Hogwarts lives in Abbott Hall reading room

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third installment in the UB Reporter’s tour of spots on campus that hold special emotions, memories and good karma for UB faculty, staff and students.

Try this. Some morning, summer or after, start your day in Abbott Hall on the South Campus, arguably the most beautiful place on the three UB campuses, both inside and out. Tell your supervisor, or professor, or children waiting for the minivan drop-off that you’re going to be a little late this morning. It’s time for a visit to your university’s Health Sciences Library.

Those traveling by car can enter the South Campus via the Sherman Road entrance across from the Buffalo VA Medical Center; the Coal Road entrance works, too. Better yet, ride your bicycle and enter campus from Main Street. Lock your bike in the rack and enjoy one of the grandest views around, facing the stately pillars of Abbott Hall, an approach that makes a case for the building having the most attractive curb appeal of any on UB’s three campuses. Walk around the building to the entrance in the back. Take the route adjacent to Harriman Quad opposite historic Squire Hall, past the white and blue Adirondack chairs with the UB decals (more on this place later).

Once you’ve entered the building, walk past Whispers Café and up the stairs, past the sketches of the body’s muscle system and historical medical instruments and eye models. It’s a somber “to dust you shall return” message, but one that somehow fits the introspective atmosphere. Pass under the copper clock, one floor up, and enter the Austin Flint Main Reading Room.

Before you take in your surroundings, close your eyes. On this morning, a typical one for the Health Sciences Library, you’ll find the nearest thing to absolute silence available in the middle of a city. Open your eyes and step into a scene that evokes the old master’s Ivy League mood of higher education, as well as a universally popular fantasy. “The Paper Chase” or J.K. Rowling. There’s a neat, orderly arrangement of uncluttered tables with vintage library lights with gold lampshades and black bases. Aged books fill the shelves on the walls. There’s an elegant balcony overhead, with gold railings giving the place that venerable, classical look.

Leah Fairbanks, a second-year student in UB’s doctor of physical therapy program, knows it well. She and her friends call it the Harry Potter Room. It’s become one of her favorite places to study, alone and with friends, as she follows through with her demanding academic schedule.

“I feel it’s very easy to concentrate in there because everyone is very studious,” says Fairbanks. “My friends and I call it the Harry Potter Room. It reminds me of Hogwarts because it’s so grand. The ceiling is very high, and there is all that woodwork.”

Fairbanks has a point. All that wood is soothing. The walls are covered with it. The deep, rich, polished finish of it all calls to mind the movie scenes of students from exclusive universities sequestered in deep study. Reach out and touch that wood. Walk over to the oversized fireplace with gargoyle-like faces running up from the floor. Near the fireplace is a statue of Nathan Hale (Go ahead. Rub his head for good luck, like the devout sometimes do on statues of saints). There are double chairs at the table nearest the fireplace, suitable for sharing with a friend.

“You can meet your friends from all kinds of majors so you can study together,” Fairbanks says.

Sit at one of those tables — with or without a blank legal pad to make notes — and look around. Something about the stately mood, the obvious time and care it took to build this, how well it has lasted and all that wood, wood, wood encourages grand, noble thoughts. Just imagine what you can be when you — choose one or more — focus your efforts on a worthwhile goal; listen and dedicate yourself to your higher angels; give in to the part of you that sees possibilities, not just what can go wrong; have the courage to confront your fears.

Fairbanks takes advantage of the building and its services, including the coffee stations at the appropriately named Whispers Café. She is particularly fond of the third-floor group study areas that were recently remodeled.

“It’s nice,” she says. “You can talk to different classmates and share ideas. There are big, comfortable booths and big tables, and there is a mural of what UB used to look like back in the day.”

The inspiration and presence of Abbott Hall come with a bonus, evident — oddly enough — when you need that study break. Find the restrooms, near the door and windows looking out onto Main Street (emergency exit only). On the opposite wall from the restrooms is an ornate, broad mirror that must be over 10 feet tall. The queen in “Snow White” should be so lucky to have a mirror like this.

“Restored in honor of Millard Fillmore by the Millard Fillmore College Student Association” reads the small inscription plate. “May 6, 1979.”

Stand in front. It’s a great place to view reality. There is no arguing with the image reflecting back. That’s who you are. But the craft and curlicue and sheer size of the structure encourages your imagination to run wild. Give in.

Fairbanks is on schedule to become the first in her extended family to earn a doctorate. Nevertheless, she has a more down-to-earth impression of that oversized mirror.

“It’s kind of weird,” she says. “You’re waiting for the bathroom and all you can do is stare at yourself.”

Before you go back to class, or the job, or the kids, or the other tasks that seemed so pressing at the time, tear yourself away from that mirror and wander into the little park in the Harriman Quad, a large, very green, surprisingly inviting public space between Abbott and Squire halls. Find one of the several blue and white Adirondack chairs tucked into the corners of the little park. There is one under an oak tree. Lean back and take advantage of the different perspective.

Remember the higher self you found sitting near those elegant table lamps inside that Austin Flint Reading Room? Make a promise to devote some of your energy and attention to those noble thoughts. Life can be filled with possibilities. UB is full of stories of those following and reaching grand aspirations and unconventional success.

“What you seek is seeking you,” the 13th-century poet and mystic Rumi said.

Now go out and return to your day.