The BYU Library, otherwise known as the HBLL (Harold B. Lee Library), has precious few quiet zones, limited to the 5th floor during times of no construction, the 2nd floor Reading Room or Periodicals, and the 1st floor Social Sciences Section. Students requiring enforced quiet study for concentration are limited to these three areas. Unfortunately, since these three areas have some of the greatest square footage available for studying, chatty patrons often enter and ruin other students’ study sessions.
Eleanor Heaney, a junior in biochemistry, is a frequent visitor of the Reading Room, appreciating its natural light, table lamps, reliable outlets, and of course, the restrictions on talking.
“I’m someone who needs quiet when I’m learning difficult concepts, so I really appreciate that the library has areas designated for quiet study,” Eleanor explained.
Unfortunately, this past Thursday, the Reading Room wasn’t quite as quiet as it should have been.
“There was this group of students in front of me, just talking talking talking. I glared at them a few times, but no dice. Eventually a security guard came by, which gave me some hope that they’d be forced to shut up. Nope. The security guard just walked right by without even blinking. I took matters into my own hands and went over to flip their table,” she recounted.
Her actions were not without consequence; one student, Jameigh Blythe from Lehi, suffered a concussion. Another student, Braxtyn Henders, had his foot broken due to the incident. The two students were taken to the hospital. Blythe and Henders are still deciding whether or not to press charges.
“We were totally whispering, I swear. I don’t know why people thought we were loud,” complained Henders.
Despite the controversial nature of Heaney’s outburst, she has numerous supporters.
“It was admirable. I’m going to follow her example; we need more people like her at BYU,” said Macy Lee, a senior in the ACME program.