Take a seat. No, really, take a seat

It’s another beautiful day on the University of Calgary campus, and you’ve got a break coming up. What to do? Lunch or a snack at your desk, catch up on emails, or social media? Nope — you really need to get outside.

How about the next chapter or two in that great book you’ve been reading? Maybe, but you didn’t dress for sitting on the grass, and most of the benches are occupied. If only you could find one of those comfortable, folding slingback camp chairs for your break …

Well, now you can.

Paula Hollohan, instructional technologies and information specialist at the Doucette Library of Teaching Resources, and library co-ordinator Tammy Flanders often do their brainstorming for Doucette events while sitting in the comfortable, casual chairs. Head librarian Barb Brydges agrees the chairs play a part in helping them come up with their plans, so she often encourages them to take the chairs and sit outside.

“I’m pretty sure Google and other forward-thinking businesses are encouraging less formal settings for some of their meetings,” says Hollohan. “I think it is a very healthy part of the day, to leave your office or learning place and sit in a new setting.

“And we have such a lovely campus and some nice outdoor space, so, we figured, why not invite others to enjoy a break as well?”

Students, faculty, and staff can take a chair out any time of day for hour-long periods from 8:30 to 4:30. All Doucette requires from borrowers is a valid UC ID card. Staff in the library will record the individual’s name, ID and phone number. The chairs are available first-come, first-served, with the busiest time most likely to be over the lunch hour.

Hollohan says, “You can take a chair out and read a book or watch the world go by for an hour during the day.”

The chairs will be available all summer, every day that the library is open.