High school and middle school students frequently gather at the Belmont Library after school, resulting in disruptions to the library environment.
The Belmont Library has become a popular spot for students after school due to its convenient location and spacious facilities. It’s a mere 5-minute walk from Carlmont High School, making it easily accessible to students. Furthermore, the library is close to several middle schools in the area, both public and private, such as Ralston Middle School, Tierra Linda Middle School, and Immaculate Heart of Mary School.
After school ends, students from various schools flock to the Belmont Library, with the peak arrival times ranging from 2:45-3:45 p.m. Notably, 3:45 p.m. marks the end of the school day for Carlmont students who have a 7th period.
“The library acts as a buffer for parents to pick up their kids. Students walk from school or the shopping center to the library to wait for their parents,” said Lyra Cunningham, a Carlmont sophomore.
Though there are students at the library every afternoon, some days are busier than others.
“It’s very crowded, especially on Wednesdays because everyone gets out at the same time, and the Ralston kids are there because they have a short day,” said Emily Maia, a Carlmont junior who regularly visits the library.
With students from different schools coming in after school, the library quickly reaches its maximum capacity.
“It’s always full. All the tables are occupied, and all our spaces are also occupied, like the teen center and the makerspace,” said Ismael Betancourt, the teen services librarian at Belmont Library.
It’s always just full. All the tables are occupied, and all our spaces are also occupied.”
— Ismael Betancourt
At times, it can be a challenge for students to find an empty space to study, since tables are quickly occupied.
“Sometimes it’s so crowded in the adult section of the library that I have to find a spot in the children’s section,” Cunningham said.
Due to the large number of students, noise and distractions can be a concern. Although the library is typically considered a study environment, many students spend their time socializing with friends, which can disrupt those seeking a quiet space.
“It can get very loud and sometimes disruptive, but I understand because people need a place to hang out where they’re accepted,” Maia said.
While the library does not enforce strict silence, it does encourage patrons to maintain a normal conversational tone. However, when the noise level becomes too excessive in certain situations, librarians take action.
“Sometimes middle schoolers are using the library in an unusual way. They want to release their energy and they want to have fun,” Betancourt said. “So in those cases, we ask them not to do that.”
