Library Etiquette

Library etiquette has changed over the years. Twenty years ago, you walked into the hallowed building that contained books on philosophy, nature, adventure, and romance with reverence. Everyone was quiet. Conversations were whispered. The library our children know today is a bustling environment that only is quiet when the doors are locked for the night.

Walk into a library today and you will hear children giggling and adults conversing. No more is a library a place for whispers. It has become another branch of the community for people to gather. Each library is different. Some still have quiet areas for those that just want to sit back and read. Others have a place where you can sit with a cup of coffee and a donut as you peruse the books. The library becomes a reflection of the community it is in.

The children’s section encourages activity. Librarians do not hush the small active children. They encourage them to read out loud, play with toys, and have fun. Read aloud times are scheduled so that children can hear stories and get involved. Sometimes small plays are put on to entertain the children.

There are meetings rooms where committees and study groups can meet. Schools, organizations, and churches make use of these rooms quite a bit. There can be rooms to listen to music or watch movies.

During the holidays and summer, activities are scheduled nearly every day. There are book sales for older books or ones that they have too many copies of. There are book drives to expand the collection the library offers. Raffles might be conducted. 

You can find copies of newspapers from all over the world. Access to the Internet opens the library to even more. There is almost nothing that you cannot find at your local library.

Since you do not have to be so quiet, what is the standard etiquette of today’s library? Typically, extremely loud conversation is still not completely tolerated. Kind treatment of books is expected. No outside food or drink should be brought in. Any trash produced should be disposed of properly. Respect to those around you should be given. Books should be placed back carefully on the shelves. All etiquette is not gone, just modified to expand the feeling of learning and community.

What is the library today? It is a place for the community to come together and fellowship amongst the greatest in classics and contemporary literature pieces. Movies, music, and books are available for all ages to enjoy. Go visit your library if you have not in the last few years. You might be surprised at what is all available to the children of today.