is the library your kids' playground?

Okay, I've been watching this all day, and it's been happening for weeks now. Parents come in, dump off their kids, and leave with the place destroyed. What's UP?!?! Thanks a lot. We're not your kids' babysitters, and we're not your kids' second parents. I actually had a mom ask me to "shush" her kid. If you can't control your children, then maybe you better do so before you take them to public places where civility is expected. Over the years, I've heard many parents tell me (when they find out I'm a librarian) that they don't bring their kids to storytime because of the other parents. They don't want their kids picking up on the bad habits. We're not just talking about being loud in the library -- we're talking about knocking over shelves of books; leaving crayons, stuffed animals, puzzle pieces, and books all over the floor; kicking the stuffed animals around; playing with the lights and doors; jumping over chairs and couches; screaming and crying for several minutes straight; hitting or roughhousing with other children; dropping food on the carpet and stepping on it; leaving strollers in walkways; trying to pry into our money boxes; etc. etc. etc.