the last few times I’ve taken DD (6) to the local library, we’ve been unable to stay. About 6ish months ago our library introduced a trolley of iPads. Since then, every time we go to the library there are about 8ish teenage boys (I’m guessing young teens - I don’t know if they’re the same boys everytime) congregate in the library and play video games. The problem is they are very loud - if anyone’s heard a teen playing video game at full volume, you know it’s repeated shouts of ‘kill, kill, kill’ plus lots of heckling each other. They usually congregate on a reading area with sofas which is in the middle of the kids section. DD finds it intimidating and it’s really difficult to concentrate on books with the shouting. The first couple of times, I saw someone from the library make a very disconcerted attempt to ask them to be quiet, but the last 10ish times, I’ve not seen the library staff do anything, despite being in the area frequently. The kids don’t appear to be accompanied either.
is this just how libraries are used now? Before DD, I didn’t use the local library frequently, so it might just be a change in use. I can also understand that these kids might not have devices at home, or anywhere else to congregate.
if it’s not how most libraries are used, would I be unreasonable to ask the staff if there are any work arounds (like times when the library could be made more welcoming for younger kids)? I’ve tried going at different times after school/ at the weekend but I’ve not been able to avoid the shouting yet.