Readers respond loudly on noisy libraries

heloise

Readers respond loudly on noisy libraries

Dear Readers: We had a comment from a reader regarding how loud and disruptive her library was. We asked readers for their comments, and boy, oh boy, did they respond! Here are some of the remarks:

UFrom Carol, via e-mail: “From childhood through adulthood I have been an avid library patron. Libraries used to be quiet places. We were taught in school to use our quiet, indoor voices while attending the library. I now find that the library is a noisy place where it is hard to concentrate. The main culprits are the librarians!”

UFrom Meena, via e-mail: “I feel it is up to the library staff to keep the library quiet. I do not think that patrons who come to read in the library should be moved to a quiet area just because there are inconsiderate people making noise. The noisemakers should be moved to a special area — outside the library!”

UFrom Junior, via e-mail: “When I was growing up, I rode my bicycle to our small-town library to read and check out my favorite books. The librarian was always helpful, and it was always as quiet as a deserted church. Now I find adults who are talking loudly on cell phones, ignoring signs not to. There were carloads of kids being dropped off and then proceeding to run around like it was the local jungle gym. Now I do my research on the Internet and buy books at the bookstore.”

UFrom Sally, via e-mail: “Our public libraries are for all people, if they adhere to the rules. People must follow rules in other public buildings, and the library is no different. Why should a library have to set aside a separate, specific quiet area? The entire library should be an oasis of calm and peace for study or enjoyment of the offered materials. The serious library patrons are entitled to that.”

UFrom the Janetts, via e-mail: “If libraries set aside a quiet area, they are essentially restricting the serious library patrons to a smaller area for study, while unintentionally rewarding and catering to the noisy, socializing patrons by granting them the majority of the space. This is punishing the people who come to the library for its true, original purpose.”

UFrom T.K., via e-mail: “Have the library reader try this: Find a large bookstore, which has several reading areas. The bookstores do not mind if you linger, and many are attached to a coffee shop, allowing you to sip coffee while you read. This works for me!”

Thanks to all the readers who took the time to comment on loud libraries — they seem to be everywhere! Heloise

Dear Heloise: I use an empty wine bottle to water my plants. The neck is thin enough to get to the center of thick plants, plus it gives you practice for pouring wine without spilling! Brian Witmer, Lebanon, Pa.

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King Features Syndicate