“Ding, ding, ding….” Students may have noticed the sounds of bells coming from the library.

These bells called the Maas Rowe Carillon Chimes, are actually an old tradition brought back to life. De Anza first started using them in 1972 until 1990 when they fell into misuse because the operation system no longer worked. Martha Kanter, De Anza College president, agreed to bring the Carillon Chimes back to the campus. The Foothill-De Anza College Foundation donated funds to purchase the chimes.

Martha Kanter said, “The bells provide a moment of respite and connect you with your purpose and place in the world.” The chimes sound every hour from 8am through 9pm, Monday through Saturday and Sunday noon to 9pm, playing the Westminister Chime followed by the hour strike.

Charles Ramskov, chairman of the Psychology department and De Anza alumnus said, “It [the bells] gave me the feeling of an Ivy League school. It is a welcoming sign, a mood enhancer. And, it’s part of the whole mystique of De Anza. I love it, It’s giving me positive déja vu.” Maria Salazares, who was been a custodian at De Anza for two years welcomes this new addition to the campus. “I like the sound. They have that in the church in my town in Portugal. It’s nice because it reminds me of my little town.” She also mentioned that she spotted students stopping on their way to class to listen to this mysterious sound.

Alex Swanner, Sr. Library tech and former De Anza student said, “It’s kind of nice to walk across campus and hear the bells. I know a lot of people who don’t have watches and [they’re] helpful for them.”