When imagining a library, what is the first thing that comes to mind? I envision it as a quiet, relaxing area to read and study. However, at SA, there are noise-level disturbances in the library that I feel disrespect the quiet nature. Our library is loud to the point where no one can focus. It should be apparent that the space is completely different from the field or the ping-pong tables when it comes to socializing, and the library should be a calmer environment.
In my opinion, the SA library is a social spot, making it impossible to get tasks done during lunch and Community Blocks. Oliver Brown (‘27) agrees, noting that noise levels can become somewhat chaotic upstairs, especially during lunchtime and Community Blocks. “It’s hard to keep my attention on my work when there’s all this commotion going on around me. And it kind of disrupts the zen of the library,” Brown remarked.
While I believe it is perfectly normal for friends to hang out while respecting the library space, when people horse around or use loud voices, it becomes nearly impossible to concentrate. Parker Palizi (‘29) reported “a guy pushing another guy into a booth” when he was studying in the library one day.
I work in the library multiple times per week because I am occupied with many after-school commitments. Lunch and Community Blocks provide the necessary time to review notes, which is a better alternative to cramming everything after school. However, because it is so loud during those times, it is nearly impossible to complete homework, which has been a problem for other students and me.
Kate Bilal (‘27) observed that noise levels are high during the affinity block and at lunchtime. However, she can finish assignments during her free period, when the library is quiet.
Evelyn Chaffins (‘29) agreed, saying it’s very hard to concentrate when “three different groups [are] screaming at the top of their lungs, all fighting to talk over each other.”
A handful of individuals, like Winter Holder (‘27), actively avoid the library altogether because they cannot concentrate. “I go to the Health and Wellness center or Maggie’s office instead to have a quiet space for myself,” Holder said, further noting that he feels overwhelmed by the number of people in the library.
If a situation is causing discomfort in a setting that should be safe and inclusive, it becomes the responsibility of all members of the school community to address it. This holds true regardless of whether the issues arise from excessive distraction, overstimulation, crowding or other factors that should not be present in a library.
Several students, however, do not mind a more active library environment.
Carlos Sandoval Yauli (‘28) sometimes meets with his friends in the library. He thinks the library’s popularity stems from its comfort and being easily accessible. Charlie Mutz (‘28) also added that he can easily find his friends there because there are usually many people upstairs.
Luke Boatright (‘28) enjoys the abundance of chairs and charging ports, as well as the presence of the library as a cozy, roofed building. “It’s usually nice and cool, especially if it’s hot outside,” Boatright explained, “and when it’s raining, it’s covered.”
While it is best to have a comfortable, private spot to play video games or hang out, in reality, when students do enter the library, they are often way too loud. Consequently, it is deeply annoying when you’re trying to focus on covalent bonds or that one AS precalculus test tomorrow, when five people are repeating the word “bro” while play-fighting right next to the booths.
Our librarian, Marissa Sherman Deziel, sees the library as a safe and enjoyable space for everyone. She does not want to discourage socializing and knows that many consider it a place to hang out, especially when the weather is not ideal.
There are many other indoor places for socializing. Deziel suggests hanging out in the GAC, which is the biggest spot, and the French Quarter. Additionally, the PAC lobby, the Fitz for playing music and the gym are other great places where you can eat and spend time with friends. At SA, we only have one library, so we should find a way to make it a place that meets everyone’s wants and needs. Brown agreed, saying, “It’s hard to go wrong on this campus in general.”
Currently, the lower library is fairly quiet, and individuals can lounge in the two-seat booths downstairs and at the circular table right next to the doors. For groups of more than two, stools are provided for studying at the countertop or for bringing to a booth.
In contrast, the upper library is rarely quiet. The only time I have experienced a quiet space upstairs is after school or if I am released early from my language class.
At the end of the day, even though everyone has wants and needs, we need to preserve the library as a space where students can study. Hanging out in the library is not a problem at all, as long as the area is kept as it should be: quiet and calm with hushed conversations.
