Unfortunate news

A recent tragedy in the community has left me unsure if I am absolutely behind certain library procedures. One of our patrons that often rabble roused the children's room met his untimely death yesterday. While many details are still unknown, it is known that he drowned and the paramedics arrived on the scene too late to revive him.

While it is doubtful that this would not have occurred if he had permission to be in the library (due to said rabble rousing, he was banned until a parent conference or September 2008, whichever came first), it still makes one wonder. Of course certain behaviors are not and should not be tolerated in the library, but in an urban setting, it is understandable that not all children will be able to follow the rules as they are laid out. Not to make excuses for them, but for a few, upbringing and living situations do outweigh the restrictive behaviors anticipated in a library setting. Should we really push these kids out of the library, even if they are troublesome? The fact that they keep coming back indicates they feel this is a safe place. Who are we to deny them that safety, even if they are constantly causing problems? Where else do they have to go?