During X block at The Columbus School (TCS), students go to different places around campus—some go to classrooms to talk with friends, others sit outside, and a smaller group goes to the library. The library is meant to be a quiet place for studying, but the question is: are students really using it the way they should?

The TCS library is organized to keep it calm and useful. Librarian Lina Isaza explains “that different sections of the school, like Middle School and High School, follow slightly different systems, which affects how students use the space. At a time, there are usually around 30 students in the library.”

Because of this system, the library does not get too crowded. It stays quiet and focused. Some students come early to work alone, while others come later to meet with teachers. This creates a balance between studying and getting help.

The library is designed to help students concentrate. It is a quiet space where students are expected to stay focused and avoid distractions. This makes it very different from other places in the school.

For many students, this makes a big difference. Student Mariana Cortés explains:

“Normally, in X block, I like to maybe get some homework done… it helps me not feel very overwhelmed with schoolwork and it just lets me feel that I have more freedom in my school too.”

The idea of freedom is very important. In the library, students can choose what work to do. Mariana Cortés also says:

“I personally prefer the library because I feel like I have more freedom… it’s a very quiet and very productive space where I feel very free and very productive doing all of my schoolwork.”

This shows that the library helps students feel both calm and productive. She adds:

“Yes… since it’s a very quiet place and since it’s a very productive space, I feel that I get done much more…”

These opinions show that the library helps students get more work done.

Teachers also see the library as an important place. Andrew Shainker the Journalism teacher says:

“I think co-working spaces, and that’s what I view the library as, is a really powerful tool.”

This means the library is like a real-world workspace where students learn to work independently. Andrew Shainker also adds:

“I think TCS is one of the most beautiful libraries I’ve ever been in… It feels safe. It feels innovative.”

The design of the library helps students feel comfortable and ready to work.

However, not all students choose the library. This makes the situation more complex. Andrew Shainker explains:

“They’re looking for social places where there is low stake and low reward… why would I want to be going to the library.”

This shows that some students prefer to spend time with friends instead of studying. For them, X block is more about relaxing.

Also, students learn in different ways. Some prefer being outside or in more active spaces, where they feel more comfortable.

Inside the library, rules are important. The space is kept quiet, safe, and organized so students can focus better. Because of this, students know they can come to the library to work without distractions.

Changes in the schedule have also affected the library. Mariana Cortés a 12th grade students says:

“I feel like our school has always been a symbol of freedom… I think X block… it’s not the same for our school.”

Since X block is not always available, students may not use the library as much.

In the end, the TCS library is a very useful place—but only if students choose to use it. It offers quiet, structure, and freedom, which help students succeed. However, not all students use it because they prefer more social spaces.

So the question, are we really using the library?

The answer is not simple. Some students depend on it to focus and get work done, while others choose different places. What is clear is that the library could help more students succeed—if more students decided to use it.