Naturally, food and drink are not allowed in the Reading Room. However, you are welcome to leave food or drink in your locker. You may eat in the lobby and there is a pleasant patio just outside the Main Library south doors.
Starbucks Coffee Shop in the Main Library has hot and cold drinks, and snacks.
The library also has a variety of vending machines near the cafe for a quick snack.
For local independent coffee and donuts, Strange Matter in MSU Union has a variety of drinks and baked goods.
The Crossroads Food Court at the MSU International Center is a 5 to 10 minute walk from the Main Library. As of March 2023, the line-up of restaurants includes Panda Express, Fuji-San Sushi, Subway, and the locally-owned Woody's Oasis for Mediterranean specialties.
Visitors are welcome to eat at campus dining halls for a set price per meal. See hours, menus, and current prices. Landon Hall is closest to the Main Library.
Brody Square, across the street from the Kellogg Center, is one of the largest dining halls on campus, offering over ten different food stations.
Downtown East Lansing has many options: some quick places for lunch, and some nicer places for a relaxed evening meal.
Whether it is tacos, pub food, or Korean BBQ, East Lansing has you covered. Explore the map to find an establishment that suits your tastes.
The nearest large grocery store to MSU is the Fresh Thyme Market, 940 Trowbridge Road, near the intersection of Harrison and Trowbridge. It's a 20-minute walk from the Kellogg Center. You can also use CATA's #14 bus to get there from the Kellogg Center, the Marriott East Lansing, or Owen Hall on campus.
Frandor Shopping Center at 300 Frandor Ave, Lansing, MI 48912 has a variety of big box stores and chain restaurants. It is a 15-minute bus ride on CATA’s #1 bus from westbound Grand River Ave just past MAC Ave.
If you're staying at the Kellogg Center, the Sparty's Market at the 1855 Place building (500 S. Harrison Road) is a 5-minute walk.
If you're staying at the Marriott East Lansing, Campbell's Market Basket at 547 East Grand River is a 5-minute walk.
If you're staying at Owen Hall on campus, the dining hall there has a modest selection of packaged foods plus cafeteria-style meals. Campbell's Market Basket at 547 East Grand River is a 15-minute walk and has more choices of fresh foods.
All the small stores listed under Groceries will have basic remedies like antacids and painkillers.
For a full range of over-the-counter remedies or to have a prescription filled, the CVS Pharmacy at 240 M.A.C. Avenue or Walgreens Pharmacy at 100 W Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823 are a 6 to 8 minute walk from the MSU Main Library.
Although there are a number of banks in East Lansing, the nearest bank to cash your MSU Visiting Scholar check is the Bank of America located within Frandor Shopping Center at 300 Frandor Ave, Lansing, MI 48912.
It is a 15-minute bus ride on CATA’s #1 bus from westbound Grand River Ave just past MAC Ave.
Broad Museum - free admission
Summer Circle Theatre - free admission
MSU Horticulture Gardens - free admission
East Lansing Summer Concert Series