Got FOMO? Can’t figure out what to read? No worries! Let us show you what everyone else is checking out, so you can too!
The Libraries at FSU contain a staggering collection of knowledge. Strozier alone holds 5.4 million volumes of combined forms of literature. These volumes consist of physical books (obviously), digital eBooks, news articles, and a plethora of other forms of information.
To call the collection of books in FSU libraries gargantuan is a gross understatement. There’s more information in these books than anyone could hope to consume in numerous lifetimes. That might seem intimidating (and it kind of is), but don’t worry, we’ve compiled a list of the most commonly sought-after materials that the libraries here at FSU’s Tallahassee campus offer.
To Life!: Eco Art in Pursuit of a Sustainable Planet by Linda Weintraub
Available as an e-book: 978-0-520-27361-0 — Checked Out: 15,599 times
It might be cheating to include a book that’s almost solely used for a class, but I believe that this can be an exception. This book has been checked out more than fifteen-thousand times! That’s more than five times the book in second place!
I’m unsure of the class this book is related to, it may even be required for multiple classes, but whatever course it may be used in, it’s certainly a popular one.
The book itself boasts a large collection of information concerning an interesting combination of ecology and the movement of ecological art in the past years. It also notes issues of global warming and climate change, along with how artists are fighting to help the sustainability of the planet.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by JK Rowling
Available at Strozier: F Row — Checked Out: 2,907 times
Of course, it’s no surprise that one of the most popular book series in the world is on this list. Although you may be surprised to know that FSU libraries carries the Harry Potter franchise at all. If that’s the case, allow me to inform you of our pop lit section.
On the first floor of Strozier, near the café area, we have a small section of popular fiction books. This includes fantasy books (like Harry Potter), graphic novels (including manga), and plenty of other fun and interesting fiction books. It’s often easy to get lost in the stress of college life with all the papers and classes, so maybe next time you’re feeling strained, pick up a fun little fiction book and take a rest in the Starbucks Café at Strozier.
Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger
Available at Dirac: PZ4.S165 Cat 1951 — Checkout Out: 2,284 times
I’m not even sure what to think of this one. I personally found it surprising that patrons of FSU libraries, largely college students, would be so invested in reading this book. Perhaps it has a greater allure due to its reputation for being vulgar and controversial. Regardless of why people read it, the simple fact is that people do. Quite a large number of people, in fact.
In the case you’re unaware of this book, it is considered a classic by some and a vulgar mess by others. It beholds a teen protagonist that provides a long, cynical examination of his life. Many find the speaker very honest and real, while also a bit whiny or annoying.
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Available at Strozier: PS3555.L625 I5 1994 — Checked Out: 2,609 times
Not to be confused with The Invisible Man by H. G. Wells, the science fiction novel, Invisible Man is a piece of commentary on the social conditions for black folk in the United States. It discusses points of individualism over collectivism and how one ought to be treated. Ellison expresses the idea that a man should be treated because of who he is and what he does rather than the prejudice society holds over him.
This book, like Catcher in the Rye, is very controversial, however this one was banned because of Ellison’s intense use of violence, sexual content, and language. FSU libraries also has a collection of essays covering this book that challenge it or call for its unbanning due to its heavy importance.
The Myth of Sisyphus, and Other Essays by Albert Camus, translated by Justin O’Brien
Available at Strozier: PQ2605.A3734 M93 — Checked Out: 2,063 times
This selection is special to me personally, being that Albert Camus is my favorite philosopher and author. But regardless of my bias, it’s understandable that this book is on the list. Recently, the notion of “one must imagine Sisyphus happy” has become quite popular, as well as the imagery of rolling a boulder up a mountain, which was Sisyphus’s punishment.
In case you are unaware, this is where the viral fixation on Sisyphus came from. It was popularized in recent years after the internet became aware of Camus’ work, but I’d bet most people that take part in the humor of it haven’t read, or even heard of, the original book (or at least, a translation of it).
As far as the actual content of the book goes, Camus advocates for his philosophy, absurdism. He discusses purpose and existence, along with the futility of finding order in it.
This post was written by Zach Sandell, Student Engagement Assistant at FSU Libraries.
