A Welcoming New Space for Student-Caregivers

By Ardent Brownfield

The ChattState Library is excited to open its first Family-Friendly Study Room (FFSR), a space created especially for our student-caregivers who balance learning with parenting.

This new room offers a calm, comfortable place where students can focus on their coursework while their little ones play, read, or rest nearby. Inside, you’ll find a computer workstation and desk for studying, a full-sized crib, a child-sized table and chairs, and a thoughtfully selected collection of books, toys, and art supplies—including coloring pages and educational activities that keep little hands and minds engaged.

The room is fully enclosed, offering plenty of space for children to walk, crawl, or explore safely while caregivers study within reach. Food and drinks are welcome, and we simply ask that all visitors tidy up before they leave so that the space is ready for the next family.

Chattanooga State students who are parents or caregivers are invited to reserve the Family-Friendly Study Room for up to two hours during regular library hours. To get started, simply make an online reservation, review the policy on the library’s Student Resources page, and check in at the circulation desk with your child or children.

This space was created with care—part of the library’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers and supporting every student’s success, recognizing that learning happens in many forms and often alongside the ones we love most. At the ChattState Library, families are welcome—and learning together is always encouraged.