By Elaine Bonilla/se news editor

The SE library has recently added lounge seating for student comfort.

The library has two pods, Stonehenge and Forum, where groups can gather to work on homework or group projects more easily. Each of the pods has outlets and four HDMI ports hooked up to a 42-inch flat-screen TV. Students can plug the HDMI cord into their laptops so the whole group can see.

During her first time using the equipment, sophomore Sarah Dinh said she liked it because it’s comfortable, convenient and attractive.

“It’s easy access to the outlets, and you don’t have to crawl around on the floor trying to plug in the computer or phone,” she said.

Each pod has lounge seating for about six people, but the larger Forum also has six additional ledges with six barstools surrounding the lounge seating.

“The SE library doesn’t really have a group study like some of the other campuses do, so we are really excited to finally have a group study area,” library services director Jo Klemm said.

Nursing student Charmaine Annan said last semester’s group work in history was inconvenient because they had to sit at a table and pull up another table to fit the whole group. This way is better for a gathering, she said.

Anyone can use the pods, but groups have priority. A group can check out a pod for up to two hours at a time, and everyone using the pod must sign in. Groups can also make reservations prior to using the pods, which can only be used for academic purposes.

“Individuals might be asked to move if a group comes in wanting to use the space,” Klemm said.

Sophomore Josiane Madi does have some reservations.

“The main idea is handsome,” she said. “But the table is a little low and can be uncomfortable on thighs. It should be able to move so you don’t have to scoot down.”

The pods were requested last year and were approved in August. The library just received the new furniture this spring. No food is allowed near the pods or in the library.