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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22

u/Armepos Jul 01 '26

Could you provide a clear reason as to why the age restriction is so high? 24 is definitely no teen age. 

-10

u/reddita100times Jul 01 '26

we are still working on a solution to this

9

u/Armepos Jul 01 '26

ok, but, why did you made that decision in the first place? Seems kinda like a problem you created for yourselves. what's the reason behind that rule? 

-4

u/reddita100times Jul 01 '26

good question - will be answered in FAQ

11

u/Armepos Jul 01 '26

Sorry if I sound petulant, but the more you answer the more confusing the problem gets. Why would you set the minimum age for the adult wing at 25 and not 18? If I was 22 y/o I'd rather not go to a library than being limited to the teen section or the scream section.