The matter of discipline,in a small public library,where the loan desk with its unavoidable attendant confusion,is so near the Reading Room as to furnish a cover for the whispering and fun--is not the easiest problem in the world to solve.There is nothing we desire more than to have every man,woman,and child love the library.To wet blanket the enthusiasm with which they seek our sanctuary the instant school is over,surely would not be good administration.The majority come to do serious work;it is only a few who use it as a trysting place and who disturb the "Absolute silence"which we profess to maintain,(and of which we have tangible reminders conspicuously posted)and yet we realize that those few irrepressibles may prove most annoying to serious readers.Tact is necessary and methods must be devised to correct this without using so much severity or nagging,as to drive away the thoughtless.Often we have arranged to do some reference work,looking up material for club programs perhaps,at the hour just after school when the older children flock into the reading room.This can be done at the tables and "sitting in their midst"has a salutary effect.Of course it could not be done with a staff of one or two.
During this last winter the high school arranged for seven debates.The unbounded enthusiasm of those taking part resulted in a total ignoring of the rules;groups of debaters stood about hotly contesting points,causing consternation to the staff until the plan of giving over to them the newspaper room,(not used by the public)was carried into effect.Every effort is made to keep the good will of the older boys and girls,and it is only with these that there is any suggestion of trouble.The children's room,especially since we have had a children's librarian,is under perfect discipline.There are dissected maps,quiet games,and stereopticon views on their tables beside Caldecott's and other picture books and they are so well entertained that there is no occasion for mischief.
Extreme measures are not resorted to among the older boys and girls except on rare occasions.If,after being spoken to once or twice and perhaps sent out,they still prove obstreperous,they are suspended for a month and this has always resulted in reform.
In no case have we found it necessary to resort to aid from the police.I should like very much to have a club room,or "conversation room"perhaps it might be called.The shelves of the newspaper room are filled with magazines for binding and these are often misplaced and even torn and lost when that room is used;besides it is in the basement and out of sight.The ideal room would have glass doors and the occupants in sight of the staff all the time.Then the high school students could come from the strict discipline and restraint of the school room and have a quiet discussion of their work or even a social chat and be in a much better place than the cigar stores or post office.
Miss Grace Blanchard,Concord,N.H.
When a librarian is much "dressed up"and can take time to play that she is an agreeable hostess,all children,whether little aristocrats or arabs,enter into the civilized spirit of the occasion and become more mannerly.
Miss Lucy Lee Pleasants,Menasha,Wis.
To achieve the best results,the librarian should never make an enemy and should lose no opportunity of making a friend.If children talk at the tables,separate them by asking them politely to change their seats.If they have really something to talk over,such as a lesson or a sleighride,permit them to go into another room to discuss it.They will appreciate the privilege and will behave better in consequence.
I have known a gang of little boys,who had the habit of coming to the reading room to make a disturbance,completely won over and converted into agreeable patrons by being captured red handed and told an amusing story.Children who come to the library are like everybody else--very apt to treat you as you treat them.
Mrs.C.P.Barnes,Kenosha,Wis.
About a year ago,I submitted a rule to the Board for their approval,and asked permission to have it printed on cards,for use on the tables in the reading room.It was worded as follows:--"A rule has been made that no whispering nor talking shall be allowed in the reading room,even for purposes of study.
For the good of the public,this rule will be strictly enforced,and anyone failing to observe it will be requested to leave the building.By order of the Board of Directors."It has been more effective in promoting order than any other experiment.Of course it occasionally happens that the card is overlooked or unheeded,but it is a very simple matter to hand one of these cards to the offender,and with a pleasant smile say,"We have no choice but to enforce this rule"and the deed is done.
Miss Helen L.Price,Merrill,Wis.
When we know our young scamp and always speak to him in a spirit of good fellowship when we meet him,and take an opportunity in the library some time when there is no one to be disturbed,to discuss postage stamps,chickens,rabbits,or,best of all,dogs with him,he will soon lose all desire to torment,and when it is only exuberance to contend with,then that is easy.
For malicious disturbance,we send the offender out,quickly and surely and discuss the matter with him later,if at all."Go--quickly and quietly--and no noise outside if you want to come back."Miss Agnes Dwight,Appleton,Wis.
We do not have absolute quiet all the time and I do not aim to have,but it is a favorite place for all ages to come.I,myself,never tell a boy that if I have to speak to him again I shall send him out.He goes the first time if it is necessary to speak to him at all.That sounds savage,but it is a long time since Ihave had to be so cruel.We have the goodwill of the small boy,that is for the time being,they may begin to act up at any time.
Mrs.W.G.Clough,Portage,Wis.
