Quiet is the rustle of papers being organized,
as the librarians tidy up.
It is the click of pens
and the beep the computer makes
when it checks out a book.
Quiet is the sound of printers making copies
to be hung on the library walls.
It is the scuffing sound of shoes
walking on a carpeted floor,
the clang of books being dropped on a shelf,
and the gentle murmurs
of students doing homework.
Quiet is the creaking of doors
being opened to let all in.
It is the scratching sound of pencils,
and the crackle of many pages being turned.
Quiet is something you have to listen for,
but if you do listen, you will hear it
in the silence of the library.