We are regular library users and normally attend the Rock Hill branch, where staff are welcoming, supportive, and wonderful with families and young children. Unfortunately, since that branch is temporarily closed, our experiences at the Fort Mill branch have been the complete opposite.
I am a pregnant mother of three young children (ages 4, 2, and 1) and visit alone. I make every effort to maintain appropriate library behavior, but anyone with toddlers understands they require constant supervision. On our most recent visit, a staff member named Tom H. approached me at the self-checkout without greeting or offering help and told me to "keep the volume down." When I explained I was trying my best and was actively checking out to leave, he repeated himself and walked away.
At the same time, another family with loud, running children was present and not addressed at all. Afterward, I observed Tom H. discussing my family with other staff members. At no point did he ask if I needed assistance, despite clearly seeing I was managing young children alone.
This interaction was upsetting and left me feeling judged, singled out, and unwelcome. Based on repeated visits, this branch does not feel like a supportive or inclusive environment for mothers with young children. Libraries should encourage early literacy and family engagement--this location does not.
I hope management takes this feedback seriously so no other parent leaves feeling discouraged from bringing their children into a library. read more