Myth #8 - Libraries are Quiet Places

Libraries are activity centers,

collaborative work spaces,

technology centers.

Which is a beautiful thing.  

But teenagers often come with one volume: On

 What about those students who want a QUIET place to read or study, 

away from the collaborators, away from the shushing?  

At my new library we solved the dilemma by creating a silent zone. 

The former locker-room turned yearbook-room turned storage-room turned 

mini-computer-lab has been repurposed again...

The Literature Lounge, named by students through a contest, 

is a cozy place, just off the main library floor, to absorb a good book.  

Teachers have been seen in here, laptops on laps, hard at work.  

We have even had one parent, while waiting for her child, doze off.  

It works like a charm.  No shushing needed.

How do you approach noise in your library?

Have you repurposed a space this year?

Please share your ideas and/or links to photos.