“Minimize your noise. This is a library!”
How often do we hear those words inside a library while hanging out with friends, engrossed in silly stories, or when we choose to sit down with our phones rather than with books? I’ve been hearing that line since elementary school, whether I was with classmates or alone. We’d joke about the librarian being grumpy.
However, when I entered college at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), I noticed that libraries had changed a bit.
Perhaps the students were more disciplined, or maybe the librarian had become less stern. I’m Khian, a second-year broadcasting student, and as someone who appreciates stepping into the library when the world feels noisy, I’ve seen its identity shift from a place of focus to more of a retreat hub.
PUP is a large university, but my favorite spot is the small library located in the College of Communication building. Most days, it’s quiet and nearly empty. On the days when students do come in, they often sit with friends and chat, while some are distracted by their phones, tablets, or laptops, possibly still studying but with gadgets instead of books.
Some students even sneak in for naps. I sometimes do the same. Instead of wandering the campus while waiting for the next class, it’s more convenient to stay in the library—it’s quiet and well-ventilated.
With the internet, almost everything is at our fingertips. There’s often no need to visit the library for research or new information. However, professors sometimes recommend good books, journals, or school magazines, and that’s when I browse the area to check them out.
One issue I’ve noticed is that the reading materials are not updated and are often unavailable for borrowing. Since fewer people visit the library to read, I sometimes feel a bit shy about going to the bookshelves to pick out a book.
As a member of Gen Z, I still appreciate libraries, but they need improvement. For instance, I love going there when I need a quiet place to do homework or study for upcoming tests. I often prefer to study on my laptop rather than grab a physical book. Our library offers Wi-Fi, but I’m unsure if it’s available to everyone.
A friend shared the password with me during one visit, but even when connected, the internet connection was weak. Libraries should be improved to be more functional; they need strong Wi-Fi access for everyone, more computers for research and typing, and a wider selection of valuable, current books and reading materials.
Libraries should evolve to match how students utilize them. Of course, loud students frustrate me. Those who make excessive noise in the library, as if they own the place, disrupt other students who are trying to study. I recall once when a group of friends took up two tables across from each other and didn’t stop joking around and throwing crumpled papers at one another. That behavior is disrespectful and should not be tolerated.
For many in Gen Z, the library is merely a retreat, often described as “boring” due to its demanding silence. Yet, for many of us, it remains the best place on campus; it just needs a little makeover.
It’s not just about books; we need more creative spaces so that Gen Z students can appreciate the library more. Updating the library wouldn’t diminish its value but rather enhance its usefulness. It can be innovative while still embodying the essence of a traditional library—a comforting, quiet sanctuary for learning.