Harold F. Johnson

"The Johnson" as we Hampsters called the Library, was DEFINITELY an adequate Library for a small college like Hampshire, although I would find myself utilizing the other campuses libraries VERY frequently, especially Amherst, UMass & Smith, for more specific print things that I couldn't find at Hampshire. Each one of the other four campuses libraries had things I appreciated: Amherst's Frost Library was also in a more modern well-equipped building, and had REALLY good literature collections. The HUGE W.E.B. Dubois Library at UMass Amherst was one of the most dynamic and well put together university libraries I've ever had the privilege of using (until I got to utilize Yale's libraries in grad school) and Smith's Mendenhall Performing Arts library was a HUGE resource to me, especially during my Div II & III for vital research. Neilson was also a good library as well. Hampshire's library was also more "multi-purpose" than a lot of the other campus libraries, because the Knowledge Commons, Bridge Cafe, Career Options Resource Center, Post Office, Art Gallery, Media Services & the HampStore kept it from just being a library. It was library, media center & campus center all in one, which I personally liked the feel of. Mt. Holyoke's Williston Library, BY FAR though was my favorite of ALL the five college libraries however, BECAUSE it was peaceful, STUNNINGLY beautiful (like a church) and had the MOST AMAZING and comfortable reading room.

The: "Johnson" as we called the Library back when I attended Hampshire was more than just a library; it was a COMPLETE Media and Print Resource Center, a Community Center, Art Gallery, Campus Store, Post Office etc.....