The "Not Here Please" comedy studio is once again causing a stir, this time with live podcasts directly from public city libraries. While libraries are traditionally places of silence and concentration, this studio brings life between the bookshelves in the usual penetrating way.

On one side of the debate, some welcome this dynamic change in library atmosphere. They argue that it helps to reimagine libraries as vibrant, social spaces and that it increases access to comedy for a wider public.

On the other side of the discussion, critics vehemently disagree. They believe these podcasts disrupt the peace and focus that characterize libraries and violate the rights of those seeking a quiet place to read and study.

If you ask around, library visitors say the following, for example:

• "I've never wanted so much for someone to 'Psst!' says until I heard your live podcasts in the library. I never thought I'd crave the sound of pages turning."
  
  
• "I went to the library to read The Alchemist, not to hear a bad comedian trying to find the secret to a good joke."
  
  
• "Who would have thought that 'Please Not Here' would manage to inspire my favorite quote? 'The only thing you can't borrow is silence.' I think I'll get this printed as a t-shirt."