Librarian's Response

The local librarian responded to my email about noise. To my surprise and delight she agreed!
Thank you for taking the time to voice your concerns about the library. I so much appreciate the care you took in expressing your thoughts.
I agree with you that we have a problem with noise. Surprisingly, we receive very few complaints about it. When we do however, we do take it to heart, and begin to speak more quietly ourselves. That usually will set the level of volume, with most patrons responding in like manner. Nevertheless, this only works for awhile, and within a short time, we're back up to the usual loudness.
I have not enforced the cell phone use policy in the library up until now. My reasoning has been that often people are quiet with their phone use, and no louder than other library appropriate level conversations going on around them. As you know, this is not always the case. It's apparent too, that the staff is not always aware of situations in all areas of the library.
For these reasons, we will begin to direct patrons to take their cell phone conversations outside. I have posted signs throughout the library as further notification of this change. Furthermore, the staff is ready to step in when appropriate to ensure that patrons are able to enjoy their library experience without disruption. (There are times, of course, when the noise level will be higher due to children's programming, tours, etc.)
The library is used by a number of people in the community as a gathering place. This usage of the library competes with the library as a place for quiet reading. Others complain that there are not enough internet stations. We are currently laying the groundwork for future library expansion or a new larger building. Until that becomes a reality, we are looking at ways that we can make the best of what we have, providing quality service to all library users. This includes reconfiguring our meeting rooms to better utilize the space for library operations. We will then hopefully be able to direct the community gatherers and internet users away from the magazine/newspaper reading area. These changes will take time, but I ask for your patience and understanding

Wow! I felt like I'd hit a home run!
I immediately replied to her email:
Thank you for your timely and thoughtful response.
Now I have a better appreciation for the challenges you and your staff are faced with.
The more I think about what you said - and all I have observed - it is obvious that libraries have indeed changed. Today they are more than quiet sanctuaries where one can sit and read in silence. Libraries today are meeting places, internet cafes, early learning centers, tutoring centers, resource centers AND reading rooms.
Hopefully, the expansion project will be able to accommodate all facets of library activity, including those of us who value quiet.
In the meantime, I appreciate your promise to control cell phone use and I promise to be patient!

When I stopped by the library yesterday to pick up some DVD's, she came over and thanked me personally for expressing my concerns! (I'm surprised she recognized me!) I thanked her for taking my email seriously and especially for her prompt response.
What else can I say? I'm impressed!
My next email will be to tell the librarian's boss how well she handled my complaint.