Well, libraries tend to be representative of the community they serve, or should at least attempt to. Different communities have different service needs and we're supposed to tailor to those. Different libraries also have different abilities to provide services and meet community expectations.
By no means is our Main Library quiet. We do, however, offer complimentary earplugs, and provide silent study areas. We don't ban the use of cellphones, but we do ask people to be courteous, keep their conversations brief and away from others. Cellphone conversations aren't allowed in the computer area. We have guidelines for expected behavior while in the library and we have procedures for when those expectations aren't met. I'm not sure how the WoW would be loud - unless your library doesn't require headphones for sound on the computers.
As for a capella groups -- flash mobs, ugh. What can you do? We do provide programming - and if a group comes in and expresses interest in setting up a program, and there's public interest, we'll see what we can set up.
I'm sorry your library doesn't meet your expectations. Perhaps you can contact the Board with your concerns and have them directly addressed?
We've got one of those. It plays news. One patron argued about which news it should play, so now we cycle the news channels monthly to be "fair and balanced." That patron doesn't even come to the library anymore, and each time I see Faux news on up there I cringe thinking about how we're supposed to be guiding people to reliable resources.
UGH. We let 'em sleep until they start snoring. Ya can't just lay out on the couch though, you guys. Also - ya can't fall asleep at one of the public computer stations - because that's a resource other people may want to use. We may come by and make sure you're breathing, but i could care less if you're dreaming.
Also - to that guy in the hat at the end of this story who was like, "I guess if it bugs you, you should just go wake them up." - Hell no, fool! Leave that to us professionals who went to school for this business. Why do you think I got a Master's degree in Library Science? It's so I can disrupt your R.E.M. patterns. Seriously, public interacting with the public concerning behavior is never a good idea and usually leads to more behavioral issues. It's like telling someone how to parent in the grocery store when you don't have kids.
This is not a good story for libraries and I'm a little ticked off by it. We're supposed to be a third place - away from work and away from home, where you can be comfortable. This is not welcoming.
Lastly, the preferred method of waking patrons up is to drop a heavy text at arms length onto a flat surface, or accidentally bumping their chair with the book cart.
Carry on.
Somewhere out there is probably a video of me dancing. I hope that if it is ever posted on the Internetz, that it is done so without commentary as well.
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