Traphene Hickman Library — Attraction in Cedar Hill

DO NOT ACCIDENTALLY SIT IN THE WRONG AREA. YOU WILL BE BLASTED, BASHED AND DEEMED TRESPASSING.

I had a traumatic experience at the library with 3 staff members. I had a study room booked at 11:00 am and I showed up at 10:45 am. When I got there another woman thought that the room was hers. (So we were double booked). My meeting was only 30 minutes, so I gave the woman my remaining time.

I still needed a quiet place to work so I headed over to the quiet room on the second floor and set up my laptop and work materials. A few minutes later a staff member (a girl with large black glasses) comes in to tell me that this area is for teens only. Today was not my first day working in this room and I was the only person in the room. She let me know it was policy. I said OK. But less than 1 minute or so she popped back in to repeat herself. I let her know that I was gathering my things (I needed to save all my documents), to give me a few minutes, and that she didn't need to stand there or repeat herself, " I'm coming."

As I'm exiting out of my browser screen I hear this loud man come through the door threatening me that he is calling the police and that I'm trespassing. He banged on the door, yelled at me, and continued to threaten me (so that everyone could hear). I made it downstairs to the front desk where he is now sitting. I asked to speak to someone else, however now I was being threatened by 3 people to leave or else. This same man told me that the original staff member (the girl with the large black glasses) told him she was verbally abused by me.

Everyone who knows me would know that is false, she completely made that up. But it was her word against mine, and of course, no one was going to listen to me, right? So she won, she got to see me embarrassed and get shouted out of the library. She got what she wanted. It was PERSONAL.

This is the most traumatic experience I've ever dealt with in a library. I'm a young adult, 100 pounds, and I was by myself. How can I be a threat in an empty room? The staff members didn't even give me 10 minutes before these loud threats were lashed out at me.

I was made me feel like a predator and unsafe all at the same time. The staff should not treat people like criminals There was no warning, no de-escalation, nothing. Automatically TRESPASSING. My side was not even heard.

PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE STAFF. If you make any error you could be LEGALLY harmed for hurting...

Beautiful Space, But Far Too Noisy for a Library

I was a dedicated patron of the library at its old location. I am also a librarian of 25 years. So, I am quite familiar with libraries and programing. I visited the new library location several times, which boasts a stunning design and welcoming décor. The architecture is modern, and the interior is inviting, making it a pleasant place to be visually. However, the experience quickly deteriorates due to the excessive noise levels. It is definitely a place for ONLY small children. While we want encourage children and families, there has to be standards in place so that all can enjoy the library experiences.

If you're interested in hearing a constant chorus of babies screaming, children running everywhere, and teenagers monopolizing the computer areas with their gaming, this is the place for you. Despite the presence of designated quiet areas, the overall atmosphere is far too loud and chaotic. The noise from both the librarians and assistants adds to the disruption, making it clear that the space is not conducive to reading or studying. They are very NICE and patient but do very little to get order within the library. Most of time if you are able to get quiet time, it is interrupted by librarians or assistant chatting LOUDLY with guest or each other. Programming is amazing! Quiet rooms are a plus. Yet upon entering the noise level is a full 10 and is very uninviting. While the décor is impressive, it cannot compensate for the lack of tranquility. If the library intends to serve its primary function as a peaceful retreat, addressing the noise levels should be a top priority. Until then, the noise will likely drive away patrons seeking a calm environment. I truly hope people do not tear tis place up it would be...

The new library is absolutely beautiful and has great scenery. I appreciate the fact that it is family oriented and offers a surplus of events for the community.

However, there’s one issue that needs addressing. I’ve noticed that, in certain areas, conversations can get pretty loud—almost like it’s a recreational facility rather than a place for quiet study.

I believe it would be beneficial to have designated quiet zones, especially on the upper level where adults often seek a peaceful environment. A little bit of silence goes a long way when you’re trying to concentrate or dive into a good book.

The librarians and assistants here are incredibly nice and patient, but let’s be honest: the chatter is disruptive. Instead of fostering a peaceful environment for study or reflection, the conversations—often loud and frequent—turn this space into anything but a sanctuary.

Sure, the programming is amazing, and those quiet rooms are a fantastic addition. But when you step into the main area, the noise level is off the charts—a full 10! It’s uninviting and counterproductive for anyone looking to focus.

And while I appreciate the impressive décor, it simply can’t mask the lack of tranquility. If this library truly aims to serve as a peaceful retreat, addressing the noise levels should be its top priority.

It’s time for change—let’s make our libraries the calm havens they’re meant to be!

If we could find a balance between community engagement and creating spaces for focused work, this library could truly be the best of...