Libraries may be quiet places, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of rules to follow beyond just keeping your voice down. Whether you’re settling in with a book, working on your laptop, bringing the kids for story time, or browsing the shelves, a little library etiquette can go a long way.
And some of the things you might assume are library no-nos aren’t actually universal rules. For example, plenty of libraries allow visitors to bring food and drinks into certain areas, while librarians generally don’t want you to put a book back on the shelf after you’re finished with it.
9 Things To Never Do At A Library
To find out what library patrons should and shouldn’t do, we asked Katie Bailey, assistant director for public services for the Alabama Public Library Service, about the habits librarians wish everyone would leave at the door.
Take A Phone Call In A Quiet Area
Libraries don’t necessarily expect visitors to be completely silent, but a phone conversation can quickly disrupt people who are reading, studying, or working nearby. If you need to take a call, step into a designated area where talking is permitted or, if possible, take the conversation outside. Even a quiet voice can be distracting in an otherwise silent reading area.
Forget To Silence Your Phone
You don’t always have to turn your phone completely off when you visit the library, but you should be mindful of the sounds it makes. Put your phone on silent or vibrate, particularly if you’re spending time in a quiet area. A ringing phone, notification alert, or loud text tone can be disruptive in a room full of people trying to concentrate.
Write In Library Books
This one should be obvious, but it bears repeating. Don’t write in, highlight, underline, or otherwise mark up a library book.
“We definitely don’t like when people make notes in books,” Bailey says.
Even if you think you’re adding a helpful note for the next reader, remember that the book belongs to the library and will likely be used by many people after you.
Assume You Can’t Bring Food Or Drinks Inside
This is one rule you shouldn’t assume applies everywhere. Many libraries allow food and drinks in at least some areas of the building.
“Lots of libraries actually allow people to have food in libraries,” Bailey says.
Some may restrict food and drinks around computers or other equipment, while others may simply require drinks to have a lid or top. The best approach is to check the library’s posted rules rather than assuming food is universally prohibited. And, of course, clean up after yourself.
Play Music From Your Phone Without Headphones
This one is less complicated. If you’re listening to music, a podcast, a video, or anything else on your phone, use headphones.
Even if you enjoy what you’re listening to, the people around you may not; they came to the library for their own reasons.
“I think this should be a universal norm!” Bailey says.
Let Your Kids Run Around Or Leave Them Unattended
Libraries can be wonderful places for children, but they’re still public spaces where kids can hurt themselves or someone else if they’re running around unsupervised.
Bailey notes that children who are allowed to run freely or are left unattended could injure themselves or others. Parents and caregivers should keep an eye on their children and follow the library’s rules regarding supervision and children’s areas.
Ignore Posted Rules
You may have noticed signs throughout your local library explaining where food is allowed, how to use certain spaces, or what behavior is expected.
“Most people don’t read our signs, which is pretty ironic for a place that promotes reading in general,” Bailey says.
Rules can vary from one library to another, so don’t assume that the policies at your neighborhood branch are the same as those at another library. When in doubt, look for posted guidance or ask a library employee.
Put Books Back On The Shelf Yourself
This may be the biggest surprise on the list. Librarians generally don’t want you to reshelve the books you’ve been looking at.
It might seem helpful to put a book back exactly where you found it, but even a small mistake can make a book difficult for library workers and other patrons to locate.
“Librarians (and) library workers actually don’t want you to reshelve your own books,” Bailey says. “A lot of times when people do this they don’t put the books back where they actually went and then it makes it hard for us to find that book or those books in the future.”
Instead, leave the book in the designated spot for returned or browsed materials, or ask a library employee where they’d like to leave it.
Take Up An Entire Area Without Considering Other Guests
Libraries are shared spaces, so be mindful of how much room you’re using, particularly when the building is busy. Spreading your belongings across multiple chairs or tables, occupying an entire study area when others are looking for somewhere to sit, or otherwise treating a communal space like your personal office can make it harder for other patrons to use the library. You don’t have to pack up your things the second someone walks by, but a little awareness of the people around you can go a long way.
A Few More Things Librarians Wish You’d Stop Doing
There are plenty of other habits that may not make our official list, but can still make a librarian’s day considerably harder.
Don’t dog-ear the pages. Even if you do it at home, folding down the corner of a library book damages a shared resource. (And yes, some librarians admit they do this to their own books, too.)
Don’t sign up for a library program and not show up. Many programs have limited spots, so failing to attend can mean someone else missed the opportunity to participate. If your plans change, cancel your registration when possible.
Don’t ask a library worker to find a book based solely on its color. Librarians can work some serious magic when it comes to tracking down books, but “it had a blue cover” isn’t always enough information to go on. If you can remember the title, author, subject, approximate publication date, or even where you saw it, share whatever clues you have.
Don’t damage library materials and then lie about it. Accidents happen. If you spill something on a book or accidentally damage a DVD, game, or other library material, tell the library. Being honest gives staff a chance to figure out the best way to handle the situation.
Read the original article on Southern Living