Our mission: find the perfect combination of smooth jazz, large tables to spread out our homework and yummy cappuccinos to form the perfect study location. For our journey, we hit Lawrence Public Library, Borders Books Music & Cafe, The Java Break and La Prima Tazza.

Lawrence Public Library
707 Vt.

Percent of people studying: 40

When friends invite you to go to the library with them, you may be thinking: thousands of books you couldn’t possibly need and card catalogs you can’t understand. Well, the library has changed, and while it is a proven fact that there are thousands of books you don’t need, the library is the perfect place to do research where you study. While we entered the library’s Young Adult Zone (special student section) we noticed there were wide tables to spread out books, and there were comfortable chairs. One disadvantage was the pop track playing that included rap: not good study music. As for computers, three are reserved for people under 18, including an awesome laser printer. However, it was unsupervised, and when we needed to use the printer, boys were wasting time by printing unmentionable material. Not to worry, a staircase away there’s plenty of computers.

Borders Books Music & Cafe
700 N.H.

Percentage of people studying: 92

As smooth jazz played quietly in the background, two dozen students — mostly college-aged — studied diligently on a Saturday afternoon. It may be hard to find a seat, but this is a stellar study spot. In the cafe, studiers may buy an assortment of caffeinated beverages, sandwiches and desserts. We had our apprehensions about this corporate cafe, but it turned out to be a pleasant place to study.

The Java Break
17 E. Seventh St.

Percentage of people studying: 50

As we strolled through doors into the smoky cafe, we were greeted with the popular ’80s song “Mickey.” Our immediate thought: This isn’t the place to study. We spotted Caitlin Hornbeck, a Free State High School junior, sitting in a booth.

Free State High School sophomore Hillary Armstrong 16, studies in the library at Free State High School in preparation for her finals in this file photo from May of 2003. There are many teen-friendly places to study in Lawrence, but don't rule out your school library as a quiet spot.

“Java Break is a really great place to study,” she said. “It is dark. All you can do is sit and concentrate on your homework. I always get a lot accomplished when I study there.”

It’s a little smoky and dim for studying, but The Java Break has an advantage. Three computers are available for customers — only 10 cents per minute.

La Prima Tazza
638 Mass.

Percentage of people studying: 53

One of my favorite English teachers said she enjoyed grading papers at La Prima Tazza. So we decided to check it out. The place was full with college students and adults studying, reading the newspaper and just hanging out. A major advantage of the cafe is that there are two large tables where groups can work. The radio played quietly in the background.

— Liz Snyder is a senior at Free State High School, and Laura Parkinson is a freshman at Southwest Junior High School. Both are members of the Journal-World Teen Advisory Board.