Sometimes, all students need is a solid 15-minute nap between two classes, and there are no better places for such naps than the two University libraries, Waterfield and Pogue. 

In the 2024 “Best of” survey, these two libraries were voted the best napping spots on campus.

Dana Thompson, the assistant dean of libraries, said students napping in the library is just one of the few ways the libraries contribute to students’ overall sense of well-being. 

“The libraries are honored to be chosen and happy that students feel like the library is a safe place for them to come,” Thompson said, “regardless of whether… they are studying or napping.”

Waterfield has multiple floors, each with various noise levels and places to study. As a silent study space, the upper floor is perfect for students wishing to study or destress between classes away from the noisier lower levels. 

Pogue offers a more historical setting with grand reading rooms and uninterrupted quiet, making it, too, a great place for a lengthy study session or a nap. 

Mikaela McChristian, an English secondary education major, said she seldomly naps in the library, but it has been a solid experience when she has.

“I would have to have somebody there [to know] that nobody was going to take my stuff,” McChristian said. “Murray is a pretty friendly place, [so] I feel like nobody would mess with me if I were asleep.” 

While some students prefer not to sleep outside of their dorm rooms, when the need to sleep hits, the libraries are there with comfortable couches and quiet.