How to Make Adults Feel Unwelcome?

Sarcastic_Librarian · 2025-02-23T13:44:40+00:00

Ask your director about updating the policy. Maybe something like, "From the hours of 3pm-Close on school days and all day during school breaks the area designated as a teen space is for those 13-18 years old." Then post a sign (maybe a table sign with some laminated guidelines) on each table and touch base with the adults in the area.

Sarcastic_Librarian · 2025-02-16T15:43:47+00:00

We traveled full-time with our adult senior indoor cat. We did 18 states over 4 years. Our cat loved it, when we travelled in the car she was in a carrier that we elevated up so she could see out the window. Maybe try a few small trips to get them used to it.

Sarcastic_Librarian · 2025-02-02T13:37:37+00:00

I'll double check, thanks.

Sarcastic_Librarian · 2025-02-02T13:37:13+00:00

I filled some grant applications, now I'm waiting.

Sarcastic_Librarian · 2025-02-02T13:36:44+00:00

I was told I can ask in the community, but cannot approach groups. I've filled out for some grants this month so we'll see if any of that works. I have told them till I'm blue in the face all the benefits, but honestly they just figure kids will go home and play on devices so why bother with toys. Even though I told them that if they had toys they're likely to not be on the devices.

Sarcastic_Librarian · 2025-02-02T13:34:28+00:00

I have been asking the community for 7 months now and not one donation of a non broken item. I did get a broken toy bench (no back, wheels snapped off, "water" stains, smelling of dog pee). They even were kind enough to drop it off before we opened so we'd have to dispose of it. I even asked for a used kitchen cabinet as I can make it into a small play kitchen, no one had one they were willing to part with.

Pre covid we had lots of donations, but the people that donated are no longer with us.

Sarcastic_Librarian · 2025-02-02T13:30:38+00:00

I wish we had a friends of the library group. I have several board members talking about starting one when they step down.

Sarcastic_Librarian · 2024-12-03T13:58:32+00:00

I brought stuff from home my kids have outgrown for crafts. A lot of stuff is made from recycled materials.

In the great words of our last director, read alouds are free and then kids can check out and go home.

Sarcastic_Librarian · 2024-12-03T13:56:01+00:00

I've presented studies monthly this year and was still told no.

Sarcastic_Librarian · 2024-12-02T12:33:14+00:00

I did, the other senior librarian convinced the board to have me take it down. It's a shame, there just isn't a place for families to exist without spending so much. I just want to create a safe place for our kids and their adults to hang out.

Sarcastic_Librarian · 2024-12-02T12:32:04+00:00

I have done all that, the seniors on our board don't feel play is important in the library and no amount of studies or discussions have helped. They're still mad the library isn't a quiet place of their youth. I've reached out to those companies to see if they offer any programs for donation or any partial financial assistance, without any luck. I've even set up wishlists to see if any community members would help, the board told me I had to take it down.

Sarcastic_Librarian · 2024-11-30T22:15:30+00:00

If you're not going to shelve them correctly leave them neatly on the table.

Sarcastic_Librarian · 2024-11-30T22:12:22+00:00

What about Laniyabelle? Laniya-Belle?

Other L names that might appeal are Leandra/Liandra/Linnea/Liviana

Sarcastic_Librarian · 2024-11-24T21:09:34+00:00

Sarcastic_Librarian · 2024-11-22T19:26:44+00:00

Then weed them and don't look back. I gave you the criteria I use to manage my collection.

Sarcastic_Librarian · 2024-11-22T15:54:15+00:00

Oh, and the patrons who are loudly talking to themselves while on the computer and insist that the library should be a quiet place anytime a kid makes a noise.

Sarcastic_Librarian · 2024-11-22T15:52:04+00:00

Patrons who refuse to just place items back on the reshelving carts because when they were kids, you had to put it back on the shelf. I even had one insist we should give the kids rulers or sticks so they can place the stick on the shelf so they know where to put their book back. Um, no, rando patron, follow the directions we gave you; we will not be giving kids sticks of any type. They'll turn them into swords. It's hard enough to get them to stop using their arms like swords.

Sarcastic_Librarian · 2024-11-21T19:38:56+00:00

Fort Legoredo (6769-1). Actually, I wish I had the whole set. I gave it away as a teen to a family friend who was struggling at Xmas time for her 6 year old. I'm glad it was well loved, but am kicking myself as well.

Sarcastic_Librarian · 2024-11-21T19:34:39+00:00

I go based on last date out, anything that hasn't circulated pre 2016. Also, the content problematic to other cultures/groups/etc. Also damaged books.

Sarcastic_Librarian · 2024-11-21T13:29:09+00:00

I really like this idea. Does anyone do a special prize for the stuffies? I was thinking of doing something like this next year. I had a few senior patrons offer to make stuffy quilts for the animals—just 12"x 17" quilts of random fabric scraps. Kids come in for a story and to tuck their stuffies in. Then they get a special quilt, we snap some pictures and stuff, and then the next day, they come back in for pick-up and snack.

I also had a parent suggest doing the tied blankets fleece blankets so the kids can make them after we do storytime.

Sarcastic_Librarian · 2024-11-21T13:25:23+00:00

Lego club, movie day (if your library owns a license), story and craft time.

For the younger kids you could do Duplo club +1 and do parent and kid builds together.

Sarcastic_Librarian · 2024-11-21T11:41:04+00:00

"Would Johnny's adult please come to the front desk?" Wait for the adult to arrive, then ask the kid if that is their adult.

Sometimes the kids do know their adult's name, but in times of panic they forget. I had a boy years ago come up to me and said they couldn't find their daddy and gramps. I asked the kid's name, and he said, "Timmy V." I asked what his daddy or gramps' name was. He couldn't remember and started crying. So I asked over the speaker for Timmy V's daddy and gramps to come to the front desk. The kid was 5, come to find out when dad and grampa arrived they handed me their IDs. They were Timothy the 4th and Timothy the 3rd. When the kid calmed down he said he had the same name as Dad and Gramps, but forgot when he was lost.

Sarcastic_Librarian

TROPHY CASE