Heads down, earphones in, on Friday afternoon Leaving Certificate students were spread across the three floors of Abbeyleix library in Co Laois.
Lorraine Bergin, Aimee Lennon, and Aoibheann Ryall, all students from Coláiste Mhuire in Johnstown, had taken possession of a large table on the first floor, their notes and flashcards strewn across it.
Others chose smaller desks in quiet nooks and corners, the light pouring in on their textbooks and notes from small windows looking out over the town's main square and street, which was bustling with people and traffic.
This library conveys a curious sense of both connection and separateness - a blend which seems ideal for last minute Leaving Certificate preparations.
Over the past number of weeks between 30 to 40 students have been using the library at Abbeyleix on a daily basis.
"I get so distracted at home. I just talk to my mother," Aimee, who was revising the Irish play 'An Trial', said.
"It’s quieter here. I don’t have my family coming in and my brothers annoying me," Lorraine added.
"At home you are more inclined to go on your phone," Aoibheann said.
Peace and quiet is all very well but these students also value the companionship they find in the library.
"It’s a nice quiet spot and there’s always a few lads here as well," said Hugh Whelan who was revising Maths, tucked away on the second floor in a section semi-hidden by bookshelves.
"So you can have a chat when you want a break, rather than going on your phone if you are at home. There’s nice light here, and fresh air", he said.
Ross Deegan agreed. "You can talk to your friends when you need a break and it’s grand", he said. "It’s different from being in your room."
Can anyone who has ever sat the Leaving Cert forget the strange intensity of these days, just prior to the start of the exams?
Encapsulating that sensation Jessica O’Shaughnessy said: "I feel like the days are getting shorter and they are speeding up.
"I’m definitely nervous, but in a way I’m kind of excited too because I put in so much effort, so I want to give everything now."
"I suppose I just want to get the next few weeks done," Hugh said.
He feels more prepared for the later subjects.
"Physics and chemistry will be all right, but the languages - English and Irish - I'm a bit stressed out about them.
"The students are all brilliant. We are so lucky with them, they are so dedicated", said senior library assistant at Abbeyleix, Vera Quinn.
They also seem to be taking the approach of the state exams in their stride.
"On the day I’ll know what I know," said Aoibheann.
"Ah I’m not too concerned. I’m just studying a bit of everything," said Ross.
"It’s grand. I just want to get them over and done with," said Aimee.
As they make their last push they are being sustained by dreams and impatience for what lies farther ahead.
"I can’t wait," said Aimee. "I didn’t like school, so I just want to be done."
"I am so excited [about the sixth year holiday].
"I feel that is what is getting me through all the hard work, and I’m also going to Harry Styles on 1 July so I’m so excited for that," Jessica explained.
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When asked what he was looking forward to Ross said: "Going on a holiday after the Leaving Cert and playing hurling for the summer."
But between then and now there is the matter of these next few weeks, and those pesky exams.
Around 70,000 young people will begin their Leaving Certificate written tests tomorrow, with English Paper 1 first up for most at 9.30am.
The exams run until 23 June.
