General Chat

I fully agree with you Janet and again it is about striking the correct balance.
In one of our larger branches there is a definite issue with older school children and "Study Leave", when their exams are approaching.
As there are reference books and Wi Fi available, they do tend to come in in large peer groups which does indeed become a nuisance.
They accept that they cannot use their phones for conversation or bring hot take away meals and drinks into the library.
The problem then becomes their.... constant movement.
They are always moving in and out the library, ( in groups) answering calls, toilet and food breaks ect... We had had a number of complaints from other members of the public who use the resources for genuine quiet study time.

It is really a hard one to call, but we are addressing the problem.

Many years ago you were petrified to even talk in my local library. Once I sneeezed loudly and was met with a chorus of ssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhh. I am pleased to say its a much happier place now very relaxed and welcoming to both children and adults.

That sounds a great library Anne, I guess you are not in Gloucestershire where they shut some libraries and some have gone over to being run by volunteers who, although doing a worthwhile job are not going to have the expertese of librarians. But I like the sound of the craft groups etc.

Yes Ann,
One of the reasons that we are trying to make it accessible to everyone is to prevent closures or volunteers taking over!
Librarians nowadays have a very different role than in the past.

As library assistants, we use our own knowledge or, like everyone else... we refer to the net
www.fantasticfiction.co.uk
This site helps to answer loads of enquiries re fiction books and authors.
It is especially good for finding titles which form part of a series or even other pen names used by the same author

Our libary here in Spain has a creche area conveniently placed under a concrete staircase which reflects the screams out into the main building.

Spain is generally a noisy country so one eventually gets used to it, but I always keep a single useful phrase handy which you might like to learn:

"Oi! Shut the Feck up!" :-D

Oh Malcolm.... I prefer " Haud Yer Wheesht"