James E. Walker Library has long been known to have a little something for everybody, and as an epicenter on the Middle Tennessee State University campus, the library sees thousands of students a day. Maybe you’re tech-savvy, and you enjoy working with the fabrication equipment in the Makerspace. Maybe you’re interested in archives and spend time browsing the exhibits in Special Collections. Maybe you’re simply here to rest your feet and read.
And maybe, on top of all of that, you’re a parent who needs a safe space to study or do research.
Parenting and caretaking students, staff, and faculty might already be familiar with the Bob and Elizabeth Womack Curriculum Collection on the third floor of Walker Library, as the space holds educational and recreational reading suitable for any child, from toddlers to high schoolers. Beginning in January 2025, the administration, faculty, and staff of Walker Library are pleased to add another service for those students—a Family Study Room.
Kathleen Schmand, Dean of James E. Walker Library, provided the forward motion in making this functional new space a reality. Speaking about the impetus behind the Family Study Room, Dean Schmand notes, “Walker Library consistently examines library spaces to ensure that we are meeting the needs of the MTSU community. Recognizing that we have a growing non-traditional and parent-student population, we felt it was important to allocate a study space specifically for families. Looking at our available spaces, it made perfect sense to place a family study room in our Womack Curriculum Collection area given its focus on reading and course materials for K-12 educators. The library is focused on equipping students with the resources, support, and spaces that advance their academic success, and the Family Study Room is a wonderful addition. Sincere thanks to all of the library staff and faculty involved in designing the space to be family-friendly.”
Situated in room 384, the Family Study Room can accommodate a family of five, including two adult workspaces, a networked computer, a table and chairs for children, and a large lounge chair. Plenty of entertainment for children and dependent adults is provided, from books to coloring pages to toy trucks, dolls, and more!
One student associated with the June Anderson Center provided feedback about the campus need for the space and amenities the Family Study Room would supply: “Having a space where parents that go to college can work alongside their kids without fearing disturbing others and having an accepting space where they can bring their children will help them succeed…. This would be a dedicated safe space for parents so that they can have an option…. Some parents don’t have the luxury of leaving their kids at home or with others and must try to balance their obligations and education. This would help them accomplish their goals and support their families and learning.”
The Family Study Room is reservable for up to three hours at a time, and reservations can be made up to three weeks in advance.
Curriculum Coordinator Vicki Frosheiser adds, “I’m truly grateful that we are finally able to provide this space after ongoing suggestions throughout past semesters. My hope is that families will feel more welcome, not just within Curriculum, but also in Walker Library as a whole.”
☞ To learn about booking the Family Study Room and room policies, please visit the Library Spaces booking page.