In reply to LoveSheff, I am the mother of the two children who "should obviously have been in bed". Yes, my husband and I deliberately took our children to the library to show people they are normal toddlers who run around and make a noise - and that's why merging a children's section with the adult library is a bad idea.
We are not just on the side of the children, we fully appreciate the adults point of view as well. If I was trying to read a book, apply for a job on the computer or simply wanted some peace and quiet, I would not want toddlers running around.
Equally, when I take my toddlers to the library I expect them to be able to make a bit of noise without getting disapproving glares and tuts from adults.
As for LoveSheff's disapproval of my children "behaving like that" I can only assume they have never had children themselves as mine are absolutely normal toddlers, not some deliquents with a personality disorder.
I suggest they go to toddler time at the library where they will see dozens of children "running around and making a noise" - and those very same children will have an advanced start at school because their parents have made a dedicated effort to introduce them to books and read to them.
My children visit the library at least once a week, take part in the Bookstart and summer reading projects, meet Father Christmas there and make a £1 donation to the monthly toddler time. They may not be old enough to vote, or even be able to make a speech in public yet, but they have a right to have their views heard.
The library staff and council officers made us very welcome with cordial and biscuits and told us not to worry if the children roamed about (although we did constantly look after them and at one point my husband took them outside). May I suggest the next consultation meeting is during the day so the children who use the library don't have to be kep out of bed?