Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: It seems some branch libraries are day-care centers for children and safe havens for loud adults to talk on their cell phones. Nothing is done when children run screaming through the library, or some guy starts a long, blaring phone conversation next to a table that is supposed to be used for quiet research.

Our libraries have been in danger of closing due to loss of tax revenues. Those who run libraries should consider that there are other patrons besides parents and cell-phone users, people who might decide to withdraw support for these libraries as they become more and more unusable to those patrons who go to research, read and escape similar noise at home or in neighborhoods. The libraries should restore standards and insist on polite behavior from children, their parents and adults. Yes, libraries have changed in their offerings, but rudeness is never part of any positive environment. – Kay, via e-mail