Library Noise
From PPL Comments
- "A library should be a QUIET place. The noise in this library is totally out of hand. I pay taxes for a library, not a public living room. It is impossible to enjoy searching for or reading books in this library. Get back to basics and cut the noise level."
- "What happened to quiet libraries? Maybe they went away when the internet was introduced. Kids with earphones and music so loud everyone can hear & people just sit and talk!"
- "Libraries are supposed to by softly spoken areas of our lives. I think Barnes & Noble is a lot quieter than our library. I will say, otherwise, that I love this library for every other reason."
- "In the computer use section, it would be extremely helpful if cell phone usage was not an option. It’s hard to concentrate when someone near you is talking."
- "There is way too much talking & noise by kids and adults. A library is supposed to be a quiet place to read."
Although it's true we're not a quiet library, some areas are quieter than others. If you are looking for a place to read or study, the northwest corner of the Main Level is best. In general, the closer you are to Café Libre, the higher the noise level. Fulfilling the reading, information & entertainment needs of the entire community often creates a noisy community living room. Like most successful public libraries, we are as much a community center as a place for study and research, and sometimes these two uses come in conflict.
Although we do our best to control noise or behavior which interferes with normal use of the library by others, our interpretation generally proves too strict for some, too lax for others. The library does have a cell phone use policy. You can find it posted at all library entrances, throughout the library and in the Library Policiesarea of the web page. If someone is engaging in a loud, extended conversation, please feel free to contact any staff member. We will be happy to try and resolve the situation to everyone’s satisfaction.
We designed the “new” library to resolve some noise issues. The Children’s Library is now on the Lower Level, far from the reading areas of the Main Level. Even on the Main Level, large tables and comfortable reading chairs are in the northwest corner, far from the Teen Zone and coffee bar on the busy east side.
Still too noisy? Let us know. Staff does try to maintain reasonable quiet in the library, and to be responsive to complaints from patrons who are disturbed by excessive noise. Soundproof study and meeting rooms on the Main Level are often available. We’re glad to ask a noisy group of teenagers working on a school project to move to the Bump or Elsea Rooms. Or, we might offer you use of the Valentine Room. As I mentioned earlier, we can ask a patron on a loud, extended cell phone call to take it outside, and we can ask disruptive children to settle down or leave the library.
The “silent library” most of us experienced in our youth is gone and will probably never return. Our predecessors were not able to offer the range of programs, computer mentoring, movie series, music and other activities we do either. Demand has shown that creating a comfortable atmosphere, where customers can socialize and enjoy the library, meets the needs of the majority of our patrons much more than the rigidly quiet space of yesterday.
- "Even though it is the Teen Zone, when I go after school to read or try to do my homework, everyone is far too loud and they scream and swear. It’s really horrible."
The Teen Zone can definitely get hectic, especially on Wednesday afternoons when it is crowded. Screaming and swearing are never appropriate in the library. However,kids are allowed to talk and socialize. So, even if no one is breaking any rules, it may be tough to concentrate on your homework. If you notice people screaming and swearing (or engaging in any horrible behavior), please tell a staff member. Staff will talk to the rowdy kids to be sure they know and follow the rules. If you just want a quieter environment where you can focus on your work, check out the main computer lab or the reading room on the Main Level.
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