AIBU to say don’t go to the library if you are just going to let your kids do what they want?!

[Dodorogers]

Been to the library with toddler this morning, two kids playing snap (not a library toy) and shouting so loudly we had to move to actually read a story, mother kept giving me apologetic looks but didn’t actually say anything to them just sat on her phone. Other family there had three boys who were shouting and fighting and riding round on the dog seats. One of them also came and took the book we were about to read. AIBU to say why go to the library?! Go to the park or stay at home?! They also left toys and books everywhere.

And libraries tend to be open plan now, so noise isn't just limited to the children's section. You can hear it all over, so if you've gone to work or study or just read quietly there's no peace and quiet.

When I was growing up, our local library had separate rooms with doors that closed for the children's and reference libraries. And Miss F, the long serving and highly respected children's librarian, would not have tolerated misbehaviour or mistreatment of books anyway.

It’s not great parenting, however, anyway you can get more kids to read, feel comfortable and enjoying libraries the better.

if I want quiet time at the library I don't go during school holidays and if I do - it'll be early ☺️

It's great that families are using public spaces though. Especially since families are poorer these days.

If these community spaces close down because "people didn't go" you'd be first to complain about that too. "Use it or lose it" is what people say and people are "using it"

People are different and will parent differently than you. Live and let live 💐

We go twice a week so we do use it and pay for classes at the library. My problem is with other people making it difficult for others to use it! And to leave it in a state for other people

Also we live in a very affluent area these definitely were not poorer families.