Where to get an old school library experience

[Anonymous]

Go to the MLK library in DC. Wonderful kids section with a few seating areas. There is even a wooden slide in the stairwell. You can go to the cafe in the Portrait Gallery courtyard across the street while you are there.

[Anonymous]

OP, I'm not sure where you live but try another branch near you if you can. In Montgomery County, I have not observed what you're sharing here - yes, there are usually children playing in the children's section, but this is encouraged because they are playing with toys provided by the library. Every branch I've been to has quieter areas for those who are looking for quiet work space, and computers are either minimal in children's sections (I think Aspen Hill has just a few) or located outside the children's section (Rockville has this set up). Every branch I've been to has staff who are happy to ask questions, and you just need to choose a branch to become a regular at if you'd like to build relationships.

[Anonymous]

Georgetown DCPL is awesome. I remember back in the day when, if your kid read enough books, you could get free Nats tickets.

Little Falls in Bethesda has a very midcentury modern, old-school feel to it. It's an old, smaller library but it's very charming.

[Anonymous]

Agree that Takoma Park in DC is lovely. Not known by many so let’s keep it a secret it is such a great building. Also homeless free!

Avoid Georgetown and Ward 3 libraries. The sad reality is these became homeless shelters at this point. Tenleytown is terrifying.

[Anonymous]

I like the central ffx library.

[Anonymous]

I've been to several libraries and each has a seating area next to the children section in addition to young kids play area. There are screens in those libraries too but I've never seen children using them and I go regularly.

[Anonymous]

I’ve never seen a kid on a library computer at our branch (Connie Morella/Bethesda) except to look up a book. Those computers are just outside the kids section. However, I rarely see a dedicated kids’ librarian either if that’s what you’re looking for. It’s more of a browse on your own situation.

[Anonymous]

I go to various libraries a lot. I have not seen children on screens playing video games. I see kids picking out books. I see adults on computers. I see kids/teens working with tutors. Last night, there was some sort of rousing literary trivia night in the one I was at with people from late elementary to senior citizens.

I think this is a troll just trying to stir up nonsense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I go to various libraries a lot. I have not seen children on screens playing video games. I see kids picking out books. I see adults on computers. I see kids/teens working with tutors. Last night, there was some sort of rousing literary trivia night in the one I was at with people from late elementary to senior citizens.

I think this is a troll just trying to stir up nonsense.

Same, I live in Fairfax and regularly go to libraries and haven't witnessed kids on screens at the library.

[Anonymous]

Not sure where OP lives but we lie in Fairfax County and regularly go to three different libraries near our home (Chantilly, Reston, Herndon) and all three have what OP is describing. The only computer near the children's section at our libraries is the card catalog computer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not sure where OP lives but we lie in Fairfax County and regularly go to three different libraries near our home (Chantilly, Reston, Herndon) and all three have what OP is describing. The only computer near the children's section at our libraries is the card catalog computer.

Meant to say - what OP wants. Not what she says she sees. I never see kids on screens at the libraries we go to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not sure where OP lives but we lie in Fairfax County and regularly go to three different libraries near our home (Chantilly, Reston, Herndon) and all three have what OP is describing. The only computer near the children's section at our libraries is the card catalog computer.

Meant to say - what OP wants. Not what she says she sees. I never see kids on screens at the libraries we go to.

I see what OP sees. It’s happening in my library. Perhaps it’s an inner city library issue (as this is ours). Kids often go to the library after school bc they have no where else to go. They go to pass time, not read books. The library has probably 10 computers in the kids section and they are always filled with kids on headphones watching stupid videos. Zero interest in books. I wish they would get rid of the computers. These are the kids that likely don’t have any books at home or anyone reading to them- the last thing they need is more screen time

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not sure where OP lives but we lie in Fairfax County and regularly go to three different libraries near our home (Chantilly, Reston, Herndon) and all three have what OP is describing. The only computer near the children's section at our libraries is the card catalog computer.

Meant to say - what OP wants. Not what she says she sees. I never see kids on screens at the libraries we go to.

I see what OP sees. It’s happening in my library. Perhaps it’s an inner city library issue (as this is ours). Kids often go to the library after school bc they have no where else to go. They go to pass time, not read books. The library has probably 10 computers in the kids section and they are always filled with kids on headphones watching stupid videos. Zero interest in books. I wish they would get rid of the computers. These are the kids that likely don’t have any books at home or anyone reading to them- the last thing they need is more screen time

It is one million times better for those kids to be in a library watching stupid videos (and probably getting a snack, learning how to be respectful in a public space, etc) than being outside with nothing to do but get in trouble.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I guess I am looking for what the public library used to be for children. Just a place for kids to browse and sit around for hours looking at books, finish homework, ask the librarian for book recs, and be curious. Our local library has a great kids section... which is full of toddlers doing story time (great!) and elementary aged kids glued to the library provided screens playing video games (not so great). The seating area away from the computer banks is usually full of kids on their own iPads. Where can I take my kid to experience what we did growing up? Independent bookstores aren't the same.

I'm very concerned about excessive screen use, but just to be clear, they had plenty of screens at the public library when I was a kid 35 years ago. The library was the only place I ever got to play Oregon Trail.

[Anonymous]

Where is this OP? The libraries in Arlington and Alexandria are the old school libraries you are describing.