Do people actually hook up in the Alderman stacks?
On the trail of a romantic myth
You’ve heard about it in passing, maybe even tried it yourself. The thought of it could exhilarate or disgust you. Either way, you can’t stop the ever-flowing hormones of college students.
It has long been a rumor here at the University of Virginia that people take to the Stacks of Alderman library to get it on.
We went out to get the scoop on these study time trysts.
Studiers and passersby were asked what they thought about the notion of hooking up in the Alderman stacks as well as whether or not they had heard about any specific stories.
Mary, Fourth Year
“I don’t see anything wrong with it or think that it’s gross, but it could disturb some people who are trying to study [laughs]. I haven’t and don’t think I would ever do something like that, just because I don’t have the desire to do something like that. I think that it’s too quiet and too public there.”
Shyam, Second Year
“I don’t think that the stacks are the ideal place to hook up, but I’ve never heard of it causing any problems so I guess I’m indifferent about it. I can see the novelty in doing something like that though. I remember during first year some guys on my hall were talking about it and it sounded funny.”
Bridget, Fourth Year
“I think what attracts most students to do stuff like that is the ‘getting caught’ aspect. I’ve heard a few stories before. One of them involved two people trying it around closing time and they got locked in the stacks overnight. Luckily, the library was only locked from the outside and they were able to get out. But that’s probably not true. Probably…”
Faith, Second Year
“It sounds risky – I don’t think I would do anything like that, but I understand that the element of risk taking is what makes it fun.
So you work here at Alderman Library where the rumored “magic” happens. Ever seen anything or heard of anyone getting caught?
“I haven’t seen anything here. The only thing I’ve heard is the rumor that people do that, never any specific stories. I think it would be funny but really awkward to get caught.”
Chris, Fourth Year
“I think that it’s funny and makes for a good stories to tell or scenarios to think about. I have never hooked up in the Stacks or heard of anyone doing it, that I know of. I would totally hook up in the Stacks though. I think it would be a cool experience to it could be cool to say you’ve done it before.”