The CReamery

In late April 2009, the Creamery opened in the West Wing of D. H. Hill Library. Students, faculty, and staff who are in the Library for extended periods with their heads down in their work can now take a quick break for some Howling Cow premium ice cream made here at NC State. The Creamery is a joint venture between the NCSU Libraries, NC State Food Science, and University Dining.

Patrons of twenty-first-century libraries value them as secure spaces—comfortable areas that provide access to the latest technology—as well as both quiet and collaborative places to work. It’s the place students go when they get serious about getting their studies, and they are often in the building for hours at a time. The Creamery provides a safe, convenient, in-building area to grab a snack without substantially interrupting work time. And it was built without state money.

With some good planning, the Creamery is also helping D. H. Hill with its seating problems. By consolidating service points, the ongoing makeover of the West Wing has made room for an area adjacent to the Creamery that will provide 60 additional student study seats: a welcome addition since the NCSU Libraries can seat less than 5% of NCSU students, far below the 20% recommended by the UNC system.