Shh, be quiet in the library

Benjamin Cook is two years into an online teaching degree with Swinburne University, which means he needs to spend a lot of time in the peaceful surrounds of the library to study.

Over the past year, that peace has been disturbed by trouble-making youths.

“The youth are constantly swearing, causing trouble, in what is meant to be a public space,” Mr Cook said.

“One issue is smoking right near the entrance, the main lobby area where the computers are located, there is a smell of cigarette smoke all the time.

“The staff have asked the youth not to smoke so close but they ignore them.”

Mr Cook said he enjoyed going to library because it was easier to focus.

That focus has been disturbed by what he called disrespectful behaviour from the youths when they come inside.

“It’s feet on the tables, swearing, no respect for anyone,” Mr Cook said.

“The recent bout of teens and young adults causing issues for the staff and patrons of the library is getting out of hand, the staff can only do so much.”

He said the wider issue was that youths in Wodonga had nothing to do, so they were chosing to just hang out at the library.

He called on Wodonga council to put up “no loitering” and “no smoking” signs – and to enforce the rules.

“I want to just speak out a bit for the sake of the librarians,” Mr Cook said. “It’s not just me, there are other people in there the same as me.”

A council spokeswoman confirmed there had been issues involving youths in the library and courtyard, and said council had taken action. 

“We continually monitor the situation and support our staff as required and encourage all users to adhere to the library's code of conduct,” she said.

“Where they are specific issues, we do involve the wider youth sector and police as necessary. 

“The majority of the young people visiting the library are respectful and engaged citizens. 

“We regret that there is inappropriate behaviour from time to time, and where this occurs we involve the appropriate agencies.”