[Publib] Adults in children's area

[King, Jamie]

I believe Wynita was making a valid point, asking if it would be ok to
ban children from the "adult" part of the library, since sometimes they
get out of hand.  It's not necessary to imply she hates sweet little
children.  Believe it or not, brats do exist in this world, and they
often come to the library.  

I don't have kids, but why is it "almost impossible" for a parent to
watch their child in the library?  Having worked in public libraries, I
know it is indeed the case a lot of times for parents to let their kids
run loose or, even better, drop them off alone for a few hours.  But I
was always bothered by that and wondered why the parents wouldn't want
to keep an eye on them, especially since you have pointed out what a
horrible, dangerous world it is out there.  I wish more parents would
understand the library is not necessarily a "secure public space" or a
babysitter.  Ultimate responsibility for protecting children lies with
their parents, not the library.  Again, I don't have kids so it's very
possible I'm not getting it, but that's my perception.

Jamie




"subs itoors" wrote:

> Hello Wynita:
> 
> I'm afraid I'm in complete disagreement with you. First of all, I'm
> sad that you use the word brat to describe children--especially anyone
> who works in a public service job. But I will not get drawn into an
> argument with you about your attitude towards future generations.
> 
> It is almost impossible for a parent in a larger children's library
(for
> example the 6,000 square foot space near us) to watch their child all
> the time--not to mention that it is an important developmental issue
to allow children of a certain age the autonomy to walk around secure
public spaces.
> 
> In the city I live in, kids are stolen from public places ALL THE
> TIME. That is how the rule evolved.