The Fresno State Library is often associated with quiet study, but its role on campus extends beyond rows of books and computer stations. From specialized research collections to creative workspaces and a prayer and meditation room, the library offers students a range of spaces designed for different needs.

For Ginny Barnes, the librarian for first-year student success, that range is what defines the space. 

“The library is more than a building; it is people, students, librarians, faculty, staff and you,” Barnes said. “You don’t need to spend money to take up space here.”

Since becoming a librarian in Fall 2019, Barnes works closely with first-year students, helping them navigate research, access resources and feel more comfortable using the library. She said she enjoys the role because it allows her to continue learning, adding that being in the library makes her feel like she is always a student, surrounded by words, texts and new ideas. 

“I love that I’m always learning,” Barnes said. “Being a librarian is great if you have a curious mind, it still feels like I’m a student, surrounded by new ideas all the time.”

That idea of accessibility is reflected throughout the library, where each section serves a distinct purpose.

One of those spaces is the Teacher Resource Center, which supports students preparing to work in pre-K through 12 classrooms. The center includes teaching materials used in schools and is primarily designed for education majors developing lesson plans, completing coursework or preparing for student teaching. 

As part of a statewide network of learning resource display centers, it also connects Fresno State students to curriculum tools used across California. Unlike traditional quiet areas, the space is structured for collaboration and hands-on work.

The library also includes a Prayer and Meditation Room, which was expanded following student feedback. The space is open to all students, faculty and staff and is designed for reflection, prayer or quiet time.

“In Fall 2024, a group of students who regularly use the Prayer and Meditation Room met with me to share some concerns about the space,” said Janet Crum, dean of library services. “Their biggest concern was that the room was too small to accommodate all the students who wanted to use it.”

Crum said a larger nearby room was renovated in collaboration with campus facilities, opening in Fall 2025 to better meet student demand.

Another section, the Arne Nixon Center for the Study of Children’s Literature, serves as a major research collection within the library. The center houses tens of thousands of books, manuscripts and original illustrations related to children’s and young adult literature. Its collection emphasizes international and multicultural works, offering students and researchers access to both historical and contemporary materials in a dedicated reading space.

The Special Collections Research Center provides access to rare and archival materials. Located in the Woodward Family Reading Room, the collection includes local history archives, water-related records, university archives and materials documenting topics such as the World’s Fair, LGBTQ+ history and Japanese Americans during World War II. Exhibits rotate throughout the year, allowing students to engage with curated pieces of regional and global history.

For students working on creative or technical projects, the Music and Media department offers both equipment and materials. According to Terry Lewis, library services specialist for Music and Media, the department is one of the largest of its kind.

“The Music & Media department of the Fresno State Library has the distinction of being the largest music collection in the CSU Library system,” Lewis said.

Lewis said the department includes thousands of printed scores, vinyl records, CDs and videos across a wide range of genres and disciplines. In addition to its collections, the space provides access to video studios, music labs, editing software and high-performance computers.

“Everything in our department checks out for free with your student ID card,” Lewis said.

For many students, the library’s impact is tied to how these spaces fit into their daily routines.

Jose Medina, a senior communications major, said he uses the library to manage both school and personal responsibilities.

“As a dad, it helps to have a quiet place where I can sit down, relax and catch up on assignments or life,” Medina said. “I like going to the south side because it’s quiet and I can focus.”

Nick Dellaban, a sophomore computer science major, said he prefers the Table Mountain Rancheria Reading Room.

“It’s comforting, clean and spacious,” Dellaban said. “I like to study there, chill or read. It’s peaceful and feels like a nice place to escape to during the chaos of college.”

Barnes said the library is designed to meet students where they are, whether they are studying, researching or simply looking for a place to spend time.

“In every corner you turn, whether in our building or on our website, there is something to discover,” Barnes said. “From the life-sized Connect Four to our archival collections of the farm workers movement, I hope all students can use the library to nurture their curiosity and feel joy in learning.”

Barnes also emphasized that access to learning resources extends beyond campus.

“Ask questions, get lost and find yourself again and again,” Barnes said. “The mission of libraries goes beyond Fresno State, so don’t forget to get yourself a public library card too.”