Why do libraries have alarm towers at the door?

Post Reply New Topic

Aren't libraries supposed to be a quiet place? I'm at the library right now and those things go off frequently.

To stop you stealing library books.

You have got to be kidding,I've never seen one.Sad,but I hate book thieves,I loaned a book out a year ago,they haven't given it back yet. I don't loan books anymore,ever.

Most libraries have them, but I've only very rarely heard one go off. Must be a lot of thieves where you are.

I was just going to say because of book thieves.

I thought books were free at the library.

You are supposed to check them out at the desk and return them before the due date; not keep them indefinitely.

^^ They're not really places I frequent.^^

I love libraries and bookshops. Curiously the French word for bookshop is libraire and the word for library is bibliothèque.

^^Librarians scare me.^^

Yeah, they are supposed to prevent book thievery. The one at my library goes off so often that they just tell people to go through anyway and don't care. I think their deactivator isn't working right because it goes off so often. Also, it sometimes goes off when you bring books back. It's really annoying!

Those towers exist because of people like me. I admit to having, in my youth, before such monstrosities existed, and before I developed a sense of honor and integrity, I accumulated a sizable personal collection of books. When I became financially able and of a more responsible age, I learned to pay for my books at the brick and mortar bookstores that are now becoming extinct. I love books, and bookstores, but the books that interest me now are not typically found in the libraries of small communities like the one I reside in.

Me too.

I think libraries these days are turning into daycare centers. Around here, and lately most libraries I go into, seem largely devoted to entertaining toddlers. Our small library in my community is probably 70% dedicated to children under the age of ten. The rest seems to be utilized for community meetings of varying nature.

This librarian would keep the kids in order.

That looks suspiciously like my late great aunt Clara.