Stuyvesant’s Student Library Monitors on Duty!

The Stuyvesant Library, typically open for all ten periods each day and sometimes after school, is a quiet place for students to do work, read, or participate in activities at the “brain break” table. In addition to Stuyvesant’s librarians, about 15 student volunteers called library monitors keep the library running smoothly. You may find these monitors roaming around the library, checking out materials, or making DIY bookshelf decorations. The library monitors play a key role in what makes the Stuyvesant library a unique and welcoming space.

Students have many different reasons for applying to become a library monitor. “Ever since the phone ban, I want to do something productive with my free periods,” junior and library monitor Justin Lam said. The phone ban has not only reduced students’ screen time but also encouraged them to seek out other activities during the day. 

Other students see it as an opportunity: “I had wanted to get some ‘work experiences’ that’s similar to actual jobs outside of clubs and volunteering. And I thought that working as a library monitor would fit that most,” junior and library monitor Marc Haddad said. Some see becoming library monitors as more than just passing time, but a chance for them to improve their skills and to learn to be responsible.

The librarians are greatly appreciative of the help the monitors provide. “The student monitors have to take up a lot of tasks that would’ve had librarians take up time or keep us stuck in one place, so they make us available to help students out,” librarian Mary McGregor said. Not only do the monitors allow librarians to focus on helping students, but library monitors also take on responsibilities assigned to them.

Monitors work at different stations throughout the library. “I work at the circulation desk one period and the print desk another. Depending on where I am, I have different responsibilities,” freshman and library monitor Will Yang said. At the circulation desk, monitors check out computers, textbooks, and reading books, while those who sit at the “Help Desk” next to the material carts help out students with questions. Monitors near the printers pass the printed materials to students since the librarians are uncomfortable with students going behind the printing desk. Lastly, all monitors know how to restock shelves in the correct order. Each monitor is assigned to a station by the librarians, and assignments alternate every two to three weeks.

Beyond being an extracurricular activity, serving as a library monitor is also an opportunity to make new friends easily. “It’s a great way to get to know students who are in a different grade than you that you might not see in your classes regularly,” McGregor mentioned. The community is generally very welcoming, allowing students to find their place. 

Library monitors quickly form a community that is very close-knit yet approachable. When students have questions or need help when the librarians are busy, they are able to turn to their peers. “If you’re not sure about anything, just ask one of the other monitors, and they will always be happy to help,” Lam said.

The library is a peaceful area, and monitors rarely see students misbehaving in the library. “The only issue is people getting a little loud sometimes. Just a quick ‘shh,’ and they get quiet. No drama,” junior and library monitor Inhesion Wang mentioned.

Nevertheless, the librarians have pointed out a common problem with students balancing high-commitment extracurriculars. “Some students participate in intense extracurricular activities like SING!, and they become a little bit less consistent with being able to volunteer every day for a little while. And that’s something that we work with them on because we want them to enjoy being here and not to be a stressor in their life,” McGregor noted. The librarians are flexible with students’ schedules; they care about the monitors and work on giving them breaks when needed. However, librarians prefer students who have a clear understanding of their schedule before applying to be full-time monitors.

Sometimes, though, a student’s lunch period may collide with their period to volunteer in the library. Nonetheless, one monitor is able to manage that issue: “I work during eighth period, which is also my lunch period. So, what I would do is I would walk in, sign in to the library, put my stuff down, and then sign out for 15 minutes to go eat lunch. Then I would walk back in and then perform my usual tasks,” Haddad shared. The librarians are accommodating, as long as monitors show up and are engaged while on duty.

Becoming a library monitor is a simple process. Students who have a free period during which they can volunteer consistently can access the application form on the library website at the beginning of the fall or spring semester. While returning monitors are prioritized because of their previous experience, new applicants are always welcome. Librarians often look for students who are consistent and willing to go through extensive training. In these trainings, the librarians give a rundown on using the circulation desk software, desensitizing machines, and organizing books. Also, an experienced library monitor will assist with a new monitor-in-training for one to two hours.

Current student monitors offer simple advice: “Go ahead and [apply] as soon as possible,” Wang said. The spots are competitive, and there are only so many seats for everyone. 

Other than applying early, you need to stay committed to the role: “Make sure you show up regularly so you can establish yourself within the community and make yourself look trustworthy to the librarians and to the other monitors,” Haddad added.

The spots are filled quickly, especially in the second semester, when more students find the time to help out. “Usually, our monitor spots are filled completely within a few days of the semester starting. So if you wait until the second week to decide how you feel, you might get waitlisted because we don't have any spots left,” McGregor said. If you need more time to decide, you can decide later and apply for the later application, and if you ever need help with your application, you can always reach out to the student monitors or librarians with any questions!