With the semester coming to a close, check out some alternatives to The Library
By James Baggett
The Library never changes. It looks the same every day, whether fall or spring, rain or shine. And as we near the end of the semester, most students' workload increases. This can translate into a lot of time in the Library, which, can become awfully boring.
"The Library becomes pretty monotonous after awhile," said senior Madison Zettle, a psychology and sociology major.
But, luckily, there are alternatives, and they come in the form of independently-owned coffeehouses located throughout Portland. These places are great for hitting the books, and, fortunately, there are near endless options within our city. The following is a sample of a few favorites. All have free wi-fi, hip atmospheres and the ability to make studying a little more interesting.
"Coffee shops are good places to study," Zettle said. "It's good to get a change of atmosphere every once in awhile."
Ladybug Organic Coffee Co., located in the heart of St. Johns on North Lombard Street, offers a spacious area that is ideal for studying. Most of the tables are located near electrical outlets, so plugging in your laptop shouldn't be a problem. The pastries are delicious, and so is the coffee. If you're not in need of any caffeine, try the warm cider. But beware of the sandwiches, as they're fairly plain and a little overpriced, though, like the coffee, all ingredients are organic.
Ladybug Organic Coffee: 8438 N. Lombard St.; Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Phone: (503) 715-1006
North Star Coffeehouse, located at North Lombard Street and North Interstate Avenue, is a renovated house with a large deck and a cozy, fire-lit living room. There is plenty of seating, but the tables are small, making it a little difficult to spread out your books and papers. The coffee served is from Stumptown, a Portland based coffee roaster. The soups are great on a cold day, and the desserts are homemade. For lunch, try a Zippie, a sandwich wrapped in a pastry.
North Star Coffeehouse: 7540 N. Interstate Ave; Hours: Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Phone: (503) 285-5800
Fireside Coffee Lodge is one of the few coffee shops open 24 hours, which is useful if you forget about that 10-page research paper due tomorrow. The place resembles a mountain lodge, complete with log furniture and elk paintings. With chairs and couches grouped around tables, it's a great place to study with a group. The staff is particularly friendly, though there is a considerable downside - the coffee really isn't that good. But the atmosphere is ideal.
Fireside Coffee Lodge: 1223 S.E. Powell Blvd; Hours: all day, every day; Phone: (503) 230-8987
Coffee Time has a definite artsy scene. The first thing you'll notice is the walls, which have murals painted all over them. The second thing you'll notice is the people. Their styles are different and very expressive. There are nooks in the layout where you can post up in a big chair, do your work and have a Panini. The chai tea seems to be a popular item - most of the customers were ordering it on my visit. The coffee wasn't too bad, though not the best.
Coffee Time: 712 N.W. 21st Ave.; Hours: 6:30 a.m.-2:30 a.m.; Phone: (503) 497-1090
