Quiet, this is a library

Hey Dan!

So I was on Google Maps getting directions to the Brookville library when I noticed someone had written a review. I went ahead and read it (it was from August of 2007) and felt compelled to write a ‘reply’ review, tee hee hee. Is it something you could possibly copy and post up on the District blog? If you can here is what the first review said, and then my ‘review’ follows. Just thought I’d see.


Rebecca M Arthurs Memorial Library

Quiet,this is a library‎ - David Brosius‎ - Aug 20, 2007

"I recently went to this library to study and was appalled at the noise level of ignorant people talking over at the internet computers as if they were in a truck stop and not a library. I left disgusted. Non of the employees said anything to them. I didn't see any signs saying to be quiet. Mrs. Crist would never have put up with that when the library was on Main Street. She made sure it was quiet. PLEASE do something about this and thank-you."

Response to "Quiet, this is a library"‎ - Rachel‎ - Today

"I am the director of a small public library in Pennsylvania. I do feel badly that the person who previously posted had such an unsatisfactory experience at the library, but I hope they learned something about the changing environment of libraries in this new technological age. The old stereotype of libraries as quiet, dusty, dim tombs reserved for haggard old ladies and elderly men reading newspapers is obsolete. You won't find many libraries anymore that employ little old ladies running around shushing everyone. Even in smaller libraries nowadays you can find all kinds of new technological gadgets from video game systems (XBox and Nintendo Wii's) to laptops to audiobooks on MP3 players.Libraries today are quickly becoming the hub of their communities (if they haven't already earned that title) as the economy continues to shrink and resources become tight. Many rural communities do not have the resources to provide other centers where various age groups can go and just 'hang out' or socialize. A lot of communities don't have a YMCA, a rec center, etc., and the public library has quickly become a suitable substitute as more and more focus is given to technology. If a library has internet (and nearly all do) then they will have a constant flow of patrons of all ages. Online games, social networks like MySpace and Facebook, and email are free ways for people to connect and keep in touch with friends, family, and the world at large. Libraries offer programs ranging from yoga to knitting to video game tournaments. We are all-encompassing.In all honesty, as a library professional I have to smile at the thought of a library bustling with patrons ~ it means we are doing our job. If you need a quiet place to study ask the library staff if there is a location in the building away from the computers, or ask them if they could address the patrons who are being too noisy. Don't look for signs in libraries anymore restricting noise. That is a thing of the past.And the very last option: Bring a set of ear plugs:)"