Now that I am working at a "normal" library again instead of the bookmobile department, I am reacquainting myself with certain archetypes among the children who invade after school every afternoon. Perhaps you have met these as well.
No "inside voice"
This is likely the most familiar: the child who is utterly oblivious to the fact that voices should be lowered when inside, even when inside a non-library building. LIBRARIAN SHUSH MODE ACTIVATED!
My headphones mean you can't hear me!
Computer use is a big draw, and we check out headphones for computer users who want audio. Some of the kids are unaware that their reaction noises to the events in the games they play are audible across the library. There was once a kid who would make startled sounds while watching lets-play videos of "Five Nights At Freddie's." These are less obnoxious than the first category, but shushing skills are honed further by such kids.
Missing the point of being polite
The inspiration for writing this tonight was two boys who are regular visitors, and seem to have been schooled on polite forms of address but completely missed the details for civility beyond that. "Sir" and "Ma'am" have never been regularly uttered with better intentions or less regard for civility. Your undivided attention is demanded NOW with agitated movements, occasional counter knocking, demanding stage whispers (if you're lucky) and frequent shoving matches between the two to be first in line. But at least they use respectful terms, right?
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