Meet the Butlerian Smokers

Who are the smokers loitering outside Butler Library?

Since arriving to Columbia, I’ve passed by them each day on my way into Butler. They sport long, dark coats, stylish scarves, and hold a relaxed posture. Beyond their distinct aesthetics, I’ve long been interested in a more poignant observation: the fact that cigarette breaks feel more deep, unique, and intriguing than simply leaving Butler for some fresh air.

To better understand the smoker community of Butler Library, I took matters into my own hands. On a crisp early autumn evening I camped outside Butler, waiting for a crew of smokers to arrive. After about 20 minutes, a group arrived, and I went up to them and asked for a cigarette. They immediately said yes, and all of a sudden, I too was a Butlerian smoker. Here’s what I learned.