northwest Corner Building [in the Science & Engineering Library], though the availability of spots is limited. In summary, Butler is my favorite, but it’s not my only favorite.

Did you learn anything surprising or unexpected about the Libraries as you worked through the program?

Yes, absolutely. Before starting to collect stamps from each library, I thought I would just visit them quickly to complete the task. However, by the end of the program, I found myself sitting and studying in nearly every library I visited. Each library has its unique charm, and I especially enjoyed the short descriptions and stories written in the library passport. They felt genuine and honest, making the experience even more meaningful.

How long did it take you to complete the program? Why did you choose to participate?

It took me about half of a month to complete the program. At the start of the semester, I was overwhelmed with coursework and adjusting to a new environment, so I wanted to approach the program at a deliberate pace. I first learned about the Library Passport program on my second day of the semester, when I walked through Butler Library and a staff member recommended it to me. I decided to participate because I wanted to learn more about the University’s infrastructure and thought collecting stamps would be a fun and meaningful activity.

Has anything that you learned about the Libraries impacted your coursework? If so, how?

Yes, definitely. I never considered borrowing books from libraries before, as I’ve primarily used e-libraries for a long time. However, during my time studying independently in Butler, I found myself sitting near the Politics section, which coincidentally housed books relevant to my courses. I came across several policy books and even took the opportunity to read Democracy in America (a series), which turned out to be incredibly useful for my policy report coursework. It was a happy coincidence—I had randomly chosen a seat and ended up surrounded by resources that directly supported my studies.

Would you encourage other students to try the passport program? If so, why?

Yes, absolutely—I would even say it’s a must for incoming students. The program is like a discovery tour of the University’s libraries, and each one has its own unique features. You’ll find the library that suits you best, but by the end of the program, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with many of them. The program feels like a treasure hunt, and the library passports and stickers are thoughtfully designed. They’re beautiful, fun to collect, and completely free, making the entire experience enjoyable and rewarding.