Some adult (I use this term loosely because of their lack of maturity) patrons think public libraries are secretly a free day care center. I don't know where this idea popped into their heads, but I sure as Hell wish it would leave. I love it when people think that all libraries are quiet. Some libraries are quiet, but not the busy ones!
I don't actually have a patron story for you today boys and girls. Today I just wanted to vent about how neglectful parents can be with their children. Remember, I warned you that I'm ranting.
I remember thinking when I was a child that the library was a sacred place. After all, where else could you get movies and books for free? I thought of the library as a sanctuary, a place that I could be safe to read and have fun for free. Obviously, now that I'm 22, and have been in the library system for 6 years, my view is slightly askew. The library is more like a home to me. A very dysfunctional, somewhat dirty, loud, and cold home, but still familiar and oddly comforting for some odd reason.
I understand that there are parents who cannot watch their children because they are at work, or they have other commitments that prohibit them from being with their children. However, is it necessary to think of the library as a daycare? I feel like an old timer when I'm complaining about this, but I honestly don't know when this idea came about. When I see a five year old that's unattended and wandering around the library, I freak out. There are a lot of creepers in the world, and they seem to hone in at public locations like libraries. The child could easily be picked up and taken out of the building without anyone noticing.
Also it's just disrespectful to expect us to handle your kids for however many odd hours. It's not like every kid is like Matilda, (yes I'm referencing the book/movie) and will be polite and calm with just reading and learning from books. I know that we can't prevent children throwing tantrums or screaming, but I would like to not have to parent a kid who isn't mine because their parents weren't there to do it for me. I'd rather the parent(s) come in, and experience the library, the right way with their children.
Sincerely,
Your Non-Stereotypical Librarian
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