With AP exams approaching, students may be looking for a quiet place to study after school. One place they can scratch off their list is the SHS library. After numerous “inappropriate” incidents occurred, SHS librarian Tracey Newman limited the library hours beyond the school day. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, the library closes at 4:00 PM, and on Thursday and Friday, it closes at 3:30 PM. 

During previous school years, the library was open in the morning before classes started; however, it was closed after school. With this year’s new high school administration, students hoped to use the library as a workspace after school. This opportunity was initially extended to students; however, it was eventually revoked.

Commenting that high school libraries are typically closed after school, Newman said the SHS library “wasn’t a safe place for a lot of people to be without an adult in the room.” 

Senior Max Allen, who will attend Cornell University in the fall, feels it is inconvenient for the library to close its doors at 3:30 or 4:00 PM. Allen remarked, “This is ridiculous. Why would we have this space–that’s worth so much money–wasted?”  

Comfortability is a huge factor when considering the library’s benefits. For students like Allen, the library is the only area in the school that has upholstered furniture and spacious work areas. Students can work at desks or tables, and there are several different styles of chairs.

Many students agree with Allen. SHS junior Alice George commented, “The library is a productive space to get work done.” Unlike other spaces in the school, the library is quiet and designed for students who need to focus without the distractions of the cafeteria, the art wing, or the PAC lobby. Students tend to socialize in these spaces, creating lots of activity and noise.

Nevertheless, if students want to study after school, Newman recommends going to the cafeteria, explaining that students can get work done or simply wait for rides. Newman added that the space is “usually cleaned by the custodial staff and is located by doors in case of an emergency.”