The reading spots were partitioned cubicles, cosily small, with soft chairs and doors that you could close and lock. I did so to mine, not at all wishing to be interrupted by some fan wanting an autograph or whatever.
The books on the combat magic were a fascinating thing. In essence, combat magic was all about speed and preparation. You either had to cast a spell fast, very fast, or to have it ready even before you got into the fight.
The prepared spells—traps—were a complex thing, something you had to weave around herself or even in herself (if you didn't fear magical contamination), and looked like something I would need to spend months, years to become competent in. The fast spells were much easier.
