Dear San Diego Public Library Head Honcho,
I'm writing today with a concern about the evolving library culture in San Diego. I remember a time, not so long ago (really not that long ago; I'm not even 30), when libraries were quiet places where we spoke in hushed tones and were careful not to disturb patrons who were there to read or study. I've noticed a change over the past few years, though. People now speak at conversational volume. What's worse is that it's primarily library staff members doing this! These are the people who are supposed to shush us, with scowls on their faces, when we speak above a whisper; now the roles are reversed, and I'm scowling at them as they're breaking my concentration while I'm trying to study.
I can't speak to all of the branches in San Diego, but I can attest that this is common at the Rancho Bernardo and Carmel Mountain Ranch locations. I always hoped I wouldn't turn into that guy who writes letters to complain about the times a-changin' until at least my 60th birthday (coinciding with my debut as the old man who yells at kids to stay off his lawn, by the way), but I figured it'd be better to address this earlier rather than later, as I'll hopefully be done with grad school by then and it won't be as big a deal for me.
Thanks so much for your time, and for providing an outstanding (albeit sometimes noisy) public library system. Keep up the great work.
-Caleb Ruggiero
a collection of musings on life, politics, culture, and humor.
Did you actually send this complaint?? I think that's hilarious :) ...come to think of it though, I don't think I've been to the library in years -- mostly because I'm sure I owe them money, and I don't want to pay.
ReplyDelete...by the way, the word verification on this post is bagabla...I think this is a new word we should strive to incorporate into daily life as much as possible.
I certainly did send that in. I got a nice reply too, which basically said that it's OK to talk in libraries now if you're old or studying.
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