As students have noticed, the Homer Babbidge Library hours were shortened this year. In previous years, the student body had access to the numerous study floors until 2am throughout the week. Due to recent changes, the library is only open until 12am Sunday through Thursday. A multitude of students attend classes until late evening during the week and there are limited areas favorable for studying late at night. In prior years, the 2am closing time established a safe and comfortable place to complete their necessary tasks. Now they must despondently return to their living quarters after classes once realizing how unrealistic it has become to get their daily studies completed by midnight in the library. While bookworms has remained 24/7, the noise level due to the copious amount of students struggling to finish the day’s work is impeding to those who work best in quieter scenarios. Additionally, the 7:30am opening time is inconvenient for those who have class at 8am and need to utilize the library’s resources prior to attending.

The students realize the difficulties in providing (both physically and financially) the appropriate staffing conducive to extended hours and propose this schedule as a compromise:

SUNDAY: 10AM - 2AM

MONDAY: 7AM - 2AM

TUESDAY: 7AM - 2AM

WEDNESDAY: 7AM - 2AM

THURSDAY: 7AM - 2AM

FRIDAY: 7AM - 10PM

SATURDAY: 10AM - 10PM

As fellow students, we are imploring your help in our quest to gain Susan Herbst’s attention. The intention is to rebuild the library into an advantageous place by increasing accessibility to create an environment beneficial to all types of learners.