Hannah Grantham’s “how to waste 35 million” online article causes a stir. But is Augustine House really as terrible as she makes out?

Ok, it seems to me that there are endless negativities surrounding our new library, and Hannah Grantham’s online article “How to Waste £35 Million” in particular, adopts this pessimistic approach. According to her piece the building is a “giant eye sore”, yet I could swear I’ve seen and marvelled at similar architectural achievements in almost every other city in England. And Europe. And America. Surely it has been celebrated as the ‘Glass Cathedral’ for a reason? Personally, I feel truly proud that my university has such an impressive, statement building, and think it definitely puts CCCU on the map. This, sadly, wasn’t quite the case with the outdated rabbit-run we had previously.

As for Hannah’s portrayal of the “leering security guard”, I am sure I don’t stand alone when I say how outraged I am by this comment. Perhaps his presence does seem a little extreme to us as students, but we have to bear in mind that as the library is no longer on campus, it is subsequently no longer protected by on-campus security. This man is employed for our safety, as well as the protection of staff and safekeeping of the building. Not to “man handle” us as this online editorial implies. How, pray tell, are our security gates capable of monitoring who exactly enters, let alone that person’s actions? Regardless I know I won’t be “accidentally walking out” with anything too soon!

I do appreciate that there are still some teething problems with the library, but as far as I have been concerned, whenever library staff have been questioned they have been more than willing to help, or have explained that certain aspects are still undergoing development. This, in fact, even seems to be the case in “How to Waste £35m” despite the author’s winging tone. Considering the polite and very apologetic language of the lady on front desk it seems to me unfair to criticize so unkindly that, “a monkey could have done it quicker”. Not to mention the negative portrayal of the “bored receptionist” who, as far as I could make out, had done little more than be as informative as possible when questioned. Also, regarding the “bored looking woman” who explained the 24 hour loan policy of ground floor books, doesn’t it quite clearly say that on the spine? It just seems a touch like nit picking and, if I’m honest, outright bitchiness. But who am I to judge? Perhaps this complicated ordeal was just a little too much to ask of a degree student.

Next on the agenda: the resemblance of Augustine House to the Big Brother House. No, unfortunately there’s no big prize money at the end of the “spaghetti-junction style stairway system”, (although I’m sure Miss Grantham felt she deserved it!) but this attack was on the number of cameras. Personally I can’t really see the issue. It’s security surely? End of. Well, apparently not, as then we arrive at the problem of the furniture. In my opinion it’s a definite improvement from the dated, orangey-yellow pine tables and chairs which decked out our old library, and that the “hideous, garish” seating is by far the most comfortable! Not only does the library then maintain a studious environment, but an uplifting yet relaxing air is created through a fun design and comfort for those tired of studying. Along this same line I argue the brilliance of the cafes. Aside from providing a vast array of brain food and snacks, there are two of them! No more bills for “worn out shoe leather” then Hannah!

“How to Waste £35 Million” does give one useful piece of information however. Rather than “trekking” to the library fully aware of a fine under your name and only getting there to realize they only accept cash or cheques, take cash with you! There are two free ATMs en route which should eliminate the risk of having to traipse back and forth; one at the Student Union bar and one by Yoshi. Done.

Debate aside, I would like to say that I feel this building is a real achievement and says a lot about the progression of Christ Church as a University. Its very composition suggests forward movement and financial stability which can only be a reassuring contradiction to the worries stemmed from student finance problems at the start of the year. It seems ironic that we are so ready to jump down the throat of this entirely new project with the same vigour we put towards the well established company of Student Finance Direct. Give it time and I strongly believe that these initial inconveniences will straighten out for the majority.

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