Cabell Library has a microwave now
The new microwave at James Branch Cabell Library, located outside the Starbucks on the first floor. Photo by Andrew Kerley.
Andrew Kerley, Executive Editor
A microwave was installed inside Cabell Library for public use earlier this month — a small addition that provides a sizable convenience, according to students.
The microwave, located just outside the Starbucks on the first floor, was implemented to advance holistic student well-being, according to Laura Gariepy, associate dean for research and learning at Cabell Library.
Students have been requesting a microwave for years, and the library test-ran installing one earlier this year, though they paused permanent implementation while considering the food odors it could bring and what it would take to keep it clean, Gariepy stated.
Cabell Library welcomes 7,000-9,000 visitors nearly every work day during the academic semester.
“We saw a microwave as another valuable way to help students by enabling folks to have hot, nourishing food that they bring from home,” Garipey stated. “It’s a win-win in terms of nutrition and cost savings for students.”
The Health Sciences Library on the MCV Campus has had two public microwaves available for at least a decade. VCU Libraries has been in communication with other campus units about the need for more microwaves across campus, and Student Affairs has been a leader on that initiative.
Joy Dao, a fourth-year graphic design student, hangs out in Cabell Library nearly every day after class. She packs her own meals to save money and avoid eating at VCU Dine locations, which she said do not always put vegetables at the forefront of their menus.
During the winter, Dao used to walk blocks in the cold to use the microwave at Ram City Market. With the new microwave at Cabell Library, everything she needs is in one place.
“It’s definitely helped to not have to walk out to bring my food, heat it up and run back here,” Dao said.
Dao hopes VCU provides more campus amenities like microwaves to make life easier.
“If I want hot cocoa, I can just do it myself instead of going and buying Starbucks,” Dao said.
Other public microwaves can be found within the University Student Commons, Snead Hall, the Engineering Building West Hall, the Pollak Building, Ram City Market and the Student Media Center.
Cabell Library will update signage to officially reflect the new microwave in the coming weeks if things continue to go smoothly. They are asking students to keep it “spiffy and clean.” Wipes, paper towels and trash cans are available nearby.
