Library Doors are Open to Kids A version of this article appeared in the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle - November 3, 1999 Library Doors Are Open to Kids Recent media attention regarding the efforts of one of our branches to control disruptive youth may lead to false conclusions regarding our policy on after-school use of the library by young adults. For the record, the Central Library and all 10 branches of the Rochester Public Library welcome and encourage after-school visits by children and teens. The library is a great place to do research, use the Internet, do homework, borrow books, CDs, videos or simply just read. So that everyone can enjoy these activities, it is necessary to enforce some basic rules of conduct that include a prohibition on shouting, running, throwing objects, loud talking and rough housing – it’s just common sense. Our librarians are aware that kids need to let off some steam after being in school all day and they tend to overlook all but the most disruptive behavior. However, if things get out of hand, it is necessary to take steps to enforce the rules. From time to time, librarians have had to establish limits on the number of students at workstations and tables, bring in security staff or, in the case of the Arnett Branch, temporarily limit access to only those students who are using the library’s resources or homework center. These are temporary solutions to temporary behavioral problems, and they certainly run counter to our desire to have more rather than fewer kids using the library. We recognize that, ultimately, we need to engage these young adults while they are in the library and steer them to wholesome educational and recreational activities. We need to expand efforts to provide after-school homework assistance. We must work hard to connect youth to services available at recreation centers or organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club. We need to have more PCs and computer training sessions for kids. We need to have more staff and volunteers working one-on-one with young adults to guide their behaviors. We need to expand our library facilities to create appropriate areas where kids can socialize and interact without disturbing other library users. We need to identify and mentor disruptive kids to ensure they get on the right path. Our librarians are trying to do their best with limited resources to deal with these formidable needs. We will continue to explore the solutions, partnerships and resources necessary to provide productive and constructive after-school programs and activities in our facilities for young adults. Until then, we will gently encourage kids to follow a few simple rules of behavior while visiting the library so that everyone can make the best possible use of the facility. | Central Library Home | General Information | LIBRAWeb | Central Library of Rochester and Monroe
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