I recently wrote a google website that addresses this very issue – an issue that I find disturbing, because of the apparent insensitivity of leaders to the continued need for QUIET spaces that are also human and friendly. My website address is:

http://sites.google.com/site/libraryqualitystandards/

The idea that quiet is somehow unfriendly and inhuman is a grave error. QUIET is a PART of being a human being. It is the contemplative part of being human that enables individuals to think and learn at a very deep level.

Allowing a consumer mentality to do away with such quiet is on par with allowing consumers to continue smoking because it feels good or to continue eating sweet snacks instead of vegetables becuase sweets taste better.

We are in great danger as a civilization, if we use marketing arguments to eliminate standards of human well-being. Librarians are teachers, and they should be teaching people how to think, instead of enabling people to act just like they do at home.

Robert Kernodle

When I was there the library was closed but they are quite busy and the space does fill up. I also know that they lease the space. This was a cost saving measure.

And yes, the flooring was some sort of high density rubber, IIRC.

Put in an application and see what happens. Maybe a work exchange? When I was there the library wasn’t open, but as far as I know the library has different zones. There’s some dedicated quiet space but the rest has a normal level of noise.