We are already lacking ample space to sit on campus, and by turning the library into a silent study area we are being denied access to one of the last places on campus we can relax. Most students did not ask for a silent study area. And, of the ones that did many just wanted a new space to be created, instead of changing an existing one.

We have multiple areas which are designated for such but they all have flaws that outweighs their benefits, often leaving the library as one of the only areas we can sit down at. Sobrato is often completely filled, with only enough room to seat around 1/18th of the student population, the cafeteria closes down at 2 pm and lacks sufficient heating and comfortable seating, and areas outdoors are often uncomfortable to sit at as they are cold most of the year, hot the rest, and dirty always. 

One of our schools charisms is “Nurturing Kinship” and by taking away the library we are not given enough space to nurture our relationships with each other or make new ones. If Mitty really cares they will remove the noise constraint, and find another place for students to have silent study. Although it is something that some people find necessary, we need to have more space on campus to allow for students to collaborate and communicate with each other, and the library should be one of those spaces.

By signing this petition we are asking to have our library back and to remove the noise constriction. We are also asking to find another place to put silent study, so that everyone is able to have their needs met.