HLS in Focus

This week was the technical edit (a.k.a. subcite) for my article at the Harvard Law and Policy Review. Spending several hours in the law library, Langdell Hall, with the 1L editors who make up my article team reminded me what a great building it is and how many services it offers.  

While the older Austin Hall may be more iconic, I think Langdell is the most beautiful part of campus. Walking into the bright, stately fourth-floor Reading was the most definitive “Wow, I’ve really made it” moment of my admissions visit to HLS—the pictures here and here may give you a sense of why.  

Even now that the Reading Room has become part of my daily life, I keep finding new things to appreciate about it. First it was the individual table lamps and power outlets, then the prize armchairs facing the front windows (perfect for looking out on the snowy grounds in winter, yet staying toasty as they’re right beside the heaters.) A room in the back keeps the noise from scanners contained; another offers coffee and hot chocolate late into the night around finals. And around the corner is always the Reference Room, with its desk staffed long hours by extremely kind and helpful librarians.  

Meanwhile, the third floor has study carrels and group meeting rooms like the one we took over for our subcite. Just outside the vast photocopy room is my personal favorite spot with orange plush armchairs and tiny chess tables overlooking the lobby. The second floor, which is actually ground-level, houses the Lemann Lounge where students can eat and socialize while they study, use public computers, and check out free movies from the respectable DVD collection.  

While it’s far from true that Harvard students live in the library, I do think some of us wind up there even more than necessary because it’s so beautiful and the facilities are so great. I think Langdell is a real selling point for HLS since—aside from being the world’s largest academic law library, of course—it really embodies the supportive, student-focused atmosphere our administration works hard to create. And the inspiring quotes inscribed around the walls don’t hurt one bit.

- Lea