What's happened to quiet library settings? I've been to quieter circuses. This is 3rd, possibly 4th straight visit with unattended children running freely or school age kids non-stop chattering and adults talking on their cell phone in the library. All 3 situations never addressed by a staffer. Jim
STAFF REPLY
I don't have a simple answer to that. There are more people using the library these days, and in many different ways than when we were young, which leads to more of a buzz in the building. Some of us remember never feeling welcome in a library when we were kids, and now love seeing so many kids feeling like they can come to this library. The more they are here, the more likely they are to read, which is our ultimate goal. However, if you are finding the area unusually noisy and don't feel comfortable asking people to quiet down so you can read, ask one of our staff to approach them. We also have designated the southeast corner of the upper level as a quiet area, so that is the best place to find your quiet spot. We are in the process of decorating it more to make it more inviting, but it IS the quietest area here.
I do miss quiet libraries also, but accept that the modern library has changed in order to survive. Though quiet never seemed unwelcoming to me, it seems selfish to demand silence when other patrons are obviously enjoying themselves. Here's to thriving vibrant libraries!
Posted by: Jim | July 22, 2011 at 11:20 AM
I love how libraries have changed! Libraries are no longer the austere unwelcoming places they used to be - thank goodness! I'm happy to see so many kids at the library especially after school doing their homework. It's better than watching junk on the TV - thanks Lafayette.
Posted by: Anon | January 31, 2009 at 11:29 AM