Local Library is Becoming a Day Care

debodun

debodun

SF VIP
Location
way upstate in New York, USA
No matter when I go to the library, there is a bunch of noisy kids anywhere from toddler to about age 6 running around. I always thought a library was supposed to be a quiet place. Seems moms just bring their kids there and leave them to be entertained, sometimes unsuccessfully, by the library staff. When we had that week-long heat wave a few weeks ago, I went there figuring I could use their computer and keep cool with their highly efficient air conditioning. It was so packed with kids, you couldn't put your foot down without stepping on one; and the noise....:mad:. I just couldn't stay. My house, although like a steam room, was much more peaceful.
 

Debodun, I noticed that at our library also. The area where the kids are is partitioned off but you can still hear them. Once in awhile a couple escape,very disturbing when you are engrossed in a book or on the computer.
 
i know what you mean about people leaving the kids in a library--they even leave them in the park and go shopping or dump them off at a walmart
 

I spend a lot of time in various libraries and rarely ever encounter any noisy folks, adults or children. I guess I just visit the right libraries :) as I wasn't aware of it's being a problem. If it was the case, I wouldn't expect or enjoy it anymore than the rest of you.
 
Ruth n Jersey said:
Debodun, I noticed that at our library also. The area where the kids are is partitioned off but you can still hear them. Once in awhile a couple escape,very disturbing when you are engrossed in a book or on the computer.
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And our library is not very large it was once a small church, but the size of a private home. One section was made over into a computer area (4 desktops) but it is pretty open so any activities are noticeable and the back door is in that section. People are always coming and going to or from the parking lot through there. Every time the door opens, there's a loud DING DONG - I guess so the librarian knows if someone has come in. Even upstairs kids are running around and you know how kids running over your head sounds. It's just too small for all that activity. I also noticed that when I use the computer there, the librarian on duty always seems to have something to do in that area, but more like she's keeping an eye on what I am looking at. One of them isn't even subtle, she even comes and stands behind my chair.
 
I have to brag. Our main library (for many yrs it was rated #1 in the US) is huge, gorgeous, and has a separate children's area. It's been expanded and upgraded many times - a tremendous amount of money has been spent. Noise has never been a problem.

Being a large city, we have lots of branches. I don't go there much anymore, but I've never noticed kids running around unattended making noise.
 
I grew up with quiet libraries too and was shushed by many a librarian. They don't shush anymore. I don't go often. Do most library-ing on the computer. Download books on my Kindle.
 
Ours has a childrens section and special reading groups for them. There is no running around and all are there with their mother or dad. No running around and the parents always tell their children to watch out when I am around as I walk with a cane. I use the computer in the children's section as it is closer to the copiers and printers that I use.
 
yep our libraries have become the same . Lots of computers, lots of noisy small kids.. and very few new books on the shelves ... Librarians no longer ask or require quiet. Lots of students use the library computers, so as well as the children, the constant clickety clack of 30 plus computers, makes for a very unrelaxing place...I miss it.
 
In my city, the computer center of the main library is used almost exclusively by street people.

In the little village where I grew up, it is mainly well-behaved children that are engaged in various activities, story hours, clubs, etc... It does get noisy particularly if you are like me and not used to being around children. All in all, I think the noise and activity are much better than a stodgy mausoleum full of old men reading the newspaper.

This is coming from someone that rarely visits a library. I've sort of outgrown them and find most of my reading materials online or at thrift shops, flea markets, etc...
 
There are more programs for children in the summertime. Heaven forbid that they play outside and entertain themselves. :D I loved the library as a child but being quiet was part of the experience.
 
Well things sure have changed since I used to work at the library, though, I don't think such noisiness would be tolerated at any of the libraries in the areas I've been to in the past few years. I've heard a loud voice or two here and there, but, nothing that lasted more than a couple of seconds. At any rate, I probably would approach the desk if the noise factor became a distraction. I know I did approach the desk for another reason when a perv sat at a couple of desk away facing me behaving inappropriately. :mad:

We did have a lot of programs but depending on age and program, parents were required to be present. But, summer programs kids were left and supervised and these areas were separate from were other patrons were. Sometimes there were people who tried to use the library as a babysitting option. We were on the lookout for such folks as we could easily see who came in went in the children's section. As we observed anyone trying this we followed right behind to tell them they couldn't leave their children behind. Not always a pretty encounter, but, for the safety of the children and legalities that could ensue, it wasn't something we let slide.

I was at the library yesterday, there was a program going on for the kids, I don't recall hearing a peep, except when they were being directed to where the event was going to be taking place.
 
Libraries in California don't seem to be much. This state and their budget mess. I really don't go because I like to read a book at my pace and wouldn't want a return deadline.

I do remember however the library in my home town was very quiet. People did literally whisper and there was a kids section. There was also an upstairs. When you walked in they had rotating displays behind glass of some very interesting items and I always went their first.

Things and norms sure do change.
 
I don't go to the library very often, but the ones by me have plenty of computers to use if you need to, a separate children area and the kids stay there, and most everyone speaks in a low toned voice, not quite a whisper.
 
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