This past week, I experienced a moment that shook my faith in the sanctity of quiet spaces on campus. I was sitting in the Carver Reading Room, hoping for a few hours of productive studying. What I got instead was the Houston Texans-Indianapolis Colts game at full volume from a group of first-years, accompanied by brazen cheers and loud chatter. At first, I tried to ignore it, hoping it was a momentary lapse in judgment. But after nearly an hour, they were joined by 10 rowdy athletes, turning the space into something resembling a sports bar, minus the peanut shells and sticky floors. In that moment, it became abundantly clear: Quiet spaces on campus are being disrespected, and students — especially those new to Kenyon — must be more mindful of maintaining these essential environments for everyone’s benefit.

Kenyon provides plenty of spaces intended for conversation, group collaboration and socializing. However, when I need a place to focus, you’ll often find me in the Denniston Reading Room or on the third floor of Ascension Hall — quiet spaces that are crucial for staying focused and getting work done. These spaces provide a much-needed sanctuary for those looking to escape distractions, whether it’s a loud roommate, a bustling common room or the general rowdiness that accompanies college life. When students disregard the purpose of these spaces, they not only disrupt their own work, but also undermine the ability of others to concentrate. Entering a library reading room is a conscious choice to seek out silence, where the expectation of quiet is not a mere suggestion — it is fundamental. When students disregard this, they send a troubling message: Their social interactions take priority over others’ right to work in peace.

One of the most disruptive behaviors in quiet spaces is loud whispering. Many people assume that simply lowering their voice makes conversation acceptable, but it doesn’t. Loud whispering can be just as distracting, especially in areas meant for complete silence. While the volume may be softer, it still breaks concentration and diverts attention. It isn’t just whispering that disrupts these environments, though. People taking phone calls, rustling snack bags or playing videos without headphones are all common ways students break quiet space guidelines. These seemingly small actions add up, turning what should be a peaceful place for focused work into a chaotic, distracting environment. A quiet space should be exactly that — quiet.

First-years are often the main offenders when it comes to ignoring the unspoken rules of quiet spaces, perhaps unaware of how disruptive their behavior can be. However, this issue isn’t limited to first-years — students across all years sometimes forget the importance of respecting these spaces. Everyone, from underclassmen to seniors, should recognize the importance of spaces like reading rooms and study halls. If you need to socialize, there are plenty of lounges and common areas for that purpose. While Kenyon offers many spots for casual conversation, truly quiet spaces are rare and should be respected accordingly.

So, what is the solution? It’s quite simple: Be considerate. Before starting a conversation in a quiet area, ask yourself: Could this be moved elsewhere? If the answer is yes, then move. If you feel like listening to music, use headphones, and keep the volume low enough that it doesn’t leak out. If you’re meeting friends, choose a spot that is intended for socialization, not a reading room. By making these small adjustments, you’re being considerate of others and helping to maintain a space where everyone can focus and work effectively.

Dylan Sibbitt ’26 is a political science major from San Francisco. He can be reached at sibbitt1@kenyon.edu.