Dear Time Crunched,

I know, 3 hours isn't much when there's a whole book to wrap your head around for an exam or assignment. I'm assuming you've run into this when you've used course reserves? The idea behind course reserves is to make course texts available to be shared by as many students as possible. Here's a tip: if I just need one chapter, I scan it for free at the photocopier. You can also check if there's an e-book version in LibrarySearch. Ask the library staff for help or more suggestions.

Yours truly,

Scarby H. Hedgehog

Dear Philosopher,

The age-old questions. Why am I here? What is my purpose? What is life really about? Well it depends on who you ask. If you were to ask scientists they might tell you our purpose is to pass our genes on to future generations in order to perpetuate life on earth. Someone with a religious background might say that we are here to connect with a higher power. If you asked your Mom she would probably tell you that you'd be able to figure it out if you weren't on your phone all the time! If you asked your dog he would just look at you with his puppy dog eyes. Since you're asking a library hedgehog, I would say that it might take a while to realize what it is for you, but I promise if you keep looking you will come to your own answer eventually.

Yours truly,

Scarby H. Hedgehog

Dear Reader,

Sure! Whether you're into mysteries, humour, chick-lit, or self-help books, there are plenty of choices in the popular collection. You can find the popular collection in the Reading Room bookshelves just inside the entrance of the library. The shelves are overflowing with great reads!

Yours truly,

Scarby H. Hedgehog

Dear Munchies,

I checked with the librarians and they're not opposed to the idea of vending machines but they do take up a lot of room and create garbage. Another concern is that they can be noisy, especially when they're being refilled. Luckily there are some vending machines pretty close to the library. Turn right as you exit the library and you'll find vending machines with plenty of healthy options and some treats too. You can bring a snack back into the library as long as it's nothing aromatic or messy.

Yours truly,

Scarby H. Hedgehog

Dear Burnt Out,

Oh, the thought of a new semester and all those books to read, assignments to do and exams to prepare for, gets to me too sometimes. When I start feel like that I go hang out for a bit in the Mindfulness Space  and chill in the beanbag chairs or do some yoga or meditation. If I feel really overwhelmed I go to UTSC Health and Wellness. Take care!

Yours truly,

Scarby H. Hedgehog

Dear Bookshelf, 

I hear you. I have a ton of books out that I took out at a bunch of different times. It's easy to get a list--go to the library website and click on My Account. That'll give you all the titles you have checked out and when they're due. 

Yours truly,

Scarby H. Hedgehog

Dear Underpowered,

The library added 40 more outlets in the past year, for a total of over 300 outlets in the computer areas, study carrels, lounge seating, and group study rooms. If you need to charge your phone, you can get a cable and battery pack in the course reserves section. The best news is that the library is under renovation and is planning to add many, many more outlets by 2023.

Yours truly,

Scarby H. Hedgehog

Hi Backpack,

You're in luck! There are actually two drop boxes. One, that you can use when the library is open, is located just inside the library doors; and one that you can use anytime--even when the library is closed--in the hall just outside the library doors. You can return books or other materials from any library in the U of T system.

Yours truly,

Scarby H. Hedgehog

Dear Admirer,

Thank you for the compliment! Here's a picture of what I look like, so you'll be able to recognize me when you run into me between the shelves.

Yours truly,

Scarby H. Hedgehog

Dear Lonely, If your life is anything like in the rom-coms, you'll encounter your future love interest via a "meet cute." That's when two people who become a romantic couple meet for the first time when they least expect it, like at the grocery store or even in the library. You might bump into that someone special next week, or it might even be someone you've known for a while. Only time will tell. Scarby hopes it will be soon.

Yours truly,

Scarby H. Hedgehog