Hello! I can’t believe it is almost the end of July and we are already preparing for Fall 2024!
Last week, Elyse Longair introduced the many art galleries, museums, and historic sites of Kingston. I hope you will visit some of those fascinating sites this summer. Today, I’d like to direct your attention to the sunniest spots to rest and the coolest corners to craft your research. Let’s start with my top five.
Research at Queen's University International Centre (the QUIC): I am beginning my campus tour on Tuesdays with the QUIC on the second floor of Mitchell Hall. I adore this place because it provides a spacious and well-lit study space, the Ed Churchill Hall of Friendship, at the heart of campus. The QUIC supports international students and has programming for all Queen’s students. This bustling venue becomes quieter, ideal for writing research, in the summer. I am working here this morning and enjoying free food the centre offers every Tuesday. Want to join me in the coming weeks? Check out their Events Calendar to see when the Friendship Hall is available for independent study. Alternatively, follow them on Instagram.
The Soup and the Rest at The Ban Righ: On the days I am on campus, I saunter to the Ban Righ Centre for lunch. The Centre assists women-identified students of all ages, especially those who are returning to university after a time away. The cute Ban Righ House at 32 Bader Lane is my #1 hang out place on campus. It is a hub for mature women students from diverse backgrounds. The Ban Righ is ideal to socialize over a bowl of soup, take a nap, and finish that article I’ve been working on. In the summer afternoons, its patio is my beloved corner for reading or people watching. Follow the Ban Righ Centre on Facebook for their latest updates re. construction next door. A photo of the house, courtesy of Nikisha Grant Ridley, accompanies this post.
Wednesday is the Library Day: Elysee’s fantastic blogpost on Queen’s libraries has inspired me to dedicate Mondays to writing at the Douglas Library, but today, I’ll mention the cute neighbourhood library. The Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) is a sanctuary on a hot day. The Calvin Park Branch near my place is a serene alternative study space when the trips between my desk and the kitchen become banal. I am also looking forward to spending some time at the recently renovated Central Branch. That and my excursion into their collection of Historic Kingston will have to wait until after August 12, when I submit my thesis manuscript to my supervisor.
Tea and Tinker at Juniper on Thursday: Want kernels of new articles to form while you are gazing at Lake Ontario? How about just daydreaming about the moment you’ve got your degree while sipping your favourite drink? If you’re the kind of person whose muse wakes up when pleasant chatter from side tables blends with your thoughts, Juniper Cafe is your place. It is my hang out corner once a week and I prefer weekdays to weekends.
Future Gardening and Journaling at Rodden Park: My ultimate favourite sunny, and sometimes shaded, corner when I need a break is the Paterson Memorial Garden at Rodden Park in Kingston’s Portsmouth District. The solitary bench at the hill is my personal philosopher’s corner. This is also where a lot of daydreaming, e.g., about owning a garden, and journaling happens.