Calgary Public Library - Country Hills — Attraction in Calgary

I am writing to formally express my concern and frustration with the persistent noise levels and disruptions at the Country Hills Public Library. As someone who regularly utilizes the library for studying and tutoring, I find it increasingly difficult to focus due to the excessive noise and chaotic environment. While I fully understand and appreciate the importance of early literacy programs and the need for spaces that accommodate families and children, the lack of respect for others in a library setting has become unacceptable. Screaming children, loud running, and banging on study room walls have turned the library into what feels more like a daycare than a shared community resource. This behavior significantly disrupts those of us who rely on the library as a place to work, study, or tutor in peace—a necessity for many who do not have access to a quiet space at home. I have called multiple times and spoken with staff, only to be told to use another library or book a study room. While I regularly book study rooms, the issue remains unresolved, as these rooms do not effectively block out noise; their walls do not reach the ceiling, and the noise seeps through, defeating their purpose. The suggestion to "go elsewhere" feels dismissive and deeply unfair. It implies that those seeking a quiet environment—a fundamental expectation in a library—are not as welcome as others. I am disheartened by the lack of action to address this issue. Libraries have historically been places of learning and quiet reflection. By failing to manage noise levels, the library is alienating a significant portion of its users. Respect for all community members, including those seeking a calm and focused environment, should be a priority. I respectfully request that the library take steps to ensure a more balanced approach to accommodating diverse needs. This could include: • Designating specific times or areas for children’s programs to reduce disruptions in other sections. • Improving the design of study rooms to better contain noise. • Encouraging staff to actively manage disruptive behavior within the library space. This is not just about my needs—it is about preserving the library as a space that serves everyone, including students, professionals, and others who rely on it for quiet and productive work. I look forward to seeing meaningful changes to address this issue. Thank you for your time...

I have to say that I am TOTALLY TICKED OFF! I live very close by and come here to WORK and STUDY but the teenagers come in here to eat, chat, and fool around! They yell, and laugh at the top of their lungs, and make themselves VERY heard and VERY noticed. The library staff do absolutely NOTHING to control the environment. It is over-run with disrespectful teens. There is an ENTIRE rec center attached to this library in countryhills VEVO rec center, but that is not enough for these disrespectful and out of control teenagers. WHY are they even allowed to come into the library using loud voices and being disruptive? The fact that the staff does nothing about it, is completely irresponsible! What happened to libraries being a quiet place to work? I don't mind some chit chat, I don't expect it to be silent, although that would be nice, but COME ON! THESE ARE MY TAX DOLLARS! I might as well stay at home and study! I'm going to file a formal complaint with the city. It honestly does not hurt to have some expectations of our teenagers these days, regarding respect and courtesy, and self-restraint! A group of 7 girls came into the library with a box of pizza and a box of wings and chowed down like it was a birthday party celebration INSIDE THE LIBRARY when there's a huge sitting area with tables in the rec center! WHY IS THIS BEING ALLOWED??????? This shouldn't be a place to chat and gossip, it should be a place to read, study, and work! I feel so completely disrespected and that MY RIGHTS are being violated! This place is a complete chaotic ZOO! They close in 1 hour, and for the past 5 hours, I've had nothing but disruptions from other people, and it is impossible to concentrate! I am just going to pack up and go home! I'll get more done there! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!! This was a complete waste of my efforts...

I was there a few weeks ago and I am definitely disappointed that there was no seating available. Students took up the whole space. I walked the entire area and they were chatting but not about school projects or school work, they were socializing. The high school next door has their own library, but kids don't go there because they cannot be noisy and there are rules. Although this Public Library location prides themselves as a "welcoming environment", who exactly are they referring to? It seems like they are limiting the environment to students only. This is not ok. The noise was not at an acceptable level for a library. I approached staff and and asked if there was anywhere else I could sit and I also asked about the noise level. She laughed and responded no, this is actually a quieter day. It seems to me they are afraid to say something to the students and follow through with consequences of asking the students to leave if they are not engaging in academic activities, or reading (and not playing games on the computer. There are people who may have diverse challenges and genuinely need the computer because they do not have one at home and have documents they need to fill out etc. Perhaps designating one computer to "games" use and have a staff monitor it so that there is not 3-4 students crowding around the one student playing the game. All three staff were standing and chatting at the centre rather than walking around and making sure students are utilizing their time appropriately in the library. Vivo is a huge place where students can sit out there instead of using up valuable space that could be available to others who are looking for, and intend to do their work quietly. Getting more chairs and tables in the huge wasted open spaces at Vivo would be essential in creating a functional and welcoming...