Hello. I am the Sheila Kerber and I am the Manager of the DouglasCounty Libraries Philip S. Miller Library in Castle Rock, Colorado.

The little girl in the photo is Tanley Rohman, and she graciously agreed to help me introduce the Campaign for Courtesy at the Miller Library. The Campaign for Courtesy will begin on Monday, July 14 and is designed to remind us all to be courteous to one another while in the library.

I was prompted to start this campaign by the many letters I receive from patrons pleading for a little quiet. One lady's letter eloquently expresses why she feels strongly that the library should be a reliably quiet place.

"Nine years ago this month my husband died of kidney cancer. He was sick for 3 years. During that time, DCL branches truly were sanctuaries for me. A visit to the library was a respite where I could find peace and be recharged. They were a source not only of information, but also solace and a sense of normalcy. For me, libraries are spiritual places."

Cell phones seem to be one of the major sources of disturbance, and this merits a reminder to those visiting the library that cell phone use is permitted only in the lobby area. The most effective way to avoid cell phone disturbance would be to silence your phone as you enter, and to take a break in the library lobby if you need to make a call.

Many of our patron comments refer to elevated noise and activity involving children. I am a mother myself so I know the challenges involved in making sure a child behaves nicely in public. I remember the day I was searching for books with my two older daughters and turned to find my 18 month old daughter standing on a table in the children's department!

I whisked her off as soon as I saw her but not before I was the object of many disapproving stares. Do not hesitate to ask library staff to help you. We want your visit to the library to be pleasant and convenient and we are willing to help you in any way so that you are free to attend to your children's needs.

For patrons looking for complete quiet, I do want to remind everyone that we have the lovely Sue Meacham Reading Sanctuary. This room provides an especially quiet place to work at the library and features plenty of comfortable seating and a fireplace.

We want the library to be a relaxed and enjoyable environment where our many patrons can enjoy the space in harmony. I am hoping the Campaign for Courtesy will help the library become a place where parents and children can enjoy story times, teens can connect in the Aloha Teen Tower, all our patrons can enjoy our many programs and special events and those who wish to read and relax in peace can enjoy the reading sanctuary and the other seating areas in the library.

Jorge Luis Borges said "I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library." I am hoping we can all work together to make the Philip S. Miller Library a paradise for you and for all who enter. Let's work together and campaign for courtesy at the library.

For more information about the Philip S. Miller Library visit DouglasCountyLibraries.org or call 303-791-READ.