In an attempt to minimize distractions for students in the library, the Upper School administration has designated times throughout the day for quiet study only. 

Head librarian Ms. Lakeisha Branch said that earlier in the semester, students complained about the excessive noise level and roughhousing in the library, which created distractions for others trying to work.

During AP and exam season, in particular, the Upper School administration expects more students to use the library as a place for productivity and wants to help make an optimal environment for students to study in. The administration and Governing Council responded to these concerns by thinking of ways to minimize distractions.

Ms. Branch announced in a late April email that the library would implement a new policy in designating the library as a quiet study space in the mornings. 

“If you need to talk or engage in louder activities please remain outside or use the DLC,” Ms. Branch said in her email to all Upper School students. The DLC refers to the Dining and Learning Center. 

“Quiet times are just in the mornings… from when we open until the first class period.” Ms. Branch added, explaining that the policy applies to no more than the first two hours of the school day.

“I think the students who really need the quiet time to prepare for class and have tests really appreciate the policy,” Ms. Branch said. “Although it is a new policy for the Kinkaid Library, we’ve had a lot of complaints in the falcon forum and the governing council.” 

Some students are in support of this new policy. 

“I think it’s a good idea because it gives kids an opportunity to study,” junior Brett Siff said.

Sophomore Chloe Wilson commented that there are only a few places in the Upper School where quiet studying is possible and this move would help more students get in their study time. “I think that creating a more quiet environment in the library will open up another quiet study-efficient space because really there are a limited number of those,” sophomore Chloe Wilson said. 

However, others seem to have mixed feelings. 

 “I feel like it’s a good change to be made, although at the same time the library is a place for socializing. I think quiet socializing should be enforced, but being completely quiet is not good,” freshman Gus Griggs said.