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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be annoyed that the library turned into a kids play area?

175 replies

Camdenlife33 · 10/04/2018 10:36

My local library went under some renovations and has finally reopened. It’s a small library and the renovations seem to be an addition of a ‘little ones’ cafe and play area.

The only floor of the library, and so the only area with seating/computers, is now shared with a kids cafe and play area. It’s open plan, so the kids area is seconds away from the ‘quietest area’ of the library. The library is filled with under 5s shouting and darting around. It isn’t a general murmur of background noise, it’s actual screams/shrieks and kids running around and playing IN the library. I’m sure you can imagine what 30+ toddlers together in a play area sounds like - I thought I was at the wrong place.

I genuinely can’t focus. I’m in 3rd year uni and I came to the library to work on my dissertation before work. AIBU to find this unacceptable? It’s strange as there is both a university and a level college in walking distance to this library - I wonder why they didn’t take their visitors who would like to work/study/read in peace into account, and instead essentially turned the library into a kids play building.

(I have already left the library btw)

OP posts:
Zeze247 · 10/04/2018 10:38

Because they are the people they want to encourage to use the library! Presumably the university and college have their own libraries

Crusoe · 10/04/2018 10:40

Why not work at your uni library?

MrsJayy · 10/04/2018 10:41

Meh as they say Children are the future and the play cafe is probably keeping the library opened can you not use your uni library ?

lucydogz · 10/04/2018 10:43

I was in our library yesterday. The children's area is next to the café, so a bit more removed, but I know what you mean. It's so noisy. When did children stop being able to enjoy themselves without charging around and making a racket?

ParisUSM · 10/04/2018 10:44

Is it a planned activity that's on for under 5s, or is it just a general kids' play area? I'm a librarian and I'd be happy for my library to be running Easter activities for kids, but would not be happy if it is being used as a playground.

There should definitely be an area in the library where people can read/study/choose books without listening to screaming, that's unacceptable.

MrsJayy · 10/04/2018 10:44

Tbf you could complain to the library if you think the noise and running about was excessive

greendale17 · 10/04/2018 10:46

It’s strange as there is both a university and a level college in walking distance to this library - I wonder why they didn’t take their visitors who would like to work/study/read in peace into account

^What is the reason that you can’t use your University library????

ParisUSM · 10/04/2018 10:48

BTW, I notice your username - is this one of the Camden libraries which don't have any staff? Or is it one of the ones run by volunteers who I'm sure are wellmeaning but are ultimately not librarians, and aren't running libraries.

RunMummyRun68 · 10/04/2018 10:50

A library is a library.... doesn't matter if there's a uni library or any other nearby

FittonTower · 10/04/2018 10:53

Libraries have to do this to ensure they stay open, it makes it hard to study their but can you find somewhere quieter? Maybe at uni? A community library needs to diversify or it will cease to exsist, and no one could use it for study then either.

SeeKnievelHitThe17thBus · 10/04/2018 10:56

OP, did you see the post yesterday about noisy churches? I'm afraid that students and OAPs don't make up enough footfall to keep libraries open; young children turn up regularly to libraries and borrow large numbers of books so it makes sense to encourage them.

Ask your university if they're part of the SCONUL scheme which allows you to use other universities' libraries. You'd be able to get at least reading rights at a number of university libraries if you're not able / would prefer not to use your own university library.

ParisUSM · 10/04/2018 10:59

I don't think libraries have to do this to stay open, they have such an important role in supporting people, especially with welfare reform. I don't know how any staff could help someone fill use technology while kids are running around screaming. Yes, they take books out but that's why the activities should be planned and not involve screaming.

Sounds like a really badly managed library to me, unless it was maybe a one off.

anxious2017 · 10/04/2018 11:00

YANBU.

Yes, libraries want to encourage children to come there, which is fantastic.

However, they want children to use the library. A library is a place to find books, read books, study and learn. NOT a place to run about shrieking and being noisy. That's why parks exist.

I'm all for activities, story time and engaging children with reading (it's one of my passions as a teacher) and that's what a library is for. Not a free soft play area.

Rainboho · 10/04/2018 11:02

Public libraries have to survive. If they can get children and parents in, that can be a great source of circulation statistics - generally those that come in regularly for an organised session will also borrow a few books each time. This is also a great way of getting children into the habit of visiting a library and promoting literacy.

If they had the space, sure, it would be great if you had a quiet study area, but if you have academic libraries in walking distance and you are a student then you are already catered for.

Public libraries are taking up more and more community responsibility for various reasons. You are lucky they didn’t shut it altogether.

Pinkvoid · 10/04/2018 11:02

Yanbu although you could always use your uni library?

I don’t think libraries should be transformed into soft play, soft play exists for that purpose! It’s fine having a kids area in the library but it should obviously be filled with books, not toys...

CockOffPostmanPat · 10/04/2018 11:02

Use your university library or work at home if you require silence.

I don't think community libraries should be silent and reverent - they should be welcoming to the community, which it sounds like this one is.

StealthNinjaMum · 10/04/2018 11:03

I sympathise with op, just because op could use a different library doesn't mean she should. What about people like me who use a library to do research or want to read sections of books before I borrow them?

My own library is fantastic, my dc love going there, they have lots of events for children - usually organised by volunteers - but even then the children aren't running around screaming.

ParisUSM · 10/04/2018 11:04

Exactly anxious2017. I am a school librarian and something I have to fight is the concept of the library been a 'space' that can be used for anything. Doesn't matter what, as long as the 'space' is being used and bodies are through the door. Never thought I'd have to fight for it to remain a learning resource!

TheOnlyLivingBoyInNewCross · 10/04/2018 11:04

I am obviously not in tune with the majority of the thread but I love peaceful libraries and would be massively pissed off by the situation the OP describes.

And where I live, the university library and the public library are one and the same...

ParisUSM · 10/04/2018 11:06

PostmanPat, there's quite a vast difference between silent and reverent (don't think I've ever been in a library like that, other than references libraries) and having screaming kids running around. I don't think that is a welcoming atmosphere for the community as the library should be welcoming to all.

FauxFox · 10/04/2018 11:07

I am delighted that libraries welcome children - one of the very few indoor and free places left to go! And the added bonus of instilling a love of books and reading.

It's unfortunate that it has disturbed your study today but if it's the same where you are we are on school Easter hols this week which probably means the usual playgroups and activities are not running. Keep a note of when the "toddler time" planned sessions are and maybe invest in some headphones.

Good luck with your degree - props to you for working and studying, it must be quite stressful.

YetAnotherSpartacus · 10/04/2018 11:08

So sad that people who are not connected with academic libraries have nowhere quiet to go to read or use computers. I'm thinking of many older people in the community.

ParisUSM · 10/04/2018 11:10

YetAnotherSpartacus, or those who have to hit targets in order to receive benefits. Many do not have internet access and so rely on library computers to job search.

kaytee87 · 10/04/2018 11:10

Libraries around the country are desperately trying to remain open and part of that is trying to get more families and children to use them. My local libraries run regular Bookbug, bounce and rhyme, baby sensory, toddlers tales sessions etc.
Use your uni library if you need quiet, avoid school holidays, check their websites to avoid any special children's sessions or consider asking the library to introduce a 'quiet time' each day.

snowagain · 10/04/2018 11:11

YANBU it fucks me off too!

DH was actually taking an EXAM at the library (via learn direct) a year or so ago, after he had decided to get some extra qualifications, and had to tolerate 12 little shits screaming and wailing 15 FEET away from him. He managed to still get 90% - God knows how! But several people stopped what they were doing, and insisted they should be allowed to do the exam again...

A library is mean to be quiet, for reading and studying; it's not meant to be a fucking creche. Angry

@FauxFox

I am delighted that libraries welcome children - one of the very few indoor and free places left to go! And the added bonus of instilling a love of books and reading.

And to hell with people trying to study or read in peace eh? Hmm Which was the original idea of the sodding library!!!