WOODLANDS Regional Library is a great place to consult reference books because there is an entire level for all reference materials and the environment is conducive to research.

Occasionally, I visit the library to do some research for my school work. However, I notice that the study tables are always fully occupied by students of all levels. On a recent visit, I had to leave the reference section even though I wanted to do some research. The reason: A library assistant saw me sitting in a corner and told me I was not allowed to sit on the floor.

I knew it was not good to sit on the floor, but I could not find any seats in the reference section, so I chose a corner to sit where I would not be in anyone's way. The point is, I cannot take books out of the reference section and that is why I chose to sit in a corner.

After I was told not to sit there, I stood near the shelves to continue reading, but I thought it was not feasible to stand there for hours so I left the library.

As I made my way out, I glanced over at the tables and realised that most people did not appear to be using the reference books but were doing their own work which they could do elsewhere.

It is absurd that people who need the reference books cannot make good use of them, while those who do not need them flood the entire level of the reference section.

Yvonne Ang (Ms)

This article was first published in The Straits Times.