By Susan Fisher, MPL Public Relations—
MUNCIE, IN—As regular library visitors know, most libraries are no longer hushed spaces where silence is revered. Instead, today’s libraries are vibrant spaces for customers of all ages where learning can take place out loud during story times, programs, and book clubs. While some quiet nooks still exist for reading and reflection, Muncie Public Library customers continue to seek out spaces within the libraries for studying, tutoring, or attendance in online meetings or consultations.
With this in mind, MPL Library Director Alan Kornblau and Kennedy Library Manager Donna Catron approached the Patricia Schaefer Foundation Trust to seek a grant to provide quiet spaces within Kennedy Library, MPL’s busiest branch and 2025 Gold Winner in the Woof Boom Radio Quest for the Best competition. The grant was approved and approximately $50,000 was awarded to purchase and install four Zenbooth pods within the library.
These structures come ready to assemble and provide space for one, two, or up to four people to gather in a small, nearly soundproof booth. Because these are assembled within the library, they provide new meeting spaces without the need or cost of traditional construction.
Photo by Spenser Querry, MPL Public Relations.
According to Catron, “These spaces will offer opportunities to enhance the education, business, and non-profit needs of our community. Students will have a quiet space to study or receive tutoring. Those in the business community can use the space for interviews, consultations, or collaborative work. Those in the nonprofit sector can use the space to meet privately with clients, donors, or partners.” Kornblau added that depending on the use and popularity of the booths, more may be added at other MPL branches. “This grant will serve as a pilot project for the Muncie Public Library. If these pods work as expected at our Kennedy Library, then we will purchase additional units for our other locations,” he said.
The booths are now available for reservations at Kennedy Library. Users can reserve the space for up to two hours each week on a first-come, first-served basis. A library card is not required to use the spaces. Stop by the Information Desk at Kennedy Library at 1700 W. McGalliard Road or call (765) 747-8209 to make a reservation. For more information, visit the library website at www.munpl.org.
The Patricia Schaefer Foundation Trust is a private foundation located in Fort Wayne, IN. It was established by Patricia Schaefer, who served as the Director of the Muncie Public Library from 1959 until 1986. MPL received a previous grant from the trust in 2023 to help preserve historic Carnegie Library in downtown Muncie. Schaefer passed away in 2025.
