tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753124101432892994.post8018923250370853305..comments2024-01-10T01:11:33.668-08:00Comments on That Blog Belongs to Emily Brown!: Rant: Should Libraries be Quiet?xemilyxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06226611626960189862noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8753124101432892994.post-91217649487819234702013-07-02T19:05:58.883-07:002013-07-02T19:05:58.883-07:00I am asking myself this very question. I remember ...I am asking myself this very question. I remember from my childhood that libraries should be whisper only, if even that. But, I now have a 3 year old. Actually he is an introvert, but he is currently in a friendly stage and is saying Hi to everyone, everywhere. I am trying to make him understand whispering, but it is a work in progress. And also, I will admit that I tend to forget to stop whispering once we are in the library. I too am a work in progress.<br /><br />The last state I lived in, this was not a problem. The two different libraries that we went to (moved twice) both had wonderful separated children's rooms. One even let you check books out in the children's section. So much easier the waiting in line with an unhappy child. <br /><br />But, now we have a beautiful art-deco library. It is one big, very echo-y room. Yet, they insist on quiet. I have been chastised twice for I and my child being too loud. One lady (librarian? I have no idea, she did not say) said "I know you think you are being quiet, but...." as I was reading a book to my child. I should have replied, I know you think you are being polite, but you are not. This last time I dared to quickly take my child to the adult section so that I could look fast at spines of books and take a couple with out even reading what they were. Just looking at the authors. Just as we were leaving I got chastised and broadly hinted that I needed to leave.<br />I know my son is not perfect. But, he was not running around and was mostly just wanting to sit on the chairs. I feel unwelcome and unwanted in that library. Luckily we have others in system. I am going to start going to another library. <br />I say work with the space you have. If you have a loud echo-y space, have more patience. How many moms would go back to a library after being chastised? A good many would not go back. I feel stressed and pressured at this library. This is not a good way to pass on my love of books to my son (although, he already does love books and the library, for now anyways).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com