WHERE my freaks at?!? I will tell you where they're at - Clemons Library.
These are the people who, just about every time you stop by Clemons to study, are there hanging around. They are not students, and they sure do not look like professors. More often than not, they are at Clemons to use our University's hospitality to surf the Web, sometimes in pursuit of less than savory material. Who are they? They are the Clemons carnival of personality, and they are one more reason this University is so unique.
Here in Charlottesville, we do not live on an urban campus. While the Corner makes an admirable attempt to pass itself off as a bustling downtown neighborhood, it really is just a few blocks with some nice shops and restaurants.
|
Even when one heads to Charlottesville's "real downtown," it ends up feeling like just another small town. One might mistakenly suppose that since the University resides in such a comparatively small place, it would avoid some of the local hassles and crime threats that plague campuses in major cities. Not so.
The University has two obligations here. It must keep its students safe and prevent non-affiliated persons from taking advantage of our facilities. At the same time, we cannot shut ourselves off from the town we are so fortunate to reside in for four years. As the nightly cast of characters at Clemons demonstrates, we have more than our share of local flavor right here.
The people in question here are not occasional visitors to the library. They are not family members of students simply checking out what Clemons has to offer. These people are at Clemons nearly every night - and likely a good portion of the day as well. There are a few characters you probably know.
"Crazy" Paul: This is an older man with red hair. He frequents Clemons on a nightly basis. Many times he catches a nap on one of the lower floors. The sight of a balding, middle-aged man lying down with his shoes off is disconcerting to encounter when one bursts through the doors on the first or second floor for some "quiet" study time. He usually has a plastic grocery bag alongside him. And no, I do not want to know what is inside.
Neck-brace Lady: This woman, by all accounts, has endured the most severe spinal injury in medical history. How she retains the ability to walk is a wonder in and of itself. Why is this notable? Because she has worn a neck-brace and used crutches for at least two years. Yet, with her trusty crutches by her side, she makes the trek to Clemons several times per week.
The Clemons Kids: These local children, even though they do not provide the same "weird factor" as the above two individuals, still add to the m
Read More
EDITORIAL: Celebrating and reflecting on The Cavalier Daily’s independence
By Editorial Board | 8 hours agoOur independence grants us the ability to ask the hard questions and to say what University representatives cannot.
ARRAS: U.Va. must revise the Sexual Assault Prevention Training module
By Aoife Arras | YesterdayIn addition to its failures in interactivity, the module lacks details specific to the University and discusses key concepts in universal terms.
EDITORIAL: Pedestrian safety is an institutional imperative
By Editorial Board | 3 days agoAmid a national crisis of pedestrian safety, Charlottesville and the University are also struggling to properly maintain pedestrian safety.
