During lunch, the library is available for students to catch up on school work or just read a book in a quiet environment. Athens Drive high school enforced new rules in the library this year, trying to better the school and its library.

The new rules allow only two people per table, bringing a sort of order to the library.

        “The two people per table is mainly to keep a quiet atmosphere,” said Chris Meyers, librarian.

Melissa Mallian, junior, has two opinions on the matter. She thinks there are some advantages and disadvantages. 

        “I think the new library rules are okay.  The two people per table rule is good, because it reduces the amount of noise in the library, but it can also make things difficult if you're working on something like a group assignment,” said Mallian.

        After the bell rings for lunch, some students rush to the library doors in order to get a seat before they are all taken. As a result, crowds form, leaving many students unable to enter the library.

        “There is too much rush outside the library, and sometimes when I plan on working there, I don't just because I do not have time to stand in the line,” said Sana Bhatti, senior.

        The courtyard is also closed during lunch, due to an inadequate numbers of teachers to watch these students.

        “There were not enough adults to supervise,” said Meyers.

        Mallian agrees with the decision for closing the courtyard. She believes that students should think of the courtyard as a privilege, rather than a right.

        “I think it is unfortunate that the courtyard is closed during lunch, but there was probably a good reason for it.  It's a privilege to be out there and if people aren't going to respect that, then they shouldn't get the option to eat their lunch out there,” said Mallian.

Students are also not allowed to leave the library until the bell rings for SMART Lunch B. This rule does not only apply to the library; if students begin an activity in SMART Lunch A, they must remain there until SMART Lunch B begins.

“The Front Office wants students to stay in one place during lunch A/B,” said Meyer.

This keeps order during lunch. Teachers and staff do not want students roaming the hall.

            “We're lucky that we have the option to use the library during lunch, and if the library staff felt the need to change the rules, then we just need to respect that.  The library is a great resource to use so that we can be successful,” said Mallian.

            The new library system has brought forth different opinions on the matter. The library staff believes it was a successful change to the school. In hopes of the improving the school, the new library system will remain at Athens Drive high school.