Lauinger Library, more affectionately known as Lau, is Georgetown University’s largest library — its brutalist gray facade looms over the gothic glory of Healy Hall. Love it or hate it, Lau sits at the top of almost every Hoya’s list of frequently visited places for anything from group projects to late-night paper writing to finals week. Each floor has a printer, stacks and a distinct vibe, with noise level, crowdedness and study rooms factoring into each floor’s personality. Here’s The Hoya’s insider guide to Lau:
Lau 1
Lau 1 is known primarily for housing the Maker Hub: a creative and collaborative space for all students to work with textiles, wood or other art equipment. If you’re making anything from hands-on class projects to Halloween costumes, the Maker Hub has everything you could need, including a 3D printer and a laser cutter, and offers workshops and tutorials on how to use their tools. Other free classes available at the Maker Hub include those on crochet or binding mini books. The rest of Lau 1 is a combination of cubicles and computer desks; definitely a contender for Lau’s top late-night study spot.
Study Rooms: Some class meeting rooms
Noise Level: Low to zero
Crowdedness: Minimal to low
Vibes: Feels like it’s partially underground even though it really is not, but maybe Lau 1’s darkness can spark the optimal study concentration.
Lau 2
Lau 2 is the polar opposite of Lau 1: it’s the only floor without volume limits and the only floor where you can bring food. Student-run cafe Midnight MUG (aka Midnight) sells coffee and snacks here, meaning Lau 2 frequenters study with a background of Spotify playlists, heated group project debates, and ambient conversation. Lau 2 also features the Georgetown Writing Center, where trained graduate and undergraduate students will assist you with any writing assignment for free.
Study Rooms: Yes, you can reserve individual and group study rooms.
Noise Level: High
Crowdedness: High to medium—Lau 2 gets extremely crowded during weekday evenings, particularly finals week, but will be near empty at 2 a.m. on a normal day.
Vibes: Lau 2 has an upbeat vibe perfect for those who like to study with friends or with background noise. Plus, you can pick out a Midnight drink to keep yourself motivated.
Lau 3
Lau 3 is home to the library’s main entrance — once you tap your GoCard past Lau security, you’re in. You’ll find a large circulation desk past double glass doors. To the left lie large work tables, tall windows and computer desks. To the right lies the Pierce Reading room, a quiet study space with additional seating (and windows).
Study Rooms: Yes, you can reserve the coveted Millennium Room for group study.
Noise Level: Medium (except for the Pierce Reading Room, which is silent, Lau 3 can sometimes get moderately loud).
Crowdedness: Medium to high—Lau 3 can get crowded during high-frequency hours like weekday nights or finals week.
Vibes: Lau 3 is probably underrated — it has lots of natural light and window seating without the chaos of Lau 2 or the silence of the floors upstairs.
Lau 4
Lau 4 is for when you require a certain level of focus, but don’t want to concentrate without some company. Lau 4 offers study cubicles or tables, large windows and relative quiet — but whispering is permitted. It’s a good spot to find a combination of focus and camaraderie as you and your friends lock in together at a window table.
Study Rooms: Some individual and group study rooms
Noise Level: Low—some whispering allowed, but generally, it’s time to lock in and everyone knows it.
Crowdedness: Medium to low—Lau 4 can get more crowded during high-frequency hours like weekday nights or finals week, but it’s generally a safe bet for snagging a study spot.
Vibes: Pretty heavy-duty library focus, but not quite at the max.
Lau 5
Lau 5 is the floor to go to when you require near-absolute isolation; obtain a cubicle or a window table and plant yourself there as long as it takes. The floor is most often totally silent with the exceptions of the light clacking of keyboards and the breathing of your cubicle neighbors as they scramble to finish that paper due by 11:59 p.m. Lau 5 also features the Booth Family Center for Special Collections, a space home to Georgetown’s rare books and manuscripts. You might find yourself in the classroom learning about a particular special collection, in the reading room uncovering the secrets in Mark Twain’s manuscript of “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” or sneaking a peek at the glass-cased exhibition along the walls.
Study Rooms: Some individual rooms
Noise Level: As close to zero as humanly possible
Crowdedness: Low—for cubicles on a normal day. Medium—for the desks when you walk in (people are always sitting there). High—during finals week
Vibes: Ultimate, hard-core focus.