This year several new library rules were put in place to help turn the library into a more focused space. The Bugle decided to interview Mr. Sonie, our Upper School Learning Coach, to get a better understanding of what they are and how they have impacted our school community. Although not many new rules were added, they have made the library a space where students can come to be focused and get work done.
A brief overview of the new library rules:
- The Phone Holder: While leaving your phone is a heartbreaking experience for many, this new rule has helped many students focus and get work done. Putting phones away has removed a plethora of distractions that come with having your phone while you work.
- Volume down and no food: Keeping the volume down has made the library more calming, and more like a real library. In addition to preventing distractions, no food in the library keeps it clean.
What are the reasons that these rules were implemented?
Last year, the library was more of a hangout space. Students could come and chat. The library was a louder space (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it just made it harder to get work done). The goal of these new rules was to create a library that is more of an academic space.
How have you seen these rules impact the library and the people that use it?
There have been many positive reviews on the library and how it has given students a space to get work done. People come to the library to do projects, math homework, and everything else on a Breck student’s to-do list. Students in study hall have extra support to get work done and have check-ins with Mr. Sonie to make sure they have an organized way to get their work done. Mr. Sonie has seen many new faces come in, ready to get work done, knowing that they have a space to finish their work. There has been a lot of positive feedback about the impact of the library. The library was even mentioned in the assembly, as it has been doing well and helping many students.
If people have any additional questions or want to know more about the library where can they get that information? Is there anything else you would like to share about the library?
If you have additional questions please talk to/email Mr. Sonie, Ms. Markert (our amazing upper school librarian), Mr. Ohm, or Dr. Baker. Mr. Sonie told us that as long as you’re here to be focused and get work done then you are welcome. There are other spaces in the school where you can hang out with friends but the library this year is geared towards being a place where students can cross things off their planner.
Lastly, if Mr. Sonie could add anything to the library, he would add a fireplace. It would be nice and cozy, especially in the winter since it can get really cold in the library. The lighting would also be very nice.