The school will provide students with temporary Silent Study locations in the Learning Center and Seaver 205 in addition to the
existing temporary library space in Feldman Horn until Mudd Library reopens, Prefect Council announced in an email Aug. 28. Students will have access to the Learning Center during class periods and Seaver 205 during breaks.
Librarian Edith Darling said she is satisfied with how students are utilizing the new Silent Study locations.
“We’re pleased that students are finding the gallery space, and we’re sending out information weekly about the digital resources we have,” Darling said. “The gallery is different, for sure, and right now, it’s quieter during the class periods, so it’s a good place to come and study. That’s our favorite aspect of it for students who are looking for quiet places to work. It’s also got lots of natural light and is in a beautiful part of campus. We are glad that there is a Silent Study space on campus because we know students need spaces like those.”
Librarian Kacie Cox said the library team has received positive feedback from students about the spaces.
“We definitely have gotten students that are upset that they aren’t getting to use the library as normal, specifically seniors who feel like they are missing out on our normal resources and spaces in their last year at [the school],” Cox said. The majority of students have told us that they really appreciate having a mini library to use while the main library is under construction. It’s nice to hear that the students value the library and that everyone is as anxious to use the new library as we are.”
Cox said the librarians hope to improve these spaces and make them more comfortable in the future.
“We plan on making the space cozier, bringing in more soft seating and ambient lighting, maybe even throwing in a rug,” Cox said. “The library is meant to be a place where students can breathe, get comfortable and focus, and we will continue to make changes to achieve that while in our temporary [library].
Sophomore Prefect Robbie Louie ’26 said Prefect Council and the administration worked together to designate the Learning Center and Seaver 205 as alternative study rooms during different points of the day
“One of my biggest adjustments as a new sophomore [to the Upper School] has been finding places to get work done,” Louie said. “Prefect Council wanted to address the lack of adequate work spaces due to library renovations, and we started brainstorming locations into workplaces. Still, these spaces can get packed and noisy, so I can’t wait until the library reopens.
Will Sonneborn ’24 said though he appreciates the makeshift spaces, he misses the spaciousness of Mudd Library.
“The new Silent Study spaces are great, but they can only contain so many students,” Sonneborn said. “I miss being able to work and study with all my friends and have a big indoor space to hang out during lunch.”
