Controversy Swirls over Long-Standing Food Ban at Hellgate School Library
Hellgate High School in Missoula, Montana, has implemented a no-food policy in its library to ensure a clean, focused study environment for students. The policy, which has been in place for some time, aims to protect library materials, maintain cleanliness, minimize distractions, and prevent pests.
According to Karen Buley, the library assistant at Hellgate High School for nearly 12 years, the no-food policy is necessary to prevent mess and damage to the books and other equipment in the library. Buley hopes that students will choose other places to eat in the future to comply with the policy, while still considering the library a central hub for studying, meeting friends, and comparing notes before a test.
Micah Jaffe, a senior at Hellgate High School, agrees with the policy, acknowledging that food can damage books and equipment. Jaffe understands why many students choose to work and eat in the library when they're on a time crunch, as it is the most focused environment available to Hellgate students. However, Jaffe believes that eating in the library could potentially be a helpful tool for getting work done.
The library at Hellgate High School is a three-story building with numerous seating options, natural light, and access to multiple halls. Despite the no-food policy, the library remains a popular place for students to study, meet friends, and compare notes before a big test.
One student admitted to eating lunch in the library once a week when they have a lot of classwork. This student, like many others, finds the library an ideal place to focus on their studies, even if it means breaking the no-food rule.
However, Buley states that the library should remain a welcoming place, but students should respect the rules, including the no-food policy. She believes that the biggest problem with students eating in the library is the impact it has on librarian-student relationships. The no-food policy can lead to conflict between students and librarians, which Buley hopes to avoid.
As a solution, Buley suggests that students use the bistro tables upstairs in the window or the commons as alternative places to eat. This way, students can still enjoy their meals while adhering to the library's rules.
In conclusion, the no-food policy in the library at Hellgate High School aims to maintain a clean, focused environment for students. While some students may find the policy restrictive, it is important to remember that the policy is in place to preserve the library for all users. By respecting the rules and finding alternative places to eat, students can continue to enjoy the benefits of the library while maintaining positive relationships with the school's staff.
- Despite the no-food policy in the library, some students still find it an ideal location for concentrated study, often visiting once a week to work on a heavy class load.
- Karen Buley, library assistant at Hellgate High School, suggests that students should respect the rules, such as the no-food policy, and use alternative spaces like the bistro tables upstairs or the commons for their meals, ensuring a clean, focused environment in the library and preserving positive relationships with the librarians.
