The above quote is from Gerald Fetner—Class of 1973. Read the full memory below:

One day on the Rock’s front steps a colleague asked if I wished to meet his wife’s best friend, who was visiting that weekend. I said sure. After 43 years, I can say it was the best decision I ever made.

The above quote is from Jeanne Darrigrand Gibson—Class of 1971. Read the full memory below:

I remember that when I was a student (’71), some administrators expressed the sentiment that calling the library “The Rock” was not respectful. After students suggested in the newspaper that we use “The John” instead, the issue was quickly dropped.

The above quote is from Dennis Callan—Class of 1967. Read the full memory below:

In 1963, I studied at the big wooden tables of the John Hay; then in 1964, it felt like entering a space ship when the Rock doors opened as the first contemporary building on campus. Most of us partied hard every Fri & Sat, but Sunday noon we diligently waited for the doors to open and the week of studies to begin. Groggy with headaches but lured by the beautiful interior design and new smell, we developed disciplined habits and knowledge quests that remain 50 years later. We didn’t line up for the Hay the previous year, but this new Rock was inviting, compelling. Surroundings make a difference. And oh, those comfortable leather lounge chairs, mmmmhhhhh.

Elise Meyer—Class of 1976— shared this photo of “making the most of the fabulous resources of the Rockefeller Library in 1976.”

Elise Meyer—Class of 1976— shared this photo of cramming at the Rock with her roommate (Lisa Paperno ’76).

The above quote is from Suzanne Karr Schmidt—Class of 2001. Read the full memory below:

I never studied there all that much, though occasionally checked in on roommates who seemingly never left the All Quiet Room. I did curate an exhibition on the history of Artificial Flowers in the room outside the AQR in 2000 as part of my art history and visual art honors programs. Getting a headset with adjustable volume controls that could play Bobby Darin’s “Artificial Flowers” was tricky, but do-able! Richard Fishman, artist and teacher extraordinaire had bought part of a flower factory from nearby in Rhode Island, and let me take the subject to its logical conclusions. The John Hay Library staff also kindly lent me a volume of Diderot’s Encyclopedia showing flower making. We had a great opening reception in the upstairs lobby, and a good time!

The above quote is from Joshua James Reineke (Class of 2003; Ph.D., 2008). Read the full memory below:

I was fortunate in my first semester at Brown to get the ideal work-study position: evenings and nights at the Rock circulation desk. At the time it was a job that allowed me to study while working, but after staying in that position all five years during my double major at Brown it earned a special place in my heart. Over that time my fellow student workers and the library staff became my family away from home. I can go on with stories about the naked donut deliveries or students being locked in overnight, but there is one night that is clearer in memory than all the others. Whenever the door guard, Al, needed a short break I would fill in to watch students swipe a card to gain access. Usually, I would only glance from my textbook pages long enough to see the light turn green, but there was one student who’s smile caught my eye and I managed to eek out a pathetic, “hi”. Later, while working at the circulation desk, that same attractive young lady came to me to check out books. While I attempted some awkward flirtations, she left the library with me regretting not asking for her phone number. About an hour later my supervisor, Sharon, said she thought I had a call. The caller asked for the tall blonde at the desk and I was the only person fitting the description. We met up at Josiah’s when my shift was over at the Rock for our first date and we continue to be inseparable for the 15 years since. The Rock staff continued to be a part of our family and below is a picture of Sharon holding our daughter (now 9 years old!) on a family visit to the Rock.

The above quote is from Thomas Warger who received his Ph.D. in 1979. Read the full memory below:

The Library was converting from the Cutter cataloging system to Library of Congress (mid-1970s). You’d bring books to the circ desk, and any that were still Cutter had to have new labels attached.

Very slow and quiet during the summer.

One day the service bell on the circ desk had one of those spiral pen-retainer cords tucked under it and leading over the back edge of the counter. A small sign next to it said, “Ring for service. Every 17th hit delivers an electric shock.”

The above photo is of Thomas A. Warger, at his carrel, summer 1978. Six months away from completion of Ph.D. in French.

The above quote is from David Haettenschwiller—Class of 1976. Read the full memory below:

The Rockefeller Library is the reason why I accepted Brown’s offer of admission in 1972. It was love at first sight. Over the following four years the Rock was central to my Brown experience, as for so many others. I worked there as part of my scholarship package and never regretted a moment. I spent countless hours behind the circulation desk. When I wasn’t working I could often be found on B-level or in the Periodicals Reading Room.

The above quote is from Jeffrey D. Jones—Class of 1968. Read the full memory below:

The Rock opened my freshman year and is full of good memories. Probably one of the most significant was barricading myself in a carrel in my junior year to write a paper on the New England Anti-Slavery Response to the Mexican War. I still have it, with Professor Thomas’s comments, mostly good ones. That experience made me realize I should have majored in history, but it was too late. About 15 years later, however, it led to an MA in American History from Villanova. I thought it was yet another in my collection of unmarketable degrees, but it actually led to writing several articles and books on American Baptist history.