This is the 384th most frequent Catalan word.
estaven
"Estaven" means "they were" in English.
Here, "estaven" describes the state of the children in the past, using 'estar' to denote a temporary state or condition.
Els nens estaven emocionats per la festa que es preparava.
The children were excited for the party being prepared.
Here, "estaven" is used as the imperfect form of 'estar,' indicating a past action in progress (the students being at the library).
Els estudiants estaven a la biblioteca estudiant per a l'examen.
The students were at the library studying for the exam.
Here, "estaven" is part of a past continuous structure, describing an ongoing action in the past ('estar' + Gerund).