Library vent!

[Pixiedust34]

We live close to three libraries. We frequent those three library branches at least once a week. We usually go to a library twice/week because ds and I read all of the time and we go through books like crazy. Plus, we homeschool and I'm always on the lookout for books that will tie in with our lessons.

One of the three libraries we visit has a Quiet Room. I've never had an occasion to go in there, but its walls are all glass so everyone can look in and it does look as if it's quiet. Otherwise, the libraries are noisy. This is because of kids who are poorly supervised and because of adults on cell phones. The noise drives us batty, but not as much as the kids who more or less treat the kid's chapter book section as a playground and run around playing hide-and-seek and other games as if they were outside.

 

[MrsPete]

Quiet libraries do NOT exist anymore.

Sure they do. I spent a couple hours in one last night. The place was packed, which is a good thing -- lots of people using their resources -- but except for the inevitable noise of people moving about in the course of their library visit, it was silent.

I met friends there for a meeting, and we went into a private room so as not to disturb other people.

Southerners really do have the best manners.

 

[gina2000]

Southerners really do have the best manners.

That's some statement. I live in the north and my library is quiet, very well used and a pleasure to be in. To presume that manners are better in one part of the country based on an informal survey is ridiculous and insulting not to mention totally unnecessary.

 

[meandtheguys2]

When the adults won't follow the rules and be considerate of the feelings of others, WTH are the kids supposed to learn them? They are just following in the footsteps of their "me, me, me" parents.

Our library is small town, and does a nice job at keeping order. I really like it there. There are activities, but not chaos.

 

[lyzziesmom]

I am shocked by all the reports of parents leaving their kids in the library! I can see teens or maybe even older middle schoolers going there after school until their parents get home, but under 7? My oldest DD is 8.5 and I am not even comfortable letting her go the bathroom alone in a public place, never mind leaving her somewhere unsupervised! I think the poster who said they report the kids as abandoned has got the right idea. Imagine where else these parents might just up & leave their poor little kids! When I take my kids (8 & 2) to the library, I don't even leave them alone in the children's section. I will stay with them, play with the puzzles and toys provided WITH them, and read to them. Isn't that what the kids' section is for?? They will then pick out their books & movies and read them at a table near me while I look for books for myself. I just do not understand parents who would just leave their kids alone in a public place unsupervised. *shaking head*


Oh and RitaZ. (the OP): I know that library well - I remember when it was being built, I was so excited to be getting a library close to home! It was so big and nice, I'm sad to see that it isn't a "perfect" library anymore.

 

[Snowysmom]

Libraries are much different places than when I was a kid. In the library where I work, we have signs all around telling patrons our rules for cell phone etiquette-short and quiet or go outside. I am constantly amazed by the number of parents who believe their kids are safe at the library. We have hundreds of people coming in and out all day and evening long. You don't know their backgrounds. Staff cannot watch the kids. We have had parents drop off their 10-12 year olds at 9 on Saturday and not come back to pick them up until closing time at 5. At my old library, if the parents were not back by closing time, we would call the police. Middle school kids are a big issue. They travel in packs and are noisy and occasionally vandalize the building. I believe that parents need to take more interest in what their kids are doing and not just expect the library to babysit them. Patrons need to be more considerate with regards to talking loudly and cell phones. Next time you have a problem in the library, definitely go to a staff member and report it. We take it seriously and try to resolve the issue.

 

[Kath2003]

I was in the library studying before my exams last year and some girl a few desks away was having a conversation with her friend. A few people nearer looked annoyed but I didn't really bother too much - they were being relatively quiet (although it was a designated SILENT work area - not just quiet, you are not supposed to use phones, eat or hold conversations of any kind).

Then suddenly one of the girls burst into song!

Not just kinda humming a few lines under her breath either, she sang and entire chorus at regular volume before she stopped. And then a few seconds later she wanted to go onto the chorus! Someone tapped the sign which is stuck to EVERY desk which reminds you that it is a silent work area.

Really not sure what planet she was on

 

[leafette]

I'm afraid quiet libraries are a thing of the past.

There was a story on the news a year or two ago about how parents are using libraries as daycares for their young kids. Apparently they'll drop the kids off at 8am and leave them there all day until 5 because they feel it's a safe place and that librarians will have to look out for any kids hanging out in there. Needless to say, the librarians were displeased!!

I worked in a public library while in college. It was very common for parents to drop off their kids and then leave for several hours. The kids would wander around, to the nearby park, wherever. When the parent showed back up, she would inevitably yell at one of us for not watching her child!

And there were countless nights that we waited past closing (9PM) with a child whose parent had yet to pick him/her up. It got so bad where I live now that the library posts signs that they will take your children to the police station if you are not there at closing time.

 

[RitaZ.]

It got so bad where I live now that the library posts signs that they will take your children to the police station if you are not there at closing time.

You know that the problem must be serious if the library has posted signs to warn parents.

 

[disneymom3]

I worked in a public library while in college. It was very common for parents to drop off their kids and then leave for several hours. The kids would wander around, to the nearby park, wherever. When the parent showed back up, she would inevitably yell at one of us for not watching her child!

And there were countless nights that we waited past closing (9PM) with a child whose parent had yet to pick him/her up. It got so bad where I live now that the library posts signs that they will take your children to the police station if you are not there at closing time.

Oh my goodness! that is simply appalling. I for one would be for calling the police for any child unattened for a few hours. Probably less. Heck, I don't even leave my kids in the children's section and go to the adult section. I have allowed DD to go into the kids section on her own while I am resolving an issue at the desk as well as once to go with the children's librarian to get a Calvin and Hobbes book from the adult area. Otherwise, we get them all their books, then we walk silently to the adult area, find them some chairs and they look at their books while I find some. If DS 5 is not having a trustworthy day, then he walks along with me while I look. then we all go check out together.