Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 13:49     Subject: Where to get an old school library experience
The Noyes library in Kensington is great
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 13:47     Subject: Where to get an old school library experience
The Georgetown Library’s kids section is great. Some tables, a large floor area, and the librarians are always asking if you want guidance. They put out books based on specific holidays/interests/topical events, etc. I’ve never seen anyone on computers in that area.
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 13:28     Subject: Where to get an old school library experience
I think most of the Arlington libraries fit this bill. There are some screens at the Central one but not a ton.
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 13:15     Subject: Where to get an old school library experience
I don’t think they exist anymore. The kids section in our local public library is full of kids watching trashing YouTube videos on the library computers (they are very visible) and homeless people squatting.
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 12:39     Subject: Where to get an old school library experience
Gkencarlyn
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 12:03     Subject: Where to get an old school library experience
Go to the library at a different time of the day. For instance, some branches will have a lot of teens come in after school but at other times it will be slower.
Try a different branch.
Try one in an area where there are fewer families. They will still have a children's section/area.
Talk to the staff and get to know them. They can tell you about programs like storytimes and recommend books.
Libraries have different personalities or vibes or moods, if you will. Try different ones to see what you like.
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 11:56     Subject: Where to get an old school library experience
I've been to many libraries in the area and have rarely seen kids on devices.

Where are you? You'll get better recs if we know the area.
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 11:46     Subject: Where to get an old school library experience
Anonymous wrote:
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 would ask the library if they can make a screen-free space for young kids. Its needed in our society.



NP, but YES!

I'm so annoyed that they have computers in the kids section with video games and coloring games on the screens. Obviously all the kids are drawn to it like a magnet.
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 11:44     Subject: Where to get an old school library experience
My kid goes to the library but doesn't use the computers. Why isn't that an option?
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 11:36     Subject: Where to get an old school library experience
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
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.



Have you tried a public library?

They still exist and, shock of shocks, are exactly as you describe.



Did you read the OP?


Yes I did
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 11:32     Subject: Where to get an old school library experience
The Takoma neighborhood branch of DCPL. Lovely old building. You can get a DC library if you live in the DMV area.
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 11:28     Subject: Where to get an old school library experience
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 would ask the library if they can make a screen-free space for young kids. Its needed in our society.

Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 11:14     Subject: Where to get an old school library experience
Anonymous wrote:
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.



Have you tried a public library?

They still exist and, shock of shocks, are exactly as you describe.



Did you read the OP?
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 11:07     Subject: Where to get an old school library experience
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.



Have you tried a public library?

They still exist and, shock of shocks, are exactly as you describe.

Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 11:05     Subject: Where to get an old school library experience
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.