10/10/2026
We Won't Shush You but...
by Arielle McCune, Youth Services Librarian
I don’t remember the name of my elementary school librarian but I can picture her perfectly. Her daily uniform consisted of a smart, matching skirt suit, pantyhose, and, of course, sensible shoes. Her neatly coiffed hair was always in a short beehive and her glasses draped around her neck with a gold chain. She was the epitome of the classic librarian portrayed in movies and books and I loved her for it. She was a no-nonsense kind of librarian who demanded respect and order. In return, we received wonderful lessons on searching the card catalog, using reference materials, and learning about new stories to get lost in.
My school librarian absolutely would have shushed students if they were talking too loudly. I, of course, would have never dreamed of breaking any library rules. However, I’m sure not all of my classmates were as enamored by the smell of the books, the thrill of finding new words in the ginormous dictionary, and getting items stamped with the due date, as I was.
While I have fond memories of my childhood libraries from the 1980s, I also love how libraries have evolved into vibrant community hubs. While many people still use the library to read, study, and work, it also has become a destination to gather, socialize, and play. A well-designed library will provide spaces for many different types of library users. Some areas lend themselves well to quieter surroundings and some areas are bustling. You most likely won’t find a librarian in a matching tweed skirt suit but you also won’t see us raising our finger to our mouths, invoking the universal sign for “shush.” That being said, there is library etiquette that should be followed to help maintain a welcoming and respectful environment for everyone. I have created a list of “things not to do at the library.” For many of you, these things will sound like common sense (because they are). However, these issues occur on a daily basis at the library so I thought I’d write up some friendly PLSAs (public library service announcements) to help serve as reminders for us all.
1. Don’t blast your conversation on speakerphone. It’s loud and disruptive. We don’t really want to listen to one side of your phone conversation, let alone both sides. Don’t be that person who talks on speakerphone in public (libraries).
2. Don’t park in the no parking zone in front of the library. Despite multiple signs, people park here everyday. We need to keep this space open for emergency vehicles and pedestrian safety. The signs don’t read “no parking for everyone except you.” Yes, even if it’s “only for a couple of minutes.” Let’s get those steps in and park in a designated spot!
3. Don’t leave children unattended. If you wouldn’t leave your child home alone or drop them off at a retail store by themselves, please don’t leave them at the library alone. This is a public place. Responsibility for the behavior and well-being of children using the library rests with parent, guardian, or caregiver and not with the library’s staff.
4. No shoes on the furniture. We don’t come to your house and put our shoes on your coffee tables and couches.
5. No sleeping in the library. We’re glad you feel so comfortable here but the snoring is a bit much.
6. Don’t donate expired food to the neighborhood food pantry. We can’t put it out and now we’re just throwing your trash away for you. On a similar note, please stop donating your moldy books to the library. They are a health hazard and not even fit for the “free cart.”
7. Don’t forget your library card. While we will do a courtesy lookup, there are 45,280 registered users across six counties in the Viking Library System. We have to verify we are checking materials out to the correct patron every time you forget your card. It’s much quicker for all of us to scan your barcode.
8. Don’t bring your library books back late. Your friends and neighbors are waiting to read those books. Our book drops are open 24/7 for your returning convenience.
9. Don’t let your kids climb on top of the structures in the playroom. We have an amazing park across the street for all of your children’s climbing needs.
10. Don’t steal from the library. Did you know we’ll let you take materials home for free with your library card? That’s how public libraries work!
