Lunch is a time and place where students can sit back, relax, and above all eat lunch, but what about those who aren’t hungry? The library has become a new area for students who don’t want to eat but need a quiet place to stay before returning to class. Students can use the space to study or just to enjoy some peaceful downtime.

“The library’s role is to be a welcoming and safe place for anyone in the school,” said high school librarian Mrs. Vivari. “Whether they can find help, and they can find information, they can find a good book to read. They could find resources for assignments. It’s supposed to be the heart of what we do here at Lincoln High School to support everything else we do.”

The library is open to students who have lunch during 2nd, 3rd, or 4th lunch. To use the library, students can head up the ramp and sign in on the iPad at the library. Many students have been taking advantage of this opportunity.

“Between 2nd and 4th lunch, I get between 35 and 60 students depending on the period,” said Mrs. Vivari. 

From study cubes to reading in a comfy chair or calmingly doing a coloring page, Mrs. Vivari does her best to provide various activities to help students’ distress.

“I try to have puzzles or coloring pages – something out for students to de-stress. I actually just ordered [friendship bracelet-making supplies] and it’s coming next,” Mrs. Vivari said. 

The library is a great space that provides endless options for students. While also promising a warm environment. The library offers research assistance, technology access, and a community to turn to.  The home vibe drives students to want to go there knowing that it will be an area they can feel safe in and wanted, with all of the abilities to learn. 

It provides a safe alternative to the noise and distractions of the cafeteria.

“I just have social anxiety, so I am not great around a lot of people. So the library is just quieter and feels safer,” said junior Tyler Fay. 

Mrs. Vavari mentioned that if there were students who don’t want to go to the cafeteria, but still wanted to eat lunch, there is an alternative option instead of the cafeteria.  

“If they want an alternative location to eat lunch other than the cafeteria they can use Mrs. Kruth’s little room next door,” Vivari said.