For students looking for a peaceful place to study, the Pius XII Memorial Library provides a haven from the myriad distractions in the dorms and throughout campus.

Some night owls complain, however, that the library closes its doors too early. Recently there has been a push for an extension of the current building hours, possibly to the extent of a 24-hour library; both the Student Government Association and a new student group have taken up the initiative

“A 24-hour library is something we have considered pursuing since I’ve been a freshman at SLU,” said SGA President Samantha Howard, a senior.

The idea was a major topic of discussion during last spring’s SGA election.

In the Fall 2008 SGA Student Survey, the question “What resource do you need available to you 24 hours?” was asked.

According to Howard, the most prevalent and zealous responses called for a quiet study area available to students around-the-clock, especially for group projects, research and study during finals.

“My primary motivation for serving on Senate this year was to tackle issues regarding study spaces on campus,” said SGA Sen. Adnan Hussain, who chairs the Library and Study Space Task Force.

The Library Task Force works in collaboration with the SLU 24 Hour Library Club, a student group created to support the movement. Both share the common goal of extending the hours of study spaces on campus.

The SLU 24 Hour Library Club was founded by Steven Donner, a Student Bar Association representative from the School of Law, and Thomas Applewhite, the creator of the website www.slu.24hourlibrary.org.

Both have been cooperating with members of SGA, as well as Assistant Provost for University Libraries Gail M. Staines, Ph.D.

“If keeping the library open 24 hours is something the University can justify spending money on, I believe it can and will happen,” Howard said.

“That justification needs to stem from a real need from students and then proof to the University that we will actually use the space during those hours if we’re given the opportunity.”

The SGA members and supporters of the movement have also seen some support from the library staff.

Specifically, Dave Cassens, director of the Pius XII Memorial Library, said that he is a proponent, and Staines supports the idea in principle.

“To make this happen, funding is needed,” Staines said.

“We are in the process of developing a budget so we have the numbers to work with. Dave and I are very supportive of Pius Library being 24/7. Once 24/7 access is in place, students will need to use it to show that this is a real need.”

“I think there’s a good chance SLU will start seeing increased study hours at first and then possibly moving into something 24 hours,” Howard said.

“I can see us using finals time this semester as somewhat of a trial period and then playing around with hours more next semester then agreeing on the final decision at the end of the semester after those trials.”