In search of a quiet place on campus where he could focus on writing, Greg King, Robert Gilbert postdoctoral fellow in Geography and Planning, found what he was looking for in the Fireplace Reading Room located in Stauffer Library.

In a pilot project between the Office of the Vice-Principal (Research) and Queen’s University Library earlier this year, the space was made available to faculty and post-docs once a month to provide them some much-needed quiet writing time.

Dr. King says that the opportunity helped him achieve his goal of writing more frequently, both for producing research, but also as an avenue for thinking and getting ideas on paper.

“The creation of a full morning of quiet writing was an excellent impetus to put writing first and make it a focus,” he says. “For me, signing up for an opportunity to force myself out of my office, into a quiet area surrounded by peers and faculty who are focused on getting tasks done was an excellent kick start. Although only once a month it is a great reminder and I actually try and go myself at least once a week to the same space.”

Building on that success, the quiet writing space is being offered once again 8:30 am-noon on Sept. 30, Oct. 28 and Nov. 25.

Dr. King adds that being surrounded by others focused on their work proved motivating.

“When I find my mind drifting a bit, the presence of others who are taking the time to be working diligently and quietly in the same space helps return my own focus,” he says, adding that he will make use of the program again this term

Space is limited, and registration is recommended to ensure a spot.

Questions and suggestions may be directed to Kelly Blair-Matuk.