AIBU about library? If I’m not, can I say something?

[Amianidiott]

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.

Yeah I would say something if it is literally going to stop you going. While I agree emailing management is a good idea, I would also say something to the staff in there. I'm sure at least some of them don't like it. And they might not feel comfortable themselves challenging the boys, hence they do little. And I think everyone who tells them they are thinking of stopping coming gives them support with management if they feel the same.

On a practical level, surely it isn't appropriate to be giving kids access to computer games in the library?! Potentially they are in there all day as they are playing things they aren't allowed to at home!

Digital inclusion for you.

Agree with writing to the head of Library Services - if no joy, raise it with local councillors too.

As an ex-librarian, the iPads and gaming areas are a great strategy for keeping kids interested in libraries. Often, the kids who would play on them would end up browsing books - lots of the time graphic novels. It's inclusive, and it's important considering the direction the world is moving. A library isn't just about books (and I say this as a qualified bookworm); it's a community hub.

However, the areas need to be watched. Noise restrictions still apply - or they did in my library. I wouldn't have been at all happy to find out that this was causing disruption, so I don't think there's anything wrong with an email. Please keep in mind that the staff you see on the floor often (not all the time, though) aren't librarians and hold no sway in the running of things, so it's not their fault. Some are even volunteers, and aren't necessarily trained in situations like this.

If you email management, it's likely that it'll be taken up in a meeting and trickled down and dealt with appropriately, by people who feel confident and have the adequate training.

We’re at the library just now and have spent over an hour here. They have games etc for children. In this situation I would email the council to voice your concerns. It’s not a great initiative if it drives others away.
do you have a community FB page you could post on to see if others are experiencing the same?