Lehman College's new Reflection Space, available for use by the College community, officially opened in Leonard Lief Library on Sept. 12. Located in an alcove on the building's third floor, the space is reserved for silent meditation, prayer or reflection.

Furnished simply with a few round ottomans, decorative screens, and potted plants, the space is intended to be a serene retreat from daily activities that embodies the Lehman's values of tolerance, inclusiveness and respect for diversity.

At the recent ribbon cutting ceremony for the Reflection Space, Kenneth Schlesinger, associate dean and chief librarian at Lehman, welcomed a small crowd of library colleagues, well-wishers, and Lehman community members, including Lehman President Daniel Lemons, Dean of Students Stanley Bazile, former President Ricardo R. Fernández, and former Vice President of Student Affairs José Magdaleno.

"We hope this space satisfies a true need in the Lehman community for quiet and contemplation," said Schlesinger. "Appropriately, this serves as part of the greater mission of our library."

Two library staff members—Martha Lerski, an assistant professor and business librarian, and Joan Jocson-Singh, head of the library’s technical services—along with Magdaleno drew special thanks from Schlesinger for seeing the project through to its completion.

Among the posted guidelines for the Reflection Space: cellphone use and lighting of candles and incense are prohibited; studying and sleeping in the space are also prohibited; and users of the space are encouraged to let others utilize the space after 30 minutes.

"Our space resulted from collaborations around the campus, and we hope that, in like manner, it celebrates diversity and campus community via respect for individual reflection," said Lerski.