Students at Middle Tennessee State University can now hit the books with their youngsters in tow, thanks to a new Family Study Room at the James E. Walker Library. This addition aims to serve the needs of parenting and caretaking students, staff, and faculty members who often juggle academia with family responsibilities. MTSU News reports that the room, located in Room 384 within the Bob and Elizabeth Womack Curriculum Collection, boasts two adult workspaces, a computer, and children-sized chairs and table, among other family-friendly amenities.
The space is designed to accommodate a family of up to five and provides entertainment for children and dependent adults, such as a white board, books, and various toys. It can be reserved for up to three hours at a time, with bookings available three weeks in advance. As "I’m truly grateful that we are finally able to provide this space after ongoing suggestions throughout past semesters," Vicki Frosheiser, Womack Curriculum coordinator at Walker Library, told MTSU News. For details on how to book the study room, visitors can head to MTSU's reservation system.
Understanding the growing population of nontraditional and parent-students at MTSU, the Walker Library team saw an opportunity to better serve its diverse community. "Recognizing that we have a growing nontraditional and parent-student population, we felt it was important to allocate a study space specifically for families,” said Walker Library Dean Kathleen Schmand in a statement obtained by MTSU News. The Family Study Room offers a much-needed resource for student parents who otherwise might struggle with finding childcare while studying.
The Womack Curriculum Collection, well-known for its educational and recreational reading materials for children spanning a range from toddlers to high schoolers, seemed the natural choice for the Family Study Room. "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," added Schmand. If you have any questions about the family study room, you're encouraged to reach out to Victoria Frosheiser at 615- 898-2799 or via email at [email protected].
