Do you still have to be quiet in a library?

[Enko]

Dh and I are in our 50s and were both brought up (2 different countries) with libraries being quiet studious places.

Lately we have noticed a change in this. Are others finding this?

Is it now normal for libraries to not be quiet spaces /or have quiet spaces?

Where else can you go for a quiet space to study if not the library and you are not able to do so at home?

Ours was barely used so they started making it more of a community centre, inviting in babies for rhyme time, knitting club, book clubs etc so it's definitely noisier now but also being used. When there are no clubs it's quite but it's small so never silent.

Some do have a specific quiet study area so yes you should be quiet if you are in there...but generally no. Modern libraries are often vibrant lively places with lots going on.
I love listening to the toddlers sing.

So where can you go if you want some quiet space to study /work away from home?

@Enko you could go to one of those office share space places maybe? Or find a library with a specific quiet study room.

My local libraries encourage groups, put toys and art materials out in the children’s section, so no, they’re not usually quiet.

My local libraries are all open plan ones so no separate rooms where you can avoid the noise of the groups if you wanted to.

They are split now, with specific areas for quiet study, and other areas free to chat, have children's groups etc. During the day I imagine the study areas are fairly quiet, but after school... The sound of 50 teenagers studying probably gets deafening at times

No longer silent.

I went to the library a few years ago the day before an exam. It was an essay one with lots to remember. I went to escape a toddler and my husband. Only to have to listen to several groups of young ladies and gentleman " revising" loudly. I was a bit stressed, so I fired off an email while I was in there, as this was occurring in front of members of staff and they didn't say a dicky. Only to recieve a reply to say that libraries have now evolved into community spaces where all should be made to feel welcome 🤷🏼‍♀️ Which I get. Just wish I would have known before I pinned my hopes on a bit of peace and quiet 😂

Our local library now has security staff on site due to anti-social behaviour from school children. On several occasions gangs of kids have run riot, foughT and thrown food and books around. The library hosts toddler groups some mornings and as it’s all open plan it does get quiet loud.

The library near my old house had a study floor which was usually very quiet. However over time it became a haven for homeless people who would stay all day and some had MH issues and became unruly.

I used to go the library several times a week when I was a child and do not recall anything like this happening then.

Sadly this is a horrible sign of the times.

Our library has a room with book/computers where quite is encouraged, then an area with tables and a little kitchen which is used for groups to meet or craft sessions, then a room with toys, where they run toddler time etc, but kids can play anytime. The toys tend to be non noisy, and running/screaming would be frowned upon (they have a garden for that) but general play noise is fine, and someone will general start offering you juice and biscuits if you're their more then 10 minutes.

Ours very much try to pitch themselves as a community resource, as apose to academic or bettering. All welcome and embrace, especially in these time when people might just be looking for somewhere warm and free.

If you have a university near you then members of the public are usually allowed to use the library for free as a place to study; I just checked my current university and the one where I studied at undergrad and they both allow it. Uni libraries are usually deathly silent, especially the top/bottom floors, and will never have any small children present, so this sounds perfect for what you’re looking for- plus the book selection is vastly better.

Try asking staff when the quietest times are. Also maybe take headphones? You don't have to listen to anything, or just white noise, but it might help to block out excess sound and make it easier to concentrate.

Our libraries have some quiet spaces - I think the idea is the rest of the library it's ok to make some noise but I have been told off for my children laughing or talking or asking about books 🙄I tell those people to get in the quiet section

I work in z University library and we have different floors for different types of study..Ground more of a social area with a cafe. Group work is allowed on the first floor, 2nd is quiet study and top floor is strictly silent.

The university I work in allows the public in but many don't or they may not let visitors in during peak times of the year.

Even forty years ago, it was only the reference library that was seriously quiet. (My memory of an English library).

Our local library is open plan and every day there is an activity for the under 5s. The activity area is in the same space as the computers, so there is no peace for anyone trying to do a job search, apply for benefits or answer emails. Less than 200 yards away is the community centre with an indoor play centre, play group, Baby group and a dozen other child related activities. I know how important baby groups etc are but surely other people needs are important and a quiet space is need by adults too.

I haven’t really notice in our. But I think it’s better that they get used and don’t die out. Most people have headphones they can use, or you can buy ear defenders or earplugs if you want quiet.

This is not the norm 🤦‍♀️

Also how are you supposed to read to toddlers, and get them interested in reading, if you have to be quiet? Go and be quiet at home.

Uni libraries have also become victim to modern movements about the need to have group skills and communication practice, but still have study rooms and zoned quiet areas.

Public libraries lost quiet in favour of fashions about socialising in the 00’s. They were always quiet havens for homeless or retired people, usually men, in the 80s that I remember. They do often have trouble with feral kids now. Bigger ones will also have quieter areas still.

Security staff in a library! I’m amazed they’ve got the funding. There’s been a tendency to push library staff to work for nothing and fuzzy feelings.

Oh I remember the days of Silence in the Library
They had a particular smell I thought (was discussing this with DS1 just yesterday) that was possibly the polish used on the wooden floors and the books themselves
Newer local library is open plan with children's books and activities downstairs
Upstairs are the rest of the books and there are a few quiet study rooms leading off this. Also an IMac Suite is there.

Security staff in a library! I’m amazed they’ve got the funding. There’s been a tendency to push library staff to work for nothing and fuzzy feelings.

The libraries that have security guards often have other services in them (council parking office, registrar's office, visa interviews, fit to work assessments, one stop shops...)

Our central library has a balcony type area where it's quiet and there's always people working/ studying up there. The adult section is also very quiet with some armchairs and also work stations with computers.

The university I work in allows the public in but many don't or they may not let visitors in during peak times of the year

My university library no longer allows members of the pubic to enter.
Also, while there are many quiet spaces, in general it is a very lively spot. We used of give out earplugs.