Everyone has a library story. Some of them are horror stories, like when you woke up in the Trumbull library during reading week or stared down judgmental hipsters in Haas. Some stories are academic victories, some are romances in the stacks, and sometimes you say Box when you mean Bass (or vice versa). My library story is pretty simple. Freshman year, I decided I was going to study (or “study,” rather) in each Yale library at least once. After visiting eight different libraries and a trek to the Divinity School, I gave up and settled down in Sterling Memorial Library, which back then was more of a cathedral and less of a maze.

But from the widest-eyed freshman to the most seasoned tour guide, we all have our stories about Sterling, which itself is filled with stories (approximately 4 million physical volumes, in fact). In our cover this week, Sophie Grais, SM ’14, investigates the library’s yearlong renovation and restoration processes, while also taking a closer look at Sterling’s digitization programs and the role of libraries in the future.

However, Sterling isn’t the only new game in town. From new restaurants on Broadway to tons of new professors (holla, Political Science Department!), Yale is using 300 years of practice to keep things fresh, and likewise, the Yale Herald this week is chock full of exciting discoveries. In Features, A. Grace Steig, SM ’15, looks at Alzheimer’s research and activism in light of a groundbreaking study by Yale neuroscientists. We have culture pieces on Yale’s exchange students, student brand ambassadors, and a hot web series developed and produced by alumni. In Reviews, Aaron Gertler, TD ’15, looks at Janelle Monáe’s new album and Lucas Sin, DC ’15, takes on the cannoli truck. And in Opinion, Allison Mandeville, JE ’15, brings in an important perspective on the Syrian refugee crisis. There’s something for everyone—and unlike Sterling right now, it’s easy to find what you’re looking for.

So whether picking up this paper was your fresh discovery today or if you’re an old friend of the Yale Herald, sit down, take a break, and read. You can also check us out online and hang with our friends at the Bullblog. We’re excited to have you, no renovations needed.

Herald love,

Alisha Jarwala

Features editor