Library Equity
The library is a sacred place for people to read, study, do homework, and cry quietly about what a mess their lives are. There are certain rules that should be put into place in regards to general respect and library equity. Here are some things to maybe considering not doing if you want to be a decent human being?
1. Don't make out with people in the middle of the library.
Out of all the places in this world to make out with someone, do you really have to do it in the library? Honestly there's a world of much more comfortable make out spots than between two bookshelves. I'm trying to read here, I don't need to see your tongue down someone else's throat, ya know?
2. Don't eat over the books.
Okay one of the grossest things has to be opening up a book to see tiny pieces of food adorning the pages or making them stick together. Why would anyone do such a horrible thing? I don't think eating in libraries is a problem, it's just when messy people taint the books that everyone uses? It makes for a pretty rough experience and no offense, but what is wrong with you? Just curious.
3. Shut up, please.
So not every library is quiet, but the general consensus of a library is silence, so even if it's not the silent floor of the library, do us all a sweet favor and keep it down. No one needs to hear about how drunk you and Stacy got last night, that's not what I came here for. I came here to not deal with any other human being, which also includes other humans speaking.
4. Return your books when you're supposed to.
Can you imagine if everyone who took out the first book in the Twilight series from a library just didn't return it? Can you imagine the chaos of the preteen world when they searched for the books, library to library, to no avail? What would have become of the Twilight universe? Would it have prevailed the way it did? Well, we wouldn't know, because Natasha and her 28 friends never returned their library books. Way to ruin the success of Twilight, Natasha.
5. Make sure you're not playing a concert for everyone around you.
You may not even notice it, but everyone can hear you blasting old Linkin Park through your headphones. I'm sure you could also hear it at a reasonable, lower volume, but since you decided against it, now everyone gets a taste of your music whether they like it or not. Thanks, but no thanks (unless it's Ed Sheeran. We can make an exception there).
Basically, recognize that libraries are libraries - not cafeterias, not group jam sessions, not chatrooms, so don't use them as such. You should try to envision what your dream library experience would be, and then make that possible for those around you too. From those of us who love and cherish our time in them, stop being an idiot in the library.