Librarians Use the New Soundproof Study Pod for Daily Screams
In This Space, No One Can Hear You Scream
After a year of renovation, the Ramsey County Library Maplewood branch in Minnesota opened its doors to the community.
Patrons have enjoyed some of the new features, including a new teen section, an adult-makerspace, and redesigned community room.
But it's not just the patrons enjoying the new amenities. In a hushed corner of the library, amidst rows of diligent readers, a muffled yet unmistakable sound pierces the silence: a primal scream.
No, it's not a student overwhelmed by exam stress, but rather the Maplewood branch librarians gravitating to the new soundproof "study pods" for daily screams, weeping sessions, and all-out emotional breakdowns.
Long known for their dedication to maintaining a tranquil atmosphere, Ramsey County librarians are now embracing the power of a good scream.
Initially designed for focused learning, individual study or quiet collaboration, the soundproof study pods have become unlikely sanctuaries for librarians to unleash their pent-up frustrations.
"I've been holding it in for so long," said one librarian who asked to remain anonymous. "All the stress of dealing with patrons, the library board, and book bans can really build up. But now I have a place where I can just go and scream until my lungs give out."
The librarian is referencing the three new Framery One Soundproof Pods, state-of-the-art, highly adaptable workspaces that feature LED lighting, sound insulation/ventilation, and echo-free acoustics.
The pod is ideal for patrons who might need a quieter space to focus on their work or even connect to virtual classrooms or to make video calls. The pods can be booked in-person at the information desk for up to 2 hours and are usually available on a first come, first serve basis.
Patrons were excited to reserve and use the Pods, but have often found them regularly in use by librarians who desperately need a soundproof location for when they go off the deep end.
The Pods boast a speech level reduction of 30db, the perfect amount of soundproofing needed while they bawl about "all the conservative Republicans in the town being out to get them."
The Pods boast a speech level reduction of 30db, the perfect amount of soundproofing needed while they bawl about "all the conservative Republicans in the town being out to get them."
A patron who was excited to launch her new podcast had hoped to reserve one, but saw all three pods already in use by library staff.
"I was going to knock and see if I could use it, but when I heard her sobbing about her slashed book budget, I just let her have it."
While some patrons initially raised eyebrows at the occasional muffled roar emanating from the pods, many have come to appreciate the librarians' unorthodox stress-busting technique. "It's oddly reassuring to know that even the epitomes of composure and order need a release valve," remarks one regular library visitor.
Of course, not everyone is thrilled about the new use for quiet study pods. Some patrons have complained about the long lines and the constant muffled sounds of wailing. Library director Jake Grussing is concerned that it is setting a bad example.
"Look, I know more than anyone why my staff needs to scream; just last week we were told we needed to take down our LGBTIQA+ authors display by the board of directors."
He continued despite being drowned out by one of the children's librarians howling and clutching a copy of the recently banned graphic novel, Raina Telgemeier’s Drama, on her way to Pod 1.
"But it's really hard for our after school study groups to focus when they can hear the librarians in there shrieking and screeching about how they regret all of their choices that led them to this profession."
In response, the library has implemented a "Scream Schedule" to ensure that the pods are used for both screaming and studying in a harmonious manner. Librarians are encouraged to book their screaming sessions in advance, allowing patrons to plan their study time accordingly.