Library

By Nami G. ’28

Allen-Gates

By Natalie G. ’28

 Though summer has recently come to a close, the 2025-2026 school year is already in full swing and September has its fair share of tests, homework, and essays. Whatever academic trials and tribulations one may face this year, the library is the perfect place to concentrate because of its varying noise levels, access to necessary materials, and range of atmospheres. In contrast, Allen-Gates lacks this optimal setup, and its uncontrollable noise levels and uninviting atmosphere makes it almost impossible to concentrate.

Whether you need to quietly complete an English essay or collaborate on a science project, the library has the optimal setup for both. For example, someone wanting to work on a collaborative project could work downstairs in the common areas while those preferring absolute silence could choose the silent reading room. Meanwhile, Allen-Gates only has two noise levels: loud during passing periods and medium-quiet during class time. Though there are rumors that upperclassmen don’t allow others on the top floor of the library, as a former freshman who has been upstairs on numerous occasions, there is no such stigma unless one chooses to be unnecessarily loud. Instead, there are comfortable couches, study carrels, and window seating. Allen-Gates lacks such a range of noise levels, and most importantly, students lack control over it. There’s nothing more irritating than finally being able to focus on a mountain of homework, only to be interrupted by chattering students passing through the hallway.

Meanwhile, Allen-Gates lacks accessibility to the necessary means of study. There are a few desks outside the classrooms, and even if you’re lucky enough to find an empty one during your free or ACT, they are practically inaccessible by way of charger. Any returning student will have memories of awkwardly asking another classmate to switch seats in the middle of science or math class because the charging port was too far. The truth is that most people don’t realize their computer is low on battery until notified, meaning they could already have their pencils, binders, and notebooks laid in front of them before realizing they need to move across the classroom. Meanwhile, the library comes equipped with easily accessible charging ports at every table. And that’s not to mention the access to rentable chargers for every device,  along with other materials such as printers, papers, and practically anything needed for a project.

The library has a wide variety of atmospheres and seating.  For those who enjoy shifting in their seat, the library has rotating stools and bike chairs. And for those like me, whose posture immediately crumples in the face of a backless chair, there are typical classroom chairs — not to mention the library’s numerous sofas. In terms of atmosphere, Allen-Gates’ yellow lighting can’t compare to the bright, sunlit areas reminiscent of a downtown cafe or the cozy, lamplit corners of the library. Allen-Gates also lacks the academic atmosphere the library provides, including hardworking upperclassmen furiously typing away on their papers, which helps students focus. Plus, it allows eating, which can lead to distractions. Unless one has mastered the practice of simultaneously reaching into a bag of chips and typing (in which case I would be very intrigued and require a tutorial), it’s impossible to have consistent work sessions when next to one of the WCC’s irresistible brownies.

Overall, Allen-Gates’ atmosphere simply doesn’t allow for the perfect study sessions that the library provides. Whether you’re looking for an energy-filled collaborative space or a cozy corner, the library has it. Meanwhile, Allen-Gates only has the occasional couch or empty classroom — if you’re lucky enough to find one.

Whether you’re a returning student ready to lock in and start grinding for the long year ahead of you, or you’re a freshman searching for the best study spot to spend your free periods, look just past the stained-glass windows of the library’s second floor and behold the hidden gem that is the beloved math and science building: Allen-Gates. Yes, it does look a bit shabby and worn compared to Bliss’s architectural masterpiece, the AAC’s modern glam, or the library’s cozy glow, but it gets the job done better than any other spot on campus. 

Contrary to popular belief, Allen-Gates offers a wide range of options for students, in regards to both noise levels and collaboration opportunities. Need to work on a group project with some friends? The science core boasts large tables, plenty of chairs, and comfortable couches for groups of any and all sizes, not to mention the science and math teachers who are just two steps away if you have any questions. Although the area is significantly smaller than the library’s collaboration space, it provides an environment with easier access to teachers, less screaming from hysterical underclassmen, and fewer distractions, especially during busy periods like lunch … just make sure you get there first. 

If you’re looking for a more private space, perhaps to interrogate a classmate on how they managed to score so well on that one English project, Allen-Gates has plenty of room. Multiple couches are placed sporadically across the second floor to provide some more privacy and comfort. It’s the perfect combination of cozy and quiet, and best of all, it comes with no strings attached — and yes, I’m talking about the varying amounts of PDA happening in the AAC and judgmental stares from upperclassmen in the upstairs library. The library’s “focus zone” upstairs is more of a beehive of upperclassmen undergoing various amounts of stress; there’s an unspoken rule that freshmen don’t belong there, so any younger student walking upstairs will get plenty of accusatory glares. Not to mention lunchtime, when the place is so crowded that you’d be lucky to even find an empty carrel in a corner.

Need to speedrun the history paper you completely forgot about, but it’s due next period? There’s a place for you as well! Allen-Gates has a plethora of unused classrooms during each period, particularly the math classrooms upstairs. There are usually at least two to three classrooms available during each period, and each classroom has a schedule posted outside indicating which period it’s open. Keep a lookout for the ones in the back, as they’re more often empty than not. Simply choose a room, close the door, put on your headphones, open the blinds, and lock in as the last of the summer sun filters through the windowpane. It’s a much better alternative to the silent reading room, which is far too small to fit enough people during busy periods and, ironically, far more prone to disturbances as groups of rambunctious students storm in and out of the library.

Sure, you won’t have as much access to the library’s resources, such as chargers, headphones, and the beloved color-printing copier. However, Allen-Gates is still an academic building with plenty of school supplies and a printer. Most students at Lakeside can’t print in color despite using the copier anyway, and resources like chargers and headphones can be checked out and taken to different parts of campus. If your phone needs charging, you’re better off leaving it at the library charging station and heading to a different building anyway; it helps you deal with the urge to pick up your conveniently close phone and scroll when you should be studying.

Overall, if you’re looking for a constantly crowded place with loud talking, maniacal laughter, and sleep-deprived students sleeping on the floors and tables, head straight to the library! Otherwise, your best bet would be to walk straight past the library and into the now-not-so-secret study spots of Allen-Gates.