I don't expect children to be angelic I do expect parents to step in when they're not being.
Chib - libraries are not community centres. I don't expect silence but neither do I think lots of noise is acceptable either. The thread I and the op referred to the council had by the sounds of things turned it into one step away from a nursery! And whooping and screaming was happening.
Child areas great, with children's books and even a few book related quiet to play toys. But it's one of the VERY few places those who can't afford a computer can go to access and use one and they generally need to be using it to access much needed advice, apply for benefits, update UC and job seeking journals (and they face hugely punitive sanctions if they don't do it right and the sites are a pain to use) apply for jobs, apply for education and training etc it's also one of the very few places I can think of that is fairly guaranteed to be a quiet, calm but public place. Several posters on the thread were annoyed at this happening to libraries as it further reduced where they could find such a place (where it's needed because some people really cannot for medical reasons cope with noisy places) either for themselves or for their children with Sen or elderly relatives who found noisy places stressful/intimidating. It was also pointed out its one of the few places for children in difficult situations at home to have a quiet place to study.
That's several groups being disadvantaged for the needs of ONE group who aren't in as much need. There are other places for young children to play and be noisy. A library is not an appropriate place for this.
Also you say outside school holidays iirc this was mainly babies and toddlers so there in school term time too.
It also depends on the layout. In this case it was all open plan so no noise control possible. Sounds like yours has separate rooms for different usage. That makes a huge difference to users.
I love libraries and took dd from she was tiny, but she was expected to behave appropriately and if she didn't I took her out so as not to disturb other users. That's just good manners. We were still able to enjoy and read and find books for her to enjoy and participate in organised events - quietly.
And the cuts are no excuse. Quiet community spaces for those that need them are just as important as ones where little kids can let off steam. Instead of just accepting "oh well...cuts" we should be fighting to keep the things that matter and support the WHOLE community.
Yes we were all children once - and we'll most of us (hopefully) get to be elderly too - that part seems to get forgotten.
Yes Helena I've seen threads where employees working far from family and friends are basically alone at Christmas and new year because they're having to work because a parent can't POSSIBLY be away from their child for even a few hours on Christmas Day 
Eggsandchips (that's made me hungry 
waiting on dd getting home)
Yes it is but I think it's high time carers were afforded reciprocal rights and support. If nothing else it would keep more of them in paid work which you'd THINK even tories could appreciate. But no.
The elderly and their carers are virtually ignored in uk. Several family members have been carers/in need of care. The amount of fight you need to get BASICS sorted is ridiculous - but that's another thread.