UK Library Noise Reporting Service Launches Via Text
British libraries introduce text-based system for reporting disruptive noise, sparking online debate about quiet spaces.
What to know
- A UK library system has launched a text reporting service (61016) allowing patrons to report noise disturbances during their visits.
- Online commenters debate the system's practical scope and whether it encourages institutional enforcement over direct social interaction.
- The conversation extends beyond libraries, with users joking about applying the system to external noise sources and questioning staffing realities.
The dispute Whether enforced institutional quiet via text reporting is a solution to noise problems or represents over-policing that discourages normal social interaction and conversation. · positions read across 56 posts and comments
The system addresses a real problem of inconsiderate noise-makers disrupting quiet study spaces.
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“It is amazing how people don't whisper in libraries anymore...”
kenreiman.bsky.social · Bluesky ↗
The system should or could be extended to address noise pollution beyond libraries.
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“If only this applied to other situations as well…”
raeradford.bsky.social · Bluesky
Libraries shouldn't enforce absolute silence; direct conversation and social interaction are preferable.
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“I never understood why libraries had to be so creepily quiet. It's like being in a refrigerator.”
pcsherry.bsky.social · Bluesky ↗
The system faces practical limitations due to staffing constraints and open library design.
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“I wish my local library had this option. But since most of it is a huge 2 story tall open space room the size of half a city block and they are severely understaffed - it's a pipe dream.”
yhenryg.bsky.social · Bluesky ↗
British library system Service provider
The record 1 articles and posts · last 30 days
What people are saying 24 voices from 1 site · best of 56 · verbatim
- Aug 21
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Yep. Those dickhead-mobiles with: ▪︎ Extra-loud subwoofer ▪︎ External loudspeaker ▪︎ Exhausts that go POP-A-POPPOP-BANG!!!!! 💥
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Yes, there should be a “creepy guy” option.
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Yeah,.. I'd love to have a "Annoyed by Fascist Pedo-Nazis" call button... Just have to put in DC's zipcode and done.
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The French It’s their fault the us has independence so it’s their responsibility
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Can they go to the WH and remove the grandstand stage?
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Our local library has a normal-volume space and a quiet floor. You will get kicked for having a loud, extended conversation, no excuses. It's great.
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I have posted about GOP racism, fascism, sadism, misogyny, homophobia, xenophobia, corruption, greed, lies, treason, and pedophilia... but no one does much about any of it.
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I will not go to the movies anymore because of this problem. Well, movies are also too expensive and not that good anymore so... But you know what I mean.
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No. The light doesn't go out when someone shuts the door!
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Surely a rhetorical question, but why do some always feel the need to make enough noise for any 10 normal people?
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If only we could do this about car and truck noise-you know the ones I mean.
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LIBRARIAN: “Im coming to get you, you noise makers!”
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Yeah. Be responsible for your own quiet. Let the rest of the world chat on.
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I never understood why libraries had to be so creepily quiet. It’s like being in a refrigerator.
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I have worked in two places where either the framework of the building or the cyber security blocked any outside calls coming in. It does not stop people playing stuff they have saved but it does reduce a lot of the chat. You do need to have a landline still on site when you need an ambulance as
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I do remember when mobile phones first came into libraries over 25 years ago and a student narrating the incidents very loudly to the person on the other end when first a librarian and then a security guard told him to stop. Little did I realise I had seen the future unfolding in front of me.
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I wish my local library had this option. But since most of it is a huge 2 story tall open space room the size of half a city block and they are severely understaffed - it's a pipe dream. Noise isolating earbuds / headphones closest viable option.
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This is great news. My fridge freezer keeps making noises in the hot weather. I'll let the library know.
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I wonder if noise pollution from inconsiderate fellow train passengers playing "music" at volume is sufficient reason to use the 61016 text service to British Transport Police?
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Who do we text to report annoying southern neighbors? Canadian asking for a friend...
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Does this work for data centres? Those librarians could be really popular and powerful if applied correctly.
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It is amazing how people don't whisper in libraries anymore...
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OH MY GOD Yes, Librarian, the builders are currently using a DIESEL POWERED CEMENT MIXER just outside my window. Please, throw some books with hard corners.
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Reminds me of something said about noise-cancelling headphones: "It's like having a mute button for the whole world!"