Tucked away in Baker Stacks 5 is an alcove outfitted with oversized gray cushions, a red floral prayer rug, and a simple white curtain that provides privacy from anyone who might happen to be studying on the already cloistered fifth floor. A sign next to the door reminds visitors to remove their shoes before entering.
Created earlier this winter in a collaboration between the William Jewett Tucker Center and Baker-Berry Library, the meditation, prayer, and reflection nook expands the options for anyone who needs a quiet place on campus to attend to spiritual matters throughout the day.
That includes Dagan Youssouf '27, a pre-med student from Portland, Maine. With most of her classes in nearby Moore Hall this term, Youssouf has been using the library as a home base.
"I don't usually have time to go back to my dorm," says Youssef, who serves on the executive board of Al-Nur, Dartmouth's Muslim student association. "It's really convenient to go to the prayer nook."
Praying five times a day at set times is one of the five pillars of Islam.
Jennifer Taxman, associate dean of libraries, research and learning, says the space aligns with Dartmouth Libraries' commitment to meeting students where they are.
"Most of the nonlibrary departments or offices in this building are student-facing," said Taxman, who worked with Abdul Rahman Latif, Muslim chaplain and associate director of the Tucker Center, and several students to choose a spot for the space, and then readied it, installing carpet tiles, signs, and the curtain.
Latif says the nook was created in response to requests from students, some of whom were praying in the stairwells or between bookshelves in the stacks in the evenings.
"I remember doing that back in school, and it's not pleasant," he says. "Jennifer Taxman and the Libraries as a whole were incredibly responsive to this student need as soon as it was raised. I cannot thank them enough."
The nook is open to anyone, regardless of their religious affiliation, who would like to use it for silent reflection, meditation, or prayer. No sign-ups are necessary.
Among the other places on campus available for prayer and meditation are Rollins Chapel, which is also home to the Hindu Temple and a labyrinth, and the Muslim Prayer Room and the Tucker Meditation Room in North Fairbanks Hall. Space is also available in Aquinas House, Church of Christ at Dartmouth College, Edgerton House, and the Rohr Chabad Center at Dartmouth. Students also can sign up at the Student Wellness Center to use the Tranquility Room, which is equipped with items such as seated cushions and prayer rugs to support prayer, reflection, and meditation.
Community events centering various spiritual practices aren't held just in these spaces. For example, programming during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which began on Feb. 28 and will end around March 30, includes daily iftars—fast-breaking meals sponsored by departments across campus.