Do you remember having to be quiet in the library?

I do - talking was disallowed and would earn you a stern shhhhh! from the librarian.

Nowadays they're like a free for all internet cafe/children's play area, a refuge for the mentally ill. And they're noisy.

Re: Do you remember having to be quiet in the library?

yeah, people used to go there to study, another example of how things have changed.

Re: Do you remember having to be quiet in the library?

Yes, years ago, when I joined the library you had to be 8 years of age and know how to behave. In our local library there is often an old man asleep in one of the comfy chairs. He is homeless but refuses to accept help.

Re: Do you remember having to be quiet in the library?

yes I remember it and I loved it.

I used to go to a large old library in Leicester and I loved the peace and quiet. I would often go there in my lunch hour and browse and choose books or just sit quietly. There would be people who had clearly just come in for some warmth in winter and some to read the newspapers for free.

I love everything about books and one of my favourite games as a child was playing libraries and pretending to stamp books.

Re: Do you remember having to be quiet in the library?

Libraries are just children's playgrounds now. Some of them have groups of kids singing songs. Our local library moved last year to a new building. there are now half the amount of books and more space for children's activities, Can't parents teach their kids at home instead?

Re: Do you remember having to be quiet in the library?

Oh I used to love the library as a child and always entered the reading competition during the school holidays

It was a joy to sit in air conditioned silence ( esp in 76) and just read


Libraries have changed, they have to to survive. So many have closed through lack of foot fall

If using them for other groups keeps them open, Im all for it

Re: Do you remember having to be quiet in the library?

I remember the first time I went to a library. The lady who was taking my details before she would let me look for a book to to do my homework made me hold out my hands to see if they were clean.

Re: Do you remember having to be quiet in the library?

I guess I am unusual in that I've always hated libraries. I totally love book shops but the library used to be so oppressive. The only library I loved was the one at university where I had to do research. But in general thanks but no thanks.

Re: Do you remember having to be quiet in the library?

The Library was a great place, more sanctimonious than a Church, no self respecting thug would show his face in there.

Re: Do you remember having to be quiet in the library?

Do you know what? I can remember that too.