Devin Boulanger, Story Editor
Photo by Devin Boulanger
After 18 years in use, the wooden study carrels in the NCHS library have been replaced with new study pods, with the goal of giving students an area to independently work on schoolwork.
Requests from students sparked the change to new study carrels and a completely quiet area in the library. These requests came from AP English Language and Composition students while working on their assignments to identify something they would like changed in the community. “I received a letter in 2022 asking for the carols to be moved, but every time we move them, they get even more fragile,” said Library Department Chair Michelle Luhtala. “So we knew we needed to replace them.”
Photo by Devin Boulanger
The issue with that is there aren’t any more solid wood carrels being made, meaning the library needed to pivot. They eventually landed on the carrels that were recently installed. “When we looked at the full range of costs per carrel, this was sort of just south of midpoint, and we thought in terms of durability, this looked the most promising of the choices we had,” Ms. Luhtala said.
The goal for this new study area is to provide a quiet area for students to work on assignments. “We really want to make sure that we have a quiet refuge for kids,” Ms. Luhtala said. “This is for individuals who are working on something and look and want to stay there quietly working individually on something in total silence.”
The feedback from students has been positive, with many students stating that the taller walls for the pods are nice to block out sound. “I think that the pods are a great way to be slightly isolated, and they create a space where it’s easy to focus with less distractions,” sophomore Emily Marciano said.
The next step is to make sure students are respectful of the quiet environment and the new study pods. “The challenge is starting the culture where you can’t pull up a chair and you can’t stand or talk to your friend. It really has to be a dedicated silence space,” Ms. Luhtala said.
