Q: How many librarians does it take to change a light bulb?

A: Look it up.

I came across an article this morning about libraries that are doing away with the whole quiet thing. Quick summary -- libraries are trying to change with the times (they did away with those torturous card catalogs, you know) and since we all live at such a noisy, frenetic pace nowadays, many libraries are embracing a more "active" vibe.

These libraries still have "quiet sections" for people who are there to read or study. But there are also sections for wireless laptop use, kids' corners, and teen cafes. So basically, your local library is going to be just like Barnes & Noble, except you have to return the books.

In the context of the article, a woman comments on the detrimental effect these new "active" libraries can have on kids with ADD:

"Pera said libraries have been one of the few places to truly find quiet. At home, noise from family members, neighbors and traffic often intrude. What chiefly concerns Pera about the lack of quiet - especially in children's lives - is now it can contribute to learning difficulties and attention disorders. "When people become accustomed to noise, they need louder and louder stimulation to capture their attention," she said. "It's up to parents and communities to provide the scaffolding that young people need to develop strong brain function," she said. "Part of that is helping them learn how to quiet down and focus. If the library is no longer the place for that, where can they find it?"" San Mateo County Times, 7/3/06

While part of me agrees with her, I know countless adults and kids with ADD who concentrate better with some background noise. As a kid, Jen couldn't do her homework without the radio on. Some of my friends used to do their homework while watching TV. Personally, I needed total quiet in order to focus. In college, the library was the only place I could study (that's my college library in the photo). To this day, I can't even carry on a conversation while the TV is on, but ADDers don't seem to be phased at all by background noise.

So I'm wondering what would be better for you and/or your partner -- a quiet library or an "active" library?

Comments

[Wayland Ma]

Is that library from Vassar College by any chance?