Do you use a library?

grandmaster · 23-04-2011, 11:12

Do you use a library if so why?
I'm attempting to use one as a resource and a quiet place to study.
I don't seem to be able to find a quiet spot at home.

I have not been anywhere near a library since school and I really want to pass this little course so i'm determined to put the time in.

However it seems to be a really noisy place, I thought they were supposed to be quiet?
I work all week so i'm hoping to visit for an hour after work but i'm easily distracted lol so I don't know if this is the best place for me...

All I have heard so far is the staff singing, mobile phones ringing and the general public talking very loudly to each other and the staff.

Is this norm? am I being silly?

Any thoughts?

GM

DaiNasty · 23-04-2011, 11:25

It sounds like libraries have changed a lot since I used to visit.

Perhaps you need a shed?

grandmaster · 23-04-2011, 11:38

I have a garage although it's not the most comfortable place.
I supposed Id be too tempted to pick up my spanners and start tinkering with my bike.
Can't win lol

**Hugh** · 23-04-2011, 11:41

Are there any Uni's near you? - they tend to let non-students in, and they have quiet areas.

LondonRoad · 23-04-2011, 13:00

Most smaller community libraries are a lot noisier than they were when I was a lad. Our nearest one has occasional craft club sessions for kids. My kids attend and they are pretty noisey.
Our larger "central" libraries have quiet areas that are ideal for studying. Your local librarian should be able to tell you if any libraries have such a facility.

grandmaster · 23-04-2011, 13:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh

Are there any Uni's near you? - they tend to let non-students in, and they have quiet areas.

The course I'm doing is an open university course, does that make me a student??
I think the closet uni is in the centre of Manchester ( feel free to update me if I'm wrong) and I work in Bolton, I chose my local library because it's close to where I live and my son swims on a saturday morning so mrs grandmaster watches him so I can try and study, well that's the plan at least.

I'll ask at the libary about a quiet area when I next go, it may even be dead during the week.

Gm

joglynne · 23-04-2011, 13:55

Our local branch library is a hive of industry. During the week it acts as a resource centre for the school next door, so there are children coming and going all the time. Then most days there is some form of group activity taking place, from toddler reading groups, poetry readings, craft groups and citizens advise drop in clinics. It's a long time since I can remember anyone getting shushed.

In fact I think our local pub is quieter during the week days.

grandmaster · 23-04-2011, 14:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by joglynne

Our local branch library is a hive of industry. During the week it acts as a resource centre for the school next door, so there are children coming and going all the time. Then most days there is some form of group activity taking place, from toddler reading groups, poetry readings, craft groups and citizens advise drop in clinics. It's a long time since I can remember anyone getting shushed.

In fact I think our local pub is quieter during the week days.

Is that a good thing in your opinion?
Does it make a better use of the building and bring your community closer?
Selfishly the only reason I am / was going was for the peace and quiet.

Gm

joglynne · 23-04-2011, 14:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by grandmaster

Is that a good thing in your opinion?
Does it make a better use of the building and bring your community closer?
Selfishly the only reason I am / was going was for the peace and quiet.

Gm

On the whole think it is a better use of a community based library than the way I remember them being used. We had a tyrannical Librarian who glared if you so much as breathed loudly within the hallowed isles of her almost empty library, taking my young son to choose his own books was not a happy and relaxed experience. I did use the Central Library quite a lot when my work was based in Manchester and that was a great place to be able to sit and work in peace but I don't know whether that has also moved with the times.

I'd offer you our dinning table to work at but maybe you have a relative or friend near by where you live that could offer you the undisturbed space you need?

grandmaster · 23-04-2011, 15:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by joglynne

On the whole think it is a better use of a community based library than the way I remember them being used. We had a tyrannical Librarian who glared if you so much as breathed loudly within the hallowed isles of her almost empty library, taking my young son to choose his own books was not a happy and relaxed experience. I did use the Central Library quite a lot when my work was based in Manchester and that was a great place to be able to sit and work in peace but I don't know whether that has also moved with the times.

I'd offer you our dinning table to work at but maybe you have a relative or friend near by where you live that could offer you the undisturbed space you need?

Thank you for the kind offer!
I may just take some ear plugs to the library lol