For those fellow Haligonians who visit libraries on a regular basis, I’m sure you could agree that the complete disregard for quiet is appalling at the Spring Garden location. While the purpose of desks at libraries is to provide a quiet environment for those who like to focus while reading or getting some work done, it is NOT the place to plunk your ignorant ass down opposite someone who is trying to study! To rudely disrupt them with your loud obnoxious voices all the while, is to lack any common sense whatsoever. To the ignorant brats who sat opposite me today where it was obviously a quiet table, (not one to bring your boisterous conversation and ignorance of those so devoted to studying), you fucking disgust me. You pricks need to shut the fuck up or go uselessly blab at coffee shops where noise is permitted. FYI, libraries are NOT meant to be cafes or foyers for screaming babies and children, nor are they for ignorant conversationalists. Libraries are meant for reading, studying, research, in other words QUIET activities. It really is common sense to be mindful of those around you and keep your sickening mouths shut among the books. And as if I couldn’t already be more annoyed, to top off the day, while the heavens opened up on Halifax and the library was closing, those who were peacefully minding their own business in the entry way between the two sets of doors, only waiting for a ride, you central library, carelessly forced all of us outside in the pouring rain. How disrespectful! You are absolutely despicable! If it weren’t for all the users of the library many of the jobs would be impossible. It is ridiculous to kick those you once welcomed out at the stroke of 6 into the pouring rain. You couldn’t even allow 5 more minutes to loyal library goers to stand inside the doors. I am completely shocked and disappointed at your lack of humanity. You should be ashamed of the way you treated us today and because of this ignorance I definitely will not be supporting this service anymore. —Disgusted student longing for the old fashioned libraries
This article appears in Aug 6-12, 2015.
But they are using it as it is now intended. Gone is the solitude and sanctuary; it has been re-purposed as a mixed space which apparently includes a children’s sword fighting arena (as proven by my last walk by). Now, it is now easier to read/study/meditate in the middle of an airstrip.
I hear the little boy in the Spiderman shirt won over his opponent…
You signed it correctly using the moniker “old-fashioned” A library is a social place where people gather. You want quiet then book one of the study rooms (great for hook-ups too).
As a library folk, I do miss ‘old fashion’ styled libraries. But to survive and grow, they’ve had to become community hubs. That means chatting and coffee everywhere.
One time I went to the library and they had a Sunday Veterans Chorus concert going on…
not exactly promoting quiet anymore there, bub.
And wanting to stay in past closing time?
Asking for special favors, are we?
Maybe bring an umbrella when you know it’s going to rain?
Its not really a library, though, is it?
I like the hoods that gather in front of the library…it has become popular with the err…crusty ones. It is Spring Garden Road which is the equivalent of purgatory.
^^^ Monty, have you ever walked on Spring Garden on a weekday at around 9:30? It’s the time of day when people who have nowhere they have to be (such as a job) are hanging around looking for somewhere to be.
There are medical offices in the area and if one has an appointment at an hour when most people are in their place of work it is necessary to pass by those in a state of “purgatory”, as you say. It’s a strange hodge-podge of very young unemployed men, their baby-mommas (as opposed to their girl-friends who presumably serve another purpose), various panhandlers and the older folks – who seem to be simply dispossessed and lacking any other community.
I’m not sure how they arrived in this state but it’s both surreal and sad. Count your blessings!
sensible people got kindles
Spring Garden shows the disparity of the people in this city. It is a microcosm of sorts. This is off topic and unfair to the ob. He is right about the library. People are very loud and disrespectful. This unfortunately is the new norm. It’s the same on buses, etc. People tend to do what they want. I must note that a librarian called me out just this week for watching a Youtube video without headphones. The librarians can’t police 100% of the library 100% of the time. It is a huge space and people will misbehave.
Times change, it’s inevitable. People are also ruder, louder and self-entitled. Most of them are simple-minded slaves to their cell phone overlords. Poor them. They are to be pitied, not hated. Anyone who would take 3,564 selfies that he/she will despise in 30 years deserves a little slack. Plus they all have a fairly good chance of brain cancer a couple of decades down the road.
That’s why I order my books from the library on-line and have them delivered to my closest branch.
No muss, no fuss, no annoying people noises. You do have a choice.
libraries have changed. people seem to like noise more now. need it around them, activity, lights, noise, movement.
personally, ick. but no point in having a library that is empty.
for those of us who like the quiet and solitude of browsing books, there is always the home chair and internet. plus you can get a cat on your lap and a drink.
There likely won’t be many new libraries built. They are a relic. Welcome to the 21st century.
Libraries need to evolve to suit the needs of the community. How many community groups could use free meeting space? Reading in silence is a solitary act, perhaps no longer suited for community space.
http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archiv…
I agree with the OB. Yes, libraries are changing into full community hubs now but that’s no excuse for the lack of quiet spaces. It is, after all, a library – a place meant for reading. Maybe certain parts of the library should be designated quiet places. And on that note, what’s up with people who walk into a faraway corner of the library where everybody is enjoying some silent reading time, just to start yapping at the top of their lungs?? Show some consideration ffs!!
Closing time, is closing time. How are they going to know when the rain is going to stop? Unless you’re made of sugar, unable to comprehend a weather forecast or new to the East Coast; suck it up buttercup. Walk across the street and buy some tea while you wait out the rain. What employee would want to be responsible for the crazies that were actually rude enough to stay until closing?
Newsflash; you’re supporting this service whether you use/like it or not, the same as the rest of us- through our taxes.
I made the horrible mistake of going to the Kesha Goodman library to study one day…..hahahahahahaha omg, it was like a mall, or a daycare. NO whispering, everyone was talking and the kids running around in the adult section. What a joke…my daughter informed me if one wants to truly study one must go to the University libraries. I think this city needs a Crash Crawlies or something, a place where wee ones can scream and run around…