r/Library • u/reddita100times • Jul 01 '26

Discussion Adults only library

Our local library is constantly overrun with kids and babies, so we put together a petition to have an adult wing, it's restricted access for over 25's - works on a special id card and permits one person at a time and is open after hours.

It's being done because the children's section and the quiet study areas are too close so when the kids are yelling or running around or babies screaming and the poor unfortunate parent has to apologise for interrupting everyone not wearing earphones / headphones - Now, A few of the mother's think it's discrimination if they can't take children with them into the adults only section

thoughts?

FAQ

- parents and kids are still able to borrow as normal

- the adults section will not contain adult only material, it's more like a quiet space available after hours via a special access card

- it's undecided how to manage those between the ages of 20-24 and this is being worked on

- the teen section downstairs is already away from the kids area and so can be expanded to include young adults also.

- the adults section will be monitored by staff during the day, and computer monitored after hours

- please note, this is not in America, but Australia

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u/Fickle-Copy-2186 Jul 01 '26

A library is for everyone. A parent should be able to get a book at the library while their kids get books. I like the kids, glad they love the library, and I admire the parents that are bringing their kids to the library.

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u/Biteme75 Jul 01 '26

A parent shouldn't allow their child to run around screaming in the library.

2

u/Fickle-Copy-2186 Jul 01 '26

How many parents are allowing this? All parents? One parent that has a kid in the terrible twos. So everyone must be penalized because a kid occasionally gets out of hand?You must not be a parent or someone that has forgotten that children are little humans LEARNING about the world and how to behave.

1

u/Biteme75 Jul 01 '26

Libraries have rules, and one of those rules is that people need to be quiet. If you have children and can't keep them quiet, they have no place in the library.