The Sternberg library is a sanctuary for students during lunch and free periods. This spot for studying has turned into a popular conversation spot, making it difficult for students to get any work done. Throughout the building there are barely any spots to hang out for Freshman and Sophmores. The seniors have their lounge and the Juniors have their hallway. With limited space to hang out and socialize, many students are drawn to the library, making it much more than a study spot. However the noise isn’t just caused by the overwhelming number of students, the senior lounge is right below the library and any conversation held in the lounge echoes through the library.
Some may argue that there are various other spots to study or hang out, but in reality, most of their suggested spots are unconventional and uncomfortable.
The Akin common; despite being a nice spot in the spring, it becomes too cold in the winter. Empty classrooms are another alternative, but they are difficult to find and it feels stressful while wondering if a teacher is going to come in for a class or a meeting. There is seating below the saperstein hallway, but one of the main physics/science classrooms is nearby and if you’re talking you have to worry about noises coming from the classroom or being too loud and interrupting a class.
Part of this library crowding is the rules itself. In the library only 4 people are allowed at all tables and study rooms. For groups of more than 4 people, they may break this rule by dragging other chairs to accommodate everyone or take multiple chairs. This leads other groups of friends to do the same until there are tables with no chairs or no room overall with tons of noise. For students who need work, the answer seems simple. Get a study room and be closed off from others while getting work done in peace. In actuality these study rooms have become the #1 hangout spot because they are able to have a closed off conversation. When you finally can get a seat, the chatter from others overwhelms the library, removing its main purpose is for “study, research and reference, as well as for assigned and recreational reading” said in the student handbook.
In response to this, for more productivity and comfort spaces such as the freshman hallway and sophomore bubble should become a more accommodating place. This could easily be accomplished by adding tables and more seating around the school so people can spread out, work and talk in a comfortable way.
