To think that libraries should be places for study and quiet reflection

[fishdishwish]

...and not social spaces for yammering, wittering and flirting?

The newly-refurbished Central Library in Manchester looks great, but the ground floor section (which now houses the local history stuff & a marvellous BFI Mediatheque) seems to have been over-run with people who can't keep quiet for more than a few seconds. Kids running amok and shrieking, studenty couples nuzzling one another, people loudly conversing - the general noise level is overwhelming. Fair enough, I don't expect a bloody Trappist monastery, but it would be nice to be able to read or watch something without constant background blare.

I would love libraries to develop further as hubs for the community, there should be quiet areas but also lots of space for children, computer cafés, even the post office could be located there.

Umm yeah yabu...

The library has 5 floors, the LG has the childrens library and general library & the ground floor has the Archives muesum-esk space and a cafe. I bet you hate the fact that it hosted a gig there yesterday!

There are 3 more floors of 'traditional' library space, nothing stopping you from choosing your books and relocating to a quite space.

Yab a bit unreasonable although i do see where you are coming from - not everything should revolve around toddlers to be able to function.

Our library (to survive) has areas to appeal to different needs. Good kids section with reading mats and interactive stuff with no noise restrictions (closed room). Archives and study areas - quiet at all times. cafe and popular fiction area.

Also, sessions on tracing your family tree, silver surfer internet sessions, local historical meetings and associations.
Seems to work really well, think it's the way forward. It's like everything thing though, they need to adapt to survive but it still doesn't mean there can't be a semblance of decorum by respecting each others library-going needs - no need to be an arsehole and think you trump other people.

OK, I was being a touch tongue-in-cheek with the bit in the header about quiet reflection. Of course I think libraries should be accessible, and its great that MCL is getting folk through the door. That said, I just wish they'd separated some bits (the local history stuff & the mediatheque) away from the busier bits.