Debate: Should public libraries do more to quiet down noisy visitors or let people be?

I was at the downtown branch in Portland last Saturday and noticed this one guy on his phone for a solid 20 minutes near the quiet study area. A librarian walked by twice but didn't say anything. On one hand, I get it - libraries are supposed to be for everyone, not just people who want silence. But on the other hand, there's literally a sign saying keep voices low. What do you all think - should staff enforce quiet zones more strictly or just let it slide?

2 comments

2 Comments

eva_hayes21d ago

You really nailed it with the part about "otherwise why even have the signs." That's exactly how I feel too! @andrewh95 I totally agree that those quiet zones lose their purpose if nobody follows the rules. I've been in that exact situation at my local branch where someone was chatting on their phone near the study tables and I just had to pack up and move. It's so frustrating because you plan your whole afternoon around getting work done in a quiet space and then one person ruins it. I really think staff should say something gentle but firm, it's not about being mean it's about respecting the whole community that uses those areas.

andrewh9521d ago

Honestly, the "let people be" crowd misses something big. If libraries don't enforce the quiet zones, those areas become useless for people who actually need silence to work or study. That guy on his phone was basically making the whole study area pointless for anyone else. It's not about being a jerk about it, but if the sign says quiet, staff should actually back it up. Otherwise why even have the signs, you know?