For whatever reason, whether it be for school, community activities or for simple pleasure, you've gone to the library to browse through and check out various media. But other people in there aren't being quiet, and your experience has been disrupted. Thankfully, this problem can be solved.
1Avoid being rude. While it can be very tempting at moments, remember that rudeness won't get anything done and will only create conflict. And since the person you're trying to calm down will probably react to the mistreatment by mistreating you, things will probably get louder.Ad
2Ask. Just go up to them and kindly, in a calm voice, ask them to lower their voice.
3Use nonverbal methods. Most people understand that libraries are meant to be a quiet place. A simple glare in their direction should give them a hint that a lack of silence isn't appreciated in such an environment.
4Ask a librarian or another assistant. Most librarians will be more than happy to assist you in these problems- it's their job, after all. An assistant might be more reluctant, and might not get as much attention, but they'll usually help you out, nevertheless.
5Counteract the noise. If you've got noise-blocking headphones, don't be afraid to use them. A mp3 player should also be helpful, but keep the sound down so you don't accidentally run into someone or ruin someone else's time at the library.
6Drop a subtle hint. Instead of yelling at the person or group that's getting on your nerves, do something that will help them get the point that what they're doing isn't appreciated. If they're constantly chatting while you're looking for a book, simply chew on some gum loudly enough so that they'll hear, but not so much that you're being annoying. When they ask you to quiet down, you can ask them to do the same thing.
7Wait. If they simply won't be quiet, go to another area of the library and get what you need there while you wait for them to leave. Once they're gone, get what you need and go.
- If you don't have anything else to do at the library while waiting for the rude people to leave, run any errands you may have that are close to where you are. Just be sure to get back before the library closes.
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- Become familiar with the people at the library when you visit it. This can give you an idea of when to avoid certain areas, and which sections can be the loudest.
- The next time you go to the library or bookstore, ask when the off-peak hours are, so you'll minimize your chances of having to put up with this in the first place.
- If you don't consider a good shopping or browsing experience essential every time you go out, try a get-in-get-out approach.
- Determine how long you need to browse or shop, and then go to the library or bookstore only a few hours before it closes. This is usually a quiet time for these types of places.
- Example: You need two hours at a store, and it closes at eleven PM. Get there at nine PM, and it should be quiet and enjoyable.
- If you stay there after official closing time, they usually won't kick you out, as the employees usually have things to tend to. Don't loiter around for long though- if you stay beyond closing hours, get your stuff done as soon as possible.
- This should also work at bookstores- to an extent. The employees may not be as willing to keep things down, since they may not see that as part of their job description.
- If at anytime the librarian, library assistant or bookstore employee is rude to you in regards to creating a more enjoyable environment, don't be afraid to send the library or shop an email or make a phone call to them at a later time. If they value your business, they'll take your complaints seriously.
- Try to be understanding if it's children that won't calm down. If you must, ask the parents or caregivers to get the kids to calm down.
- Don't talk to the kids directly. This will probably scare and creep them out, and anger the parents since you not only scared their children, but since you also tried to discipline their kids.