Valor's Vibrant Library Space

While the Valor library isn't exactly a coffee shop, we like that it sounds that way! The library team has been reading The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker. We discussed how we can apply some of the author's point as hosts of our beautiful library space, which houses the best views on campus! 

Parker says hosts should always protect their guests, “anticipating and intercepting people’s tendencies when they’re not considering the betterment of the whole group or the experience”. This is the fun challenge we’re invited to as hosts in the library. Our library is a student hub and a popular destination for our students. We love the vibrancy, but we also understand that students come in with varying needs and expectations, so we've introduced a noise meter.

Our vision for the library is to be a bustling, busy space where students can study or hang with friends while maintaining a 'coffee shop vibe' noise level. This tool provides a common reference point and language. Though students love to joke about it, they know what it means. We’ve seen great results in the noise balance. Refining our culture is a work in progress, but we love our students, love the energy and vitality that they bring, and love that they love each other well. We have owned our role as good hosts to all the students in our space, and we've seen some positive changes that make it a relaxing, calming and productive space for all.