Send your thoughts to the Oak Park Public Library. The Library will respond as quickly as possible. Responses will be posted below.

If you have a reference question, please Ask a Librarian.
If you would like to request an item, please use our Make A Request form.

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Books and Services

How do I request the Library purchase a book I'm interested in reading?

Can I borrow a book or other item that the Library doesn't own?

How do I request a book from another library online?

Can I pick up holds for family members?

What does "Long Overdue" mean next to a title listed in the catalog?

How do I clean DVDs before playing them?

Can I return items checked out at the Main Library at a Branch location?

Why can't I install software on Library computers?

How often does the Library update software on the public computers?

Why are computer classes available only to Oak Park residents?

Does the Library have a fax machine for the public to use?

How are you addressing disruptive behavior in the Library?

How can I contact an individual staff person?

Facilities

Does the Library heat the Parking Garage in the winter and cool it in the summer?

Why is the Main Library too cool/too warm?

Why are the lights left on at the Main Library when it's closed?

Does the Main Library really have a green roof? Can I see it?

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Patron Thoughts
We just moved to the area and are missing our old library's story time. I am a working, single mom whose child goes to preschool during the day. At our old library they had a story time for working parents once a week at 6:30. It was a nice bonding experience for working parents and their children too. Any chance Oak Park Public Library might start such an event?

Library Response posted March 10, 2010
Welcome to Oak Park! We do offer storytimes for working parents both on Saturdays (September through May) plus one evening per week in the fall, spring, and summer sessions. We don't have Pajama Storytime on our winter schedule because when it's cold and dark outside we don't really get many attendees. But you're in luck - our spring PJ storytimes start next week. The session is for six weeks and starts at 7 pm on Thursday evenings. Also, this summer keep your eye out for our special "Stuffed Animal Sleepover" storytimes!
- Heather McCammond-Watts, Children's Services Manager

Patron Thoughts
I was second-in-line for a book I had requested. It appeared that the person before me did not pick the item up when it came in for them, as after a a week the status started to say "Item hold expired." It has since been over three weeks and it still says item hold required. I think this is an efficiency problem, as this has happened before (although never for this long). Just thought I would mention it.

Library Response posted March 2, 2010
Expired Holds are removed from the Hold Shelf daily at the Main Library and immediately checked in to trigger the next Hold. However, sometimes items grow legs and walk off the Hold Shelf. If this happens to you again, you should bring it to the attention of a staff member in Circulation Services. We will try to locate the item or adjust your Request so that another copy can be obtained for you.
- Connie Strait, Circulation Services Manager

Patron Thoughts
Thank you very much for your reassurances about Ramona Nibbles. I also was concerned for her welfare. However, I agree that she looks fairly healthy and very well cared-for. If you ever consider getting a cagemate for her, I have been extremely successful in getting adult female gerbils who did not know each other to be friendly in under a week (my record was two days), depite the fact that most sources say that this should take up to three months! I am glad that so many people are concerned for Ramona. She is a beautiful little gerbil!

Library Response posted February 23, 2010
If you have any future concerns, please feel free to come and talk with me. - Heather McCammond-Watts, Children's Services Manager

Patron Thoughts
I recently noticed that the Children's Department at the Main Library now contains a gerbil. I myself have TWO gerbils, as they are extremely social creatures and can literally die without company. I was very upset to see that there was only one gerbil in the cage. It is a truly beautiful specimen, but unless it is highly unusual it will probably start to pine for company. Unfortunately, the situation is probably irreversible by now (as gerbils can be extremely territorial creatures), but I wonder at the fact that the staff did not read some of the excellent books on gerbil care in the collection before purchasing a gerbil. I apologize if this sounded very mean-spirited, but I wished to express my concern.

Library Response posted February 23, 2010
We are very glad that you have taken an interest in the welfare of our gerbil, Ramona Nibbles. We consider her a "community pet" for all of us to love and share and so we're grateful for your concern. To answer your questions - yes, we did read a lot about gerbils before we got one and we were planning on getting a pair of litter mates. Alas, we were unable to do so for several reasons: 1) The majority of the pet stores in the area didn't have ANY gerbils at all, and we really wanted to buy local (considering the economy, we thought it was important to support Oak Park businesses). We finally found a lonely orphan at Suburban Pet City and decided to adopt her. 2) Ramona was already a mature gerbil who had had a litter. 3) Because Ramona is not a pup anymore, introducing another gerbil would most likely invoke lots of aggression and so we decided to keep her a singleton. Rest assured, with a team of librarians on the case, we did a TON of research and discussed this thoroughly. 4) (from about.com) "If you have a single gerbil, or if one of a pair dies, it can be very difficult to introduce a new gerbil, especially mature (i.e. greater than 8-10 weeks) gerbils." 5) Ideally, yes, we would have preferred a pair from the beginning but Ramona was already lonely when we found her. We take her out and pet her, and give her lots of love and attention, and hope that she's happier in the library than she was wallowing away in the pet store. She seems to respond very well to the children, her coat is shiny and she is active and alert. These all point to signs of good health and happiness. - Heather McCammond-Watts, Children's Services Manager

Patron Thoughts
Does the library/could the library offer typing courses?

Library Response posted February 8, 2010
Unfortunately, we don't offer any typing classes, however, we have computer classes for beginners. In the Basic Skills for Beginner computer class, we do direct our participants to a website for enhancing one's typing skills. We also have some books to help learn typing skills such as Typing and Keyboarding for Everyone and Keyboarding Made Simple.

If you're interested in registering for our free computer classes, please call us at 708-452-3480. You can find the class description and the dates on our website.

Patron Thoughts
When I call the library I'm looking for the "reference desk" so I can talk to a reference librarian. I do detailed research and I frequently need help with specific reference resources. I always want to talk to someone who has been trained in reference. Is everyone in the adult and teen services department on both floors a degreed librarian specifically trained in reference? If they aren't then you need to have the third floor say "adult and teen services" reference desk. Otherwise I usually have to be transferred a million times to get to an actual reference librarian. You may think that your name change is helping patrons, but it’s just making it more frustrating to get the help we need.

Library Response posted February 8, 2010
I apologize for any confusion we may have caused. Due to the location of the print reference collection at the Main Library, it is advisable to choose the third floor desk whenever you call us with a reference question. While not everyone in Adult and Teen Services is a degreed librarian, all desk staff have been trained to fully assist with reference questions. We're very glad that you use our resources and grateful for your input on how we might better direct telephone reference calls. - Mandy McGee, Adult and Teen Services Manager

Patron Thoughts
I think the website needs revising. I came this morning to check the time of an event for this evening. I clicked on 'events' and got a menu, none of which is a calendar of events. Why isn't there a way to click on 'calendar' on the homepage to get basic information about program dates, times and locations?

Library Response posted February 4, 2010
Thank you for emailing about your difficulty using our website to find what you were looking for.

If you were looking for an event sponsored by the Library, you will find a link to the Calendar under Events. Both the Events drop down menu and the Events web page have a link to Calendar, listed alphabetically. You can click on the Calendar link from the Events drop down menu on our home page and most other web pages on our site. Our Calendar lists library sponsored events at the Main Library, Dole Branch, and Maze Branch.

If you were looking for an event happening in one of the Library's meeting rooms, follow the steps above to get to the Calendar web page. At the top of that page you will see a link to "more events happening at the Library." This will send you to our meeting room reservation software where all reservations are recorded for the Main Library, Dole Branch, and Maze Branch.

We absolutely agree that our website needs revising. This is identified in our 5-year strategic plan created in 2008. We have a staff team dedicated to this project.

Patron Thoughts
I wish you would return back to using the reference desk. Adult and Teen Services Third does not seem right with Adult and Teen Services Second.

Library Response posted February 2, 2010
Assuming you are referring to how the telephone is answered at service desks at the Main Library, you've noticed the recent change that reflects the new Adult and Teen Services structure. The same department now works at both the second and third floor desks. We will consider your suggestion about the telephone greeting at these desks.

Patron Thoughts
I am a frequent patron to the Children's Room at the Main Library. I would like to express concern regarding uninspiring librarians. I find the information desk standoffish and feel I shouldn't disrupt their internet session. I've found a particular shelver very friendly and a volunteer who seems friendly too.

I also happened to overhear a rude comment at the desk between two librarians when a toddler was, well, being a toddler and had a fit with his dad and being a bit loud. They probably didn't see me.

Library Response posted January 19, 2010
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I also share your concern if our staff was not welcoming to you during your most recent visit. We strive to maintain a warm and friendly atmosphere at the Service Desk, and I would encourage you to stop by and say hello at your next visit so that I can reassure you of our commitment towards excellent customer service at all times. - Heather McCammond-Watts, Children's Services Manager

Patron Thoughts
I would like to download electronic books - not audiobooks. I couldn't find this service on your website. Any plans to offer this in the future?

Library Response posted January 19, 2010
Do you mean books to be downloaded to a reader such as a Kindle or a Sony Reader? If that is what you meant, we do not yet offer such a service.

What we DO have are electronic books that can be viewed on your computer. One such collection is available through Media On Demand, which also offers our downloadable audiobooks. To see this electronic book collection, go to our website and from the "Books, Movies, Music" menu click on "Download Audiobooks." Then on the Media On Demand page, at the lower part of the left-hand column, you will see the heading for "Collections" in gray and a link to "View all eBooks." There are 63 titles available.

To see additional collections of eletronic books, go to our website and from the "Research" menu click on "Online Tools." From there, click the "Search by Category" tab then the "Books" category. On the Books category web page, you will see links to Learning Express EBooks and NetLibrary, both of which offer eletronic books.

Update - Adobe PDF and EPUB titles in our Media On Demand collection ARE actually able to be downloaded to a digital reader (but not the Kindle). Get information about the process and the devices supported at Help Basics for Adobe PDF eBooks and Help Basics for Adobe EPUB eBooks.

The 7,909 ebooks in the NetLibrary collection can also be downloaded to a portable reading device. Get NetLibrary's information about that process at Check Out and Download eBook Process.

Patron Thoughts
I am a consistent user of your online services and am grateful for the many resources. Is there any way the Library could offer the online Oxford English Dictionary?

Library Response posted December 22, 2009
We are pleased to hear that our online tools are helpful to you. Thank you for your suggestion for an improvement. With finite funding we make careful decisions as to which resources we can offer. We will seriously consider adding Oxford English Dictionary.

Patron Thoughts
I was disappointed when I searched for Dr. Seuss's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (the live action version with Jim Carrey) to discover that while the Library technically owns 6 copies, 5 of them are long overdue. This leaves just 1 copy available for borrowing. Can you consider buying another copy so that those of us who want to borrow this film during the Christmas season have a chance to do so?

Library Response posted December 22, 2009
Thanks so much for pointing this out. We've ordered three more copies.

Patron Thoughts
I noticed that I am not given an option on where I would like to pick up a requested item. In speaking with a library staff member at the Main Library, it was mentioned that the options availability is temporarily directed to Main Library only because of the upcoming Branch winter holiday break. I would suggest that the webmaster put some type of notification on the Library website so that patrons are aware of this temporary change and why. Some may not notice that their request will be held at the Main Library and may prefer to wait to make their request.

Library Response posted December 15, 2009
Yes, it is true that while the Branches are closed for winter holiday break, December 19 through January 3, holds can only be picked up at the Main Library.

Thank you for this suggestion to make this more visible. We have limited ability to adjust our request items pages, within our catalog system. However, we have attempted to make this more visible on other pages of our website.

Patron Thoughts
I'm currently at the Second Floor of the Main Library and would like to comment on noise levels. A group of teenagers are being extremely loud, talking (actually yelling sometimes) with their cell phone on speaker so that it can be heard by all, and eating with their feet on the chairs. An employee seemed to have come up and talked to them about it, yet they have not stopped at all and have actually gotten louder. I'm curious if the rules in the Library have changed? Is this acceptable behaviour here now?

Library Response posted December 9, 2009
No, it is not acceptable behavior. We will remind the staff to enforce the rules consistently. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
I have just read the complaints of a patron regarding the noise situation. I couldn't agree more and am really tired of this! There are frequently two "guards" sitting at the desk at the same time; this should never be! One may deal with parking matters, but the other should always be patrolling the floors and plaza. I always see young people being loud out in front at all hours of library operation. The librarians also need to get assertive. Patrons shouldn't always have to be the ones who get up and request help. There are times that the noise is so loud that I cannot understand why they allow it. If there are two at the desk, let one come out and make sure that everyone is behaving, especially on the Second Floor! I have seen porn being viewed. This is really getting old.

Library Response posted November 30, 2009
We have made some changes in the guard duties. One guard is now stationed in the second floor YA area from 3:30 to 5:30 everyday, and patrols the Third Floor occasionally.

We are locking the Group Study Room in the Young Adult Area as that seems to attract a lot of noisy, unruly behavior.

I have directed the staff to be more assertive and to be stricter in enforcing the rules. For example, only one warning instead of two or three before telling people they have to leave.

Believe me, the staff shares your frustration at these problems. We are trying to balance the very real needs of kids who are using the Library appropriately with those who are abusing our hospitality and good will. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
It is frustrating to hear 'sorry' when this has been going on for years without resolution. The security guards were sitting downstairs looking bored. What role do they play? What concrete new ideas do you have to regain control of the Library? When will you publish my concerns in the 'suggestion' area of the Library website?

As a start I would suggest reducing the number of computers by half and placing them in secluded or semi secluded booths so that only 1 patron can be at a computer at any given time.

Library Response posted November 18, 2009
We have fired one of the guards, so I think you will see an improvement. The role of our security guards is to patrol the perimeter of the building, the plaza, and the Parking Garage; monitor the security cameras; respond to gate problems in the Parking Garage; and stop patrons whose items "beep" as they leave. Staff are supposed to be the first line of dealing with problem behavior, but it doesn’t always work that way.

I'm afraid I can't agree with you about reducing the number of computers or limiting use to one patron at a time in all areas of the Library. We are very strict on the Third Floor, in the Computer Center and the Classroom. These are "silent zones" where no talking is permitted. In social or quiet zones (Second Floor) we are less strict about noise and computer use.

Some of the steps we have taken are:

• the noise zones themselves
• asking for IDs from everyone who signs up for a computer on the Second Floor
• designating some computers for middle school and some for high school students
• adding computers for adults

- Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
I read the Library's response to the question about disruptive behavior. When is the Library going to actually follow through with these policies? I was at the Main Library the evening of November 10th. There was a very noisy group of teens talking, laughing and calling to each other using many four letter words. They could be heard on the other side of the floor. When I complained at the circulation desk I was told," Well, they were told to be quiet once." Where is this security guard? What happens when patrons continue to defy the rules? Use of the library is a privilage. If one cannot follow the rules, they should be escorted out. You generally get the behavior you put up with. I think we can ask better of our young people.

Library Response posted November 18, 2009
I'm sorry you had a bad experience at the Library. We have had several meetings this Fall with the police, the high school and the township about the behaviour of "teenagers." We are reviewing security videos from the evening of November 10 to see if we can identify who the problem people were.

I know that staff and our security guards need to be more consistent in how we enforce the rules. Our security guards are spread very thin - three floors of the Library, the perimeter, and the Parking Garage. No excuses, but we are dealing with behaviour issues that are worse than they have ever been.

We are working on doing a better job. Please let me know if you see a difference. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
I am very glad to see that you offer a spreadsheet computer class. I understand that the class is very popular and therefore I would like to ask to organize another Excel class in a near future.

Library Response posted November 3, 2009
Thanks for you suggestion. Yes, the Introduction to Spreadsheets class is popular - we have a wait list for the upcoming November class. The Introduction to Spreadsheets computer class will be offered again in January of 2010. Thanks for your interest in our computer classes.

Patron Thoughts
Is there any way of accessing a computer list of all of the books a patron has taken out on their library card? Sometimes I want to recommend a book to someone but can't recall the title/author.

Also, is there a way of pulling up a list of books by publication date - say, all science fiction with publication date 2009?

Library Response posted October 27, 2009
Our borrower database does not keep a record of the materials that you have returned to the Library. We purposely do not keep that information, for your privacy. Library records can be subpoenaed by a judge or searched by the FBI under the PATRIOT Act. We do not keep any information about you that we do not need.

To answer your question about search by publication date, the online catalog has many ways to refine and sort your searches. For example you might limit your search to "Coll: science fiction" and then sort by publication date. The newest titles will be listed first. There are also a number of ways to identify new titles. We have a New Titles list that identifies Science Fiction newly purchased by the Library. Or try the online tool, NoveList. There are other Internet sites to help you find books. Feel free to ask at a Service Desk for help using these or other tools.

Patron Thoughts
The noise level at the Library is hit or miss and the problem is that I am never sure if I feel like getting aggravated or not! And then I come on a whim and it's a pleasant surprise. For instance, right now as I type this, I am sitting at a Third Floor computer in the reciprocal borrowers area and a woman is sitting watching videos with her child on her lap. I realize that some parents without the resources may occasionally need a public computer while caring for a child, but not when watching videos if the child is screaming, pounding, and otherwise making loud noises. It is not reasonable to expect as much from a young child, nor is it fair for other patrons to have to put up with this. I would like to see librarians become more pro-active, meaning that one regularly gets up from behind the desk, walks around, and makes sure that patrons are following correct policy. Why should I have to lock my screen to report a fellow noise-maker? This applies to cell phone users who violate the no-talk policy also, not to mention those who crank up their music so loud it can be heard as if it were a radio. I am really tired of struggling to concentrate IN A LIBRARY, of all places! Please improve in this area and allow for consistent quiet! Thanks.

Library Response posted October 22, 2009
We have just redesigned our signage for Noise Zones and hope these changes will make it easier for the public to understand our rules and for the staff to enforce them. One of the most important reasons that we created different zones is so that customers who require quiet can find a quiet place and those who are working in groups, using computers and headphones, or families visiting our Children's Room can find appropriate spaces for their needs.

As far as our staff being more proactive, this is an important goal that is part of our strategic plan to improve services for all. Next year, we will be evaluating removing or downsizing the service desks on the Second and Third Floors because we think they are barriers to staff being more proactive, being out from behind the desks helping customers where they need help. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
What happened to the railings that lead to the Service desk in the Lobby of the Main Library? All I see are scars in the floor now, and people waiting in long lines. I chose the wrong line on Sunday and waited longer than I would have with the queue before. Was something wrong with the way it was?

Library Response posted October 19, 2009
Thank you for your question. The removal of the queue bars is the first step in our project to redesign the Main Library Lobby to improve traffic flow and access to self checkouts. I can understand that removing the bars may seem like the opposite of improving traffic flow, but we have had a myriad of problems with these bars. They confused people who just wanted to use the self checkouts, they were a danger to kids and they impeded access for wheelchairs and strollers.

We are still evaluating the effects of removing the bars, and will be creating signage or other means to direct traffic as necessary. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
Thank you for the scanner; I noticed it the other day when I was working here at the Main Library. I have an observation I would like to share with you. There are many times that I use the adult computers when it is crowded and I see children - under high school age - using these computers. It's my understanding that there are computers in the Children's Room for them and in the teen area for teens. I can understand that the teens are really appropriate for the adult space, but I do not feel that children under the age of 13 are appropriate, especially when there are so many adults waiting at times.

Library Response posted October 19, 2009
Thank you for your comments. To answer your inquiry - yes, we do have computers in the Children's Room of the Main Library available for kids up through 5th grade and we highly encourage all children under the age of 11 to use our resources on the First Floor.

Patron Thoughts
I've heard that the Oak Park Public Library will be joining SWAN sometime soon. When will that be complete? Will we be able to place holds for material at other SWAN libraries and have it sent directly to Oak Park? Or will we still have to fill out the Make a Request form? I'm excited that we will be on SWAN!

Library Response posted September 29, 2009
Yes we are rejoining SWAN. We estimate that we will "go live" July 2010. It's a big job to move all of our data over. I'm glad you're excited we are too! You will indeed have access to all the holdings in SWAN, and be able to request them electronically to be sent to Oak Park. We think Oak Park is going to enjoy huge benefits from SWAN. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
I am disappointed with the quality of the Young Adult section. So many of the books have high sexual content that it is hard to avoid. There is also not enough fantasy and science fiction, and much of the fiction is either as I described earlier or so completely without any real content that it is simply boring brain candy. The Young Adult section could bring many teens and young adults lots of good literature, but at the moment you really have to hunt to find the few good books in there. It would be appreciated if this could be looked into and, if deemed appropriate, remedied. I think it would really not be very hard to bring the Young Adult section up to the standard of the wonderful Children's section.

Library Response posted September 24, 2009
I'm sorry to hear about your disappointment. The Young Adult collection is intended to serve teens between the ages of 12 and 18, which covers a wide range of emotional and developmental experience. I understand that every family is different and has very specific needs. If you would contact me directly, I'd be happy to sit down with you personally to discuss our selection policy and go over any specific concerns or suggestions you have.

We've heard from other parents who are looking for similar titles, and we've created a resource to help look for those titles. I'd be happy to email you our 'Clean Reads' booklist, or you're welcome to pick it up from the service desk in the teen area at the Main Library. - Monica Harris, Asst. Manager of Adult and Teen Services, 708-452-3456

Patron Thoughts
I am writing to thank you for reinstating the ban on cell phones on the Third Floor (yellow zone) and insisting upon whispered conversations. Here's the problem: this is not really enforced and the patron usually has to go to the desk and ask a librarian to stop someone from talking. I think part of the problem is having these zones at all. I am almost certain that the Third Floor has had several changes in zones and this creates confusion for patrons used to the former rules. Why not simply limit all talking to the Lobby? The Second and Third Floors could be quiet zones. Period. After all, this is a library!!! If I wanted noise, I'd go to Caribou!

Library Response posted September 24, 2009
Thank you for your suggestion. I think there may be some confusion; we have not changed our policy regarding cell phone use in the Library. Perhaps we have not been enforcing the policy consistently in the past, causing you to think the policy is changed.

One of the complicating issues regarding cell phones is that they are not just phones, they are often personal computers. As smart phones continue to proliferate and become more powerful I expect they will become the main method for people to access the Internet. Last week I saw a new application for an IPhone - you can now download, for free, your library card barcode image to your IPhone and it works as a library card! This development will be incredibly convenient for people, and we intend to encourage it.

The issue of noise is separate from cell phones, in my opinion. Libraries are no longer completely silent places, but we do provide silent spaces. The zones have been very helpful to us in limiting the noise to some areas of the Library, and in enforcing silence in others.

I sympathize with your desire for quiet. But not everyone who uses the Library agrees so we have created the zones.

I will tell staff to be more diligent in how they enforce the policies. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
Suggestion 1: Why not have one branch open on Sunday mornings? Close that branch early on Sunday. Seems when I need the Library most, which would be weekends, hours are so trimmed down I end up not going.
2. Better security at Main Library. Often seems like a free for all right at the front entrance, with people cursing, fighting etc. I want my daughters to be able to ride their bikes alone to the Library, but do not feel safe to do so.

Library Response posted September 24, 2009
1. As you may expect, we are in a very tight financial situation. We may in fact be reducing hours at the branches, not expanding them. However, we are always looking for ways to improve services to our community, and so it may be that we can change branch hours as a way of providing Sunday service. I will tell you that this is the first request I have received since I have been at the Oak Park Public Librar – 3 years – for Sunday morning hours at the branches. We have not "trimmed down" any of our hours during the past years, rather we have expanded them. Unfortunately, next year will probably be different.

2. We are also very concerned about security at the Main Library. It has been a very tumultuous September. I have talked with the Police numerous times already since Labor Day. There was a meeting the evening of September 22 at OPRFHS with the police to discuss security in the area of the Main Library. Some of our neighbors on Grove Street have been very concerned and they attended the meeting. We will continue to monitor this situation very closely, and make whatever changes are necessary. We want everyone to feel safe at all of our libraries. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
I would be interested in a knitting group.

Library Response posted September 16, 2009
You are not alone in your interest! There are at least two knitting groups meeting at the Library. The Creative Needlers (see calendar for meeting times) and a group that meets at the Dole Branch Library to knit for charity (call the Dole Branch at 708-386-9032 for more information).

Patron Thoughts
Could a sign be posted at the security desk at the entrance stating that eating is not allowed in the Main Library? Some library patrons apparently think the snack shop in the vestibule is a place to stock up on goodies to be consumed inside.

Library Response posted September 3, 2009
Thank you for your suggestion. The Library's Rules of Behavior generally prohibit eating in the Library, although covered beverages are permitted. We are working on improving signage in the Main Library and will consider your comments.

Patron Thoughts
Have you ever thought of storing DVDs upright instead of face up? I tried it myself and it would work! The reason I mention this is that it is very difficult to sort through DVDs the way you have them now. If you put them upright, you'd be able to alphabetize them more accurately and patrons could just look to see what they wanted instead of lifting and dropping disc after disc.

Library Response posted August 21, 2009
Thank you so much for your suggestion! We always welcome thoughts about ways we can improve our service to our patrons. As the collection grows and we continue to add new breakout sections, like Golden Era and World Films, we will keep this idea in mind.

Patron Thoughts
What is your policy regarding the commons area in front of the entrance of the Main Library, when it relates to young people skateboarding and/or loitering. Tonight I dodged an errant board rolling from a young man. I don't want to sound like a stick in the mud, but I just don't see how it makes for a pleasant entryway for those of us trying to get in the Library. Not too long ago, a violent fight erupted in the same location. Shouldn't the security guards be regularly checking the front for rowdy behavior? I think it's more important for at least one to be roaming the entire building and property than having two of them at
the front desk!

Library Response posted August 18, 2009
Your suggestion gets to an area that is one of the more difficult
problems, that is patrolling the common area, known as the plaza, between the Main Library and Scoville Park.

The two main ways in we we address issues in this area are:
1. Every hour a security guard patrols the perimeter of the building beginning with the plaza area.
2. The security guards are responsive to reports of reckless or
inappropriate behavior.
3. Two security cameras record activity in portions of the plaza.

I acknowledge that maintaining order on the plaza is difficult for several reasons including that (a) the plaza is a transition area between library and park, and sometimes people begin behavior appropriate to the park while on the plaza, and (b) the primary focus of the security guards is inside the Library.

I have shared your suggestion with the guards in order to emphasize the importance of patrolling the plaza. It is our goal to maintain a safe, welcoming environment.

Thank you for writing. - Jim Madigan, Assistant Director

Patron Thoughts
When can we fans of the Oak Park Valkyries expect to see them on tour and will we see them in the Carolinas?

Library Response posted July 29, 2009
Thanks for your interest in our winning book cart drill team. We are planning a public performance in Oak Park, Illinois within the next month or so. Unfortunately, I don’t see much likelihood of us traveling to the Carolinas. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
Computer questions/comments: I like the addition of computers on Third Floor of the Main Library! It seems like they are no longer restricted to reciprocal borrowers? I don't see a sign; say it ain't so! I live in River Forest and frequent this library/area. Also, what gives with the reciprocal borrower computers on the Second Floor? I tried to use the reservation station and it wouldn't let me! Please fix it so I don't have to wait in line and fish out my ID! Thanks!

Library Response posted July 28, 2009
Yes, we have increased the number of computers available to reciprocal borrowers from 4 to 11. We wanted to increase the number of computers for both residents and non-residents and develop a social computing area for adults, and this was the solution we came up with. Unfortunately the reservation system on the Second Floor of the Main Library is not set up to allow for reciprocal borrowers to make their own reservations, but this is something we can look into changing in the future.

Patron Thoughts
What time does the chess tournament start this sunday?

Library Response posted July 24, 2009
The Oak Park Public Library's second annual chess tournament is from 1 pm to 4 pm on Sunday, July 26, 2009. The event will be in the Second Floor Veterans Room of the Main Library at 834 Lake Street in Oak Park. See www.oppl.org/events/calendar.htm#26 for more information. Or feel free to call 708-452-3440 with questions.

Patron Thoughts
Regarding the Valkyrie contest for the American Library Association I was told to see this video to click on the item "about us". I do and all I seem to get is general info about Oak Park Public Library. What am I doing wrong?

Library Response posted July 21, 2009
Thanks for your interest in Oak Park Public Library's recent win!

On our website, click on "About us" in the top right corner, then click on "News" in the left hand column. The video is on the News page, scroll down or click on "Watch Book Cart Drill Team Video." Or simply go to www.oppl.org/about/news.htm#072109 to watch the video.

Patron Thoughts
As a cyclist, may I say that the Main Library desperately needs another bike rack (or two)! And it should be in the commons area (where the benches are). There is a spot by the water fountain along the grass that would be perfect and more convenient than around the corner or down the street (current racks). I locked my bike to a bench, as did several others, today. I would much rather have locked it to a rack!

Library Response posted July 15, 2009
Thank you for your suggestion. It is our observation that on a regular basis, all the bike racks are in use at the Main Library, and that's a good thing. This observation has led us to begin planning for additional bike racks, and we are working with the Oak Park Park District to identify the best location. Your comments will be considered. - Jim Madigan, Assistant Director

Patron Thoughts
suggestion: a used bookstore

Library Response posted July 15, 2009
Thank you for your suggestion. We do currently sell used books at the Main Library. They are shelved on a bookcase near the Circulation Desk. We also have a huge Annual Book Fair that is managed by our Friends of the Library. The dates for the Fair this year are August 7 and 8. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
I am writing with a suggestion for the Main Library Silent Reading Room: it needs more tables.

I have been using this room on an almost daily basis for work/study and will continue with this throughout the summer. There is currently only 1 quiet room (red zone) in the entire library and lately this room has become very popular for doing work. Table space is quickly occupied while the reading chairs are often left empty. More and more people bring in laptops for writing or materials for studying and require desk height table space to spread out. The 4 or 5 large tables become quickly occupied by 1 person doing solitary work and often that person remains at the table for several hours or the entire day.

There should be more table space in the room. I know that it would get used. The easy solution for this would be to simply add more tables to the room. However please consider this: the current large tables are appropriate for group work and conversation but why are these large tables with 4 chairs in a room where there is no talking allowed? Would it make sense to replace some or all of the large tables with smaller individual work desks, similar to those located in the main reading area of the Third floor? Doing so could provide a higher seating density allowing more people to use the library's 1 quiet room.

I hope you will conside this suggestion to help facilitate the use of the library for study and quiet work. Thank you very much.

Library Response posted July 15, 2009
Thank you for your observations and suggestions. The Library is exploring the idea of moving tables as you suggest.

Patron Thoughts
I frequent this beautiful library almost every day with my toddler. I must say that the media specialists at the children's desk usually seem occupied on their computers and unapproachable. A library is the happiest place on Earth! Show a little enthusiasm...at least they have a job, right?!

Library Response posted July 15, 2009
I am sorry that your recent library experience was problematic. Our goal is to make each and every interaction a positive and enthusiastic one. We are delighted to be able to serve the children of Oak Park, and I am glad to hear that you are a regular library patron and that you continue to use our collections and services.

I would very much like to talk with you more at length about this issue, so that you can give me some more details about your recent library visits. I will definitely share your concerns with our desk staff, but it would be very helpful if you could elaborate more about when these interactions occurred and what questions you feel weren't being addressed.

Thank you for your suggestion, and the next time you're here please introduce yourself and your child so that we can reassure you of our commitment to offer a fun, enthusiastic, and approachable atmosphere for the families of Oak Park.
- Heather McCammond-Watts, Children's Services Manager

Patron Thoughts
I don't really know who I should email about this, but I wanted to say something positive. I'm part of a film company, formed by former film school snobs. They're always looking for obscure cult classics or just quality fare that Blockbuster weeded in favor of more copies of "Transformers". But my coworkers have, on numerous occasions, been pleasantly surprised by the library's AV collection. The biggest snob even uttered the phrase, "I'll never Netflix again".

The book selection is also so much better than any book store. Thank you, collection developers, for continually purchasing quality materials. Thank you for buying such great biographies/memoirs and such amazing fiction. It's so refreshing to browse the stacks and come away with a bag full of really awesome stuff. So many libraries seem to cater to the Jodi Picoult/Oprah Book Club/Danielle Steele crowd. Without you guys, we would be so, so, far in debt, unable to cite awesome books we've read from OPPL, and probably picking our noses and watching an Ashton Kutcher movie.

Keep up the great work!

Library Response posted July 15, 2009
Thank you so much for this nice message. We're delighted to hear that you enjoy our collections. Please let us know if you have any suggested titles!

Patron Thoughts
Due to the fact that school's out the computers on the Second Floor of the Main Library should be available to whoever comes. First comes first served.

Library Response posted June 9, 2009
Thank you for your suggestion. We are working on a re-allocation of our computers on the Third Floor which I think will solve this problem. Please be patient with us for a couple more weeks. Thanks.
- Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
I think all patrons have noticed the extremely long wait time from when an item is checked back in to when it makes it to the shelf. These last couple of months it's been especially bad. I myself have been told that it's due to not enough shelvers, someone being sick, etc. Why don't you just hire more shelvers? It shouldn't take 3 to 4 days for a book or DVD to make it to the shelf.

Library Response posted June 2, 2009
We are in the process of hiring more Shelvers and Book Sorters to fill open positions and unused hours.

Patron Thoughts
I requested an item that showed in the catalog as On Shelf and when I looked at the catalog later, it was checked out to someone else. Why wasn't my Request honored?

Library Response posted June 1, 2009
We process almost 12,000 Hold Requests per month. We run a Pull List daily to find items that were Requested when already in-house. It takes two staff members about four hours to locate these items. If another patron finds the item first, it is our policy to check it out to them. Your Request will be honored when the item is returned.

Patron Thoughts
Second-hand smoke is a concern for the little children entering the Library. We find it sad to witness the security staff smoking just outside of the front entrance of the Main Library and failing to ask others to move away from the entrance. We of the Library can set better examples and enforce the policies that are currently in place.

Library Response posted June 1, 2009
It is against the policies of the Library to smoke on Library property. In addition to posting our Rules of Behavior in several locations inside the Library, signage prohibiting smoking is posted on both sides of the entryway at the Main Library.

We have reviewed with our security guards the Rules of Behavior, and the importance of both following these rules and enforcing them.
- Jim Madigan, Assistant Director

Patron Thoughts
I am delighted by your graphic novel section. I do have a minor criticism, for some reason you are lacking volume #4 in the Preacher series by Garth Ennis, or at least it isn't in the computer system. I am enjoying the series greatly, but as there is a certain amount of continuity, this missing volume obscures the story. Any chance of having you order this volume? Thanks, keep up the great work!

Library Response posted May 15, 2009
Thank you so much for your nice words about our graphic novel collection, and thanks for letting us know that we are missing volume four. We are delighted to reorder this title.

Patron Thoughts
The Schaumburg Township District Library has recently joined a number of other area libraries in prohibiting patrons with "'offensive bodily odors." Is Oak Park considering such a policy?

Library Response posted April 13, 2009
Thank you for the question. Included in our Rules of Behavior are two points (A and F) that prohibit any "conduct that may reasonably be expected to create a disturbance or otherwise interfere with the …enjoyment of the Library by others…". We believe these points already allow us to deal proactively with the issue of body odor, as well as a large variety of other potential violations.
- Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
It is an ill-conceived policy that requires every member of one household to show up at the Library to collect their items when any family member could do it in one visit. Establish a patron-friendly policy that would allow members of the same household to pickup library items for other family members when they are at the Library. Perhaps an authorization list can be implemented. I think this policy is a very good candidate for further review and revision.

Library Response posted April 8, 2009
Thank you for your suggestion. You are not the only person who feels this way and we certainly do not want to create unnecessary inconveniences. Your library card is a form of credit card and we are trying to safeguard our patrons from fraud and identity theft. You are probably not aware that there are criminals who will check out library materials for resale, using stolen card numbers.

Librarians are also concerned for the privacy rights of our adult patrons. There are domestic situations where a patron does not want their spouse to know what they are reading. We treat all adults as individuals and will not divulge library account information to anyone but the FBI.

All that said, if a patron presents the library card of their spouse/domestic partner, we assume they have given permission to pick up the Holds. We must have the card that the Hold is attached to. Our automated system does not allow the transfer of a Hold to another account. If your family can designate one person to keep the cards and make the Library stop, your problem is solved.

Patron Thoughts
It's time again to evaluate the pricing/capacity of the flash drives for sale at the main desk. The open market (i.e. Fry's) is selling 4G flash drives for $10. We can do better than the 1G for $10. under the library pricing schedule. See what can be done. Thanks.

Library Response posted April 6, 2009
You will be pleased to know that we now offer 2GB Kingston USB flash drives for $8. Your suggestion was timely as we just received our new flash drives last week. Although, we can't compete with Fry's Electronics we are very happy to offer these new drives at a reduced price for the convenience of our patrons.

Patron Thoughts
The Library should offer free or discounted wifi accesss to library patrons. This would make it easier to work from a laptop and possibly free up some of the computers in the Main Library's Third Floor Computer Center.

Library Response posted March 18, 2009
Free wifi access is available at all three library locations. This wireless Internet connection is available to anyone with a laptop computer or hand-held personal digital assistant configured for DHCP. Library cards are not required - but bring your library card with you to make the most of our wifi access.

Patron Thoughts
Please make sure to check soap supplies in the ladies washrooms throughout the day. Lately, I have found empty dispensers and I like to wash my hands!

Library Response posted March 16, 2009
We are sorry to have inconvenienced you. If this situation happens again, please tell a staff member at any Service Desk. They will contact the Maintenance Department and the dispensers will be refilled as soon as possible.

Patron Thoughts
Does the Library Administration ever intend to enforce the "no conversation or no cell phone usage" rule in the computer rooms of the Third Floor of the Main Library?

In spite of previous promises, these areas continue to attract groups of people who chit chat and exchange jokes while they verbally critique other people's social networking sites.

These rooms are supposed to be as quiet as the Silent Reading Room. But library staff and security continue to permit them to be used as noisy social centers.

Library Response posted March 10, 2009
The Library enforces all of our rules and policies. However, we are not always aware of violations. I will tell the security staff to pay closer attention to the computer rooms on the Third Floor. Thank you.
- Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
I went to the Library last week to study. I was shocked by the amount of people who appeared to be homeless. By the grace of God I have a warm home to go to instead of the Library. It saddens me to see people who are not so fortunate. What is the Library's plan/policy to accommodate the homeless as well as provide a quiet/safe study environment for the residents of Oak Park?

Library Response posted March 6, 2009
Thanks for your question. This is a difficult situation that the Library cannot solve by itself. You correctly note that there are many apparently homeless individuals in the Main Library. As a public building, we welcome everyone into the Library and encourage them to use our many resources. We have rules of behavior which are posted on our website and in the Library. These rules are designed to ensure that everyone has a safe, productive and positive experience at the Library. We have rules that prohibits sleeping in the Library; carrying large amounts of baggage into the Library, disrupting others use of the Library, and others along the same lines. We try to enforce these consistently, but don't always succeed.

The Library is not an official warming center for homeless individuals. There are official warming centers in Oak Park, Village Hall being one. But, there really is no place for homeless people to go during the day. The shelters are only open at night, and because of the economic crisis we're in, the shelters cannot accommodate everyone either.

It is indeed very sad and we should all count ourselves fortunate to have homes. We work with West Suburban Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) and other local agencies and governmental bodies to find solutions, but it is not easy.
- Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
I was wondering if the public could make use of back issues of magazines for school projects.Would it be possible to offer these for giveaway as opposed to recycling?

Library Response posted March 6, 2009
This is a great suggestion. We will definitely look into having a give-away box for next year's discarded periodicals. The Maze Branch has been doing this for years and the Main Library will follow their model.

Unfortunately, this process happens in early January, so we won't be able to implement it in 2009. Watch for the give-away box in 2010!

Patron Thoughts
Is the Library's electronic newsletter available on the Library's website?

Library Response posted February 27, 2009
An excellent question. We will start posting the latest issue of E-News on our site at www.oppl.org/events/enews.htm.

Also, find a PDF file of our print newsletter at www.oppl.org/about/news.htm.

Patron Thoughts
I was told there was no eating in the Library. Where's the sign? Please post your response on your website.

Library Response posted February 13, 2009
We have the Rules of Behavior posted in at least four places in the Main Library: on the front of the security guard desk, and in the glass-enclosed bulletin boards on each floor (First, Second, and Third).

Rule G reads as follows:
Eating and possession of unsealed packages and containers of food are not permitted in the Library, except for items served at approved events held in public meeting rooms when arrangements for serving food have been made and approved in advance. Beverages with a covered lid are permitted in the Library. Examples include coffee cups with a lid, water or soda bottles with a screw on top, soft drink cans and soft drink containers with a lid and straw.

As a convenience to library users, the Library leases space to a snack shop and eating is permitted in the snack shop area. - Jim Madigan, Assistant Director

Patron Thoughts
Please have the time stamped on partking tickets for the Parking Garage at the Main Library so that you know how much free time you have before you have to pay.

Library Response posted February 12, 2009
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Parking tickets are normally stamped with the time of entrance to the Parking Garage. From time to time the ink for the stamp needs to be refilled. We have recently done so, correcting the situation for the near future.

Patron Thoughts
I just wanted to say that when a person renews a book online, I think there needs to be a clearer way to know for sure that the book or movie is indeed renewed. For example, after we renew something, something needs to come up saying "You've successfully renewed these items..." and so forth. Thank you.

Library Response posted January 16, 2009
Thank you for your suggestion. Here are a few tips that will help you read your online account screen.

• When you renew an item online, a successful renewal will just change the Date Due box and the Number of Renewals.
• You are allowed two renewals, if no other patron is waiting for the item.
• The date due is calculated "from today." To get the maximum renewal, you should wait until the item is almost due to renew. Otherwise, you won't get the full one- or three-week loan period.
• An unsuccessful renewal is alerted by a message in bold red font. Many patrons don't notice these until they know to look for them. The message will say, for example "Renew failed: Exceeded maximum renewal limit."
• There are a number of reasons why you might not be able to renew. The most common is that another patron has Requested the item.
• You cannot renew if your account balance exceeds $14.99 or if the item is already quite overdue.

Hopefully this will help you maximize your renewal privileges. Our current system is no longer being enhanced and we plan to migrate to another system within the next 18 months.

Patron Thoughts
We have the Smithsonian Magazine complete issues from 1986 through 2008, and Marathon and Beyond complete, volume 1,1 through current issue. Can we donate these collections to the Library?

Library Response posted January 15, 2009
Thank you for asking about donating magazines to the Library. Unfortunately, we don't have a way to put these items to good use. We have limited storage space for periodicals, and therefore have to restrict our collection to those titles and copies that we receive through subscription. Thank you so much for thinking of us.

Patron Thoughts
Please consider removing all hats and clothing items from the play boxes in the children's play room. With lice an issue and concern for small children, one never knows when their child puts on one of the costume hats in that box. Shoes, pretend medical equipment, purses and the like are acceptable, as they don't carry as much of a risk.

Trying to explain to a two-year old why they can't try on the pretty hat is hard to do, so maybe in the best of health interests for all children it may be time to do away with anything that comes in contact with the head?

Library Response posted January 15, 2009
Thank you for sharing your concern. This is the first time
someone has raised this concern. The costumes are a very popular component of storystop at the Main Library, so we're reluctant to remove them, but we would be happy to store the costume box out of sight when you visit the storystop room if that would be helpful. Please ask for assistance at our Service Desk.

Patron Thoughts
I notice in the website listing for the Foreign Exchange film series that Tell No One is listed for April 8, which is the same date that Mountain Patrol is scheduled. Please correct the date. Thank you.

Library Response posted January 2, 2009
Thank you for reporting that error. The correct date for Tell No One is Wednesday, June 10, 2009. This is the last showing in the series Oak Park Viewers: Foreign Exchange, of which Mountain Patrol is part.

Patron Thoughts
Why are there no Board meeting notes for the second half of 2008?

Library Response posted December 31, 2008
Thank you for your question. Regular Library Board meetings are scheduled 11 months of the year. Minutes from each meeting are reviewed and then approved by the Trustees at the following meeting. So there is a lag time between when the meeting occurs and when the minutes are posted to our website. There was an oversight which you recognized in the missing minutes from July through October 2008. That has been corrected. November 2008 meeting minutes will be reviewed by the Board in January 2009.

Patron Thoughts
I greatly rely on the library computers since I do not have internet at my apartement. However, several of the services on the computers such as adobe flashplayer are not updated and therefore I have been unable to upload my resume onto job sites among other things. Is there anyway some of these types of things can be updated on the computers? Thanks!

Library Response posted December 15, 2008
Thank you for your suggestion. We have a Flash upgrade planned, and because the number of sites requiring Flash 10 is increasing, we will try to get this upgrade completed soon.

While the Library strives to please all of our computer users, we do make some trade-offs, by sacrificing immediate upgrades in application versions for the overall security and stability of our PCs and network. Public PCs are configured with the understanding that there will be users of varying abilities and needs. Upgrading programs such as Flash affect all machines in a given area, and would generally include other software in one bundle, so as to get the most out of a new deployment. This method guarantees users a consistent experience, but due to the need to thoroughly test upgrades for compatibility, the timing for updates tends to lag.

Patron Thoughts
Please stay open later on Fridays! I often try to get to the Library before the weekend, after work on Friday and have now missed getting there at least 5 times. I wish you were open later.

Library Response posted December 9, 2008
Thank you for your suggestion. We would love to be open later on Fridays. However, we have actually decreased our budget this year and so will not be able to add hours. We are glad that we are able to continue to offer the hours that we currently provide.

I will pass your suggestion on to the Board of Trustees. In future years, when times are better, I hope we will be able to accommodate your request.
- Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
PLEASE ask library patrons to refrain from having cell phone conversations, especially in or near study areas. Those of us who are here to study or work are frequently disrupted by people's lengthy phone conversations, sometimes even having to cope with multiple conversations occurring simultaneously. I am in the library now and listening to no less than three cell phone conversations taking place within ten feet of a study area. I realize this is a "yellow light area" where "whispered conversations" are acceptable, but none of these people are whispering, and talking on a cell phone in a library is just plain rude.

Library Response posted November 25, 2008
Thank you for your suggestion. We apologize for the inconvenience and will remind patrons to observe the noise zones. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
Noise on the supposedly quietest floor (third) of the Main Library is ridiculous at this very moment I am posting. I see NO librarian, NO guard doing squat about it and it is a chronic problem. A guard came by recently and talked to the people more than once, but they continue to talk...I am seriously thinking of stopping coming here. There are always people hanging out in front of the Main Library and it really looks terrible.

Library Response posted November 25, 2008
Thank you for your suggestion. We have reminded staff and the security guards that they are to enforce the Rules of Behavior and the noise zones.
- Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
The public computers in the Library are in desperate need of updated web browsers. Portions of many sites, including chicagotribune.com cannot be fully accessed because of the lack of the most recent update of software called Flash. The lack of this update also occasionally causes the browser to crash.

Also, it's not possible to fully take advantage of the resources at many sites with audio, including some sites related to NPR, because the computers lack Real Player which is free software. Real Player (realplayer.com/player) was the very first online media.

Library Response posted November 13, 2008
Thank you for your feedback. We've examined the sites that you refer to, and while NPR runs its own media player for most of the shows available directly from the site, the Chicago Tribune requires Flash Player 10, and the Library is using version 9.

The use of Real Player has been considered in the past. The IT Department has found that Windows Media Player outperforms Real Player in performance and reliability. We've also determined that having one media player available reduces confusion and potential software conflicts.

The Library's public computers are carefully set up and tested to provide a stable working environment to the public with the understanding that there will be users of varying abilities and needs. Upgrades in items such as Flash would occur across all machines in a given area, and would generally include other software in the bundle, so as to get the most out of a new deployment. This method guarantees users a consistent experience among all PCs in a that area. However, it also means that we need to test all upgrades thoroughly before deploying them to all public machines. These changes do not apply to every machine, for example the PC areas on the Second Floor of the Main Library have older models than the ones on the Third Floor.

While the Library strives to please all of our computer users, we do make some trade-offs, by sacrificing immediate upgrades in application versions for the overall security and stability of our PCs and network. While it will take us some time to make the upgrades necessary to keep up with some of the more cutting-edge website features, please be assured that these upgrades will be made.

Patron Thoughts
When will the Main Library be posting more effective signs indicating that talking, cell phone use, loitering, eating, and having headphones too loud are all prohibited in quiet areas?

These things are all still going on regularly. The totally ineffective artsy "stop light" signs do nothing to limit abuse.

Library Response posted October 21, 2008
Thank you for your suggestion. We are aware that these problems continue, although we have had many positive comments about our Noise Zones. I am not sure that different signs are the answer - rather, staff needs to consistently enforce the policies we have in place.

We are evaluating the signs to see how they can be improved, and we will be more diligent in our enforcement of policies. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
I have a suggestion for the online catalog: when sorting a list of results by publication date, it would be more useful to have the items listed from newest to oldest, rather than oldest to newest (i.e. reverse chronological order) so the reader could easily see the latest books by a favorite author/on a particular topic. Just a thought.

Library Response posted October 21, 2008
This is an excellent suggestion. We are happy to report that we have made this change. When sorted by publication date, catalog search results will now list the newer items first.

Patron Thoughts
I think someone really made a stupid decision to remove the third computer from the desk on the First Floor at the Main Library. Those so-called self checkout machines hardly work any way and now the lines are even longer than before. Who's bright idea was that? It seems like every time one problem is somewhat fixed you people have to screw up something else!

Library Response posted October 21, 2008
Thank you for your suggestion. I'm sorry that you are not happy with the change.

We know that there have been problems with the self checkout stations in the past. We have made many improvements this year and think they work better than they used to, and we have additional improvements under way.

The circulation desk was designed for two staff stations. The workflow with an additional station was terrible. Plus, we realize that we need to invest in helping and encouraging people to use the self checkout stations because of the history of problems.

Our usage is going up, which is great, it is why we are here. But our budget is going down. So, we will be focusing on making improvements to all of our self service options during the coming year, and encouraging the public to take advantage of them. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
After school the teenage users here at the Library have a choice of using a computer in either the computer area on the Second Floor or the Third Floor while adult patrons can only use the Third Floor computers. This gives teenagers over 50 computers to choose from and adults just under 30 computers. If adult patrons cannot use any of the computers in the Second Floor computer area after school then we have a longer wait for an available computer then the young adults have. Why is this? The Third Floor computer labs should be adults only during these peak times. Also there needs to be more oak park computer terminals on the Third Floor.

Library Response posted October 21, 2008
Thank you for your suggestion. We know that we need to make some changes in our policies regarding computers. We are working on this. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
I greatly miss the ability to download audiobooks onto my MP3player from the Library's sites: Listen Illinois and Net Library. How can the Library go from two sites offering down-loadable modern literature to none? I would like them back!

Library Response posted October 21, 2008
Thank you for your suggestion. I'm very sorry that we are no longer able to offer the downloadable books. Unfortunately, we were forced to make this change because of decisions by the vendor. We are continuing to look for other options. We know this is a popular service. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
I am sure there are good reasons for it, but checking out items at the Library seems to be getting more and more complicated. In addition to in-library picks, high-use patrons must remember to check several different places to be sure they have all the items they wants to check out: books-on-hold at the shelves by the stairs, CDs/DVDs-on-hold at the circulation desk, and ask specifically for interlibrary loans at the circulation desk.

I appreciate all the effort the Library makes to provide patrons a wide variety of materials, both from the Oak Park Public Library's collections and from other libraries. My preference is just a simpler, one-stop method for picking up all items on hold.

Library Response posted October 21, 2008
Thank you for your comments. I understand your frustration and appreciate your patience. Staff have been made aware of your comments and suggestions. We certainly want to make check out as simple as possible for our users.
- Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
How do I get to the home (www.oppl.org) page with the tabs on top once I am in the library site. When I am conducting a search and want to come back to the page with the tabs (catalog; books, movies, music; services; etc) I get sent back to the "welcome to the library" page which has no tabs?

Library Response posted September 23, 2008
Thank you for expressing your difficulty in navigating our site. It sounds like you are looking for a way between our catalog (where you search for titles) and our website (with the tan tabs across the top).

The "secret" is to click on the Oak Park Public Library logo in the top left hand corner. All of our web pages should have this logo short-cut in place to return you to the home page of our website (www.oppl.org).

It is our desire to make our two virtual sites (catalog and website) seamless so that these navigation difficulties are eliminated. We don't want anything to be a secret on our site! We are working toward an infrastructure to correct for this. But it will take some time.

We appreciate hearing where our users are experiencing difficulties as that will help us make future improvements.

Patron Thoughts
I was surprised and disappointed when I recently discovered that the periodicals have been moved to a congested corner. The tightness and general disorganization of the new section makes it difficult to browse. Periodical may be on the decline but they are still a significant form of communication and deserve a better venue.

Library Response posted September 8, 2008
Thank you for your inquiry. I'm sorry that you are unhappy with the relocation of the magazines.

We actually moved them to improve access and to give better space. Now, current issues are housed with back issues - a recurring request from many browsers. We also have more room to display and label them, and they are now available for checkout.

We are still working on the furniture arrangement - currently some chairs are being cleaned. I hope you will be more satisfied when all the furniture is in place. And, the Silent Room is available also. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
There seems to have been a greatly increased demand for computer use on the Third Floor of the Main Library over the past couple of months. Many of those who sign up for reservations are eligible to use the computers reserved for the high school and junior high students on the Second Floor.

It would be helpful if more computers were installed on both floors.

Also, I have seen some users, largely but not only younger ones, sign friends of theirs on for computer use. These users seem to have more than one library card number. Could a security feature be introduced to keep users from using library card numbers illicitly obtained? Would it be difficult to include a patron's Oak Park Public Library PIN as part of the sign in process?

Library Response posted September 2, 2008
Thank you for your suggestions. We are considering implementing PINS for computer use. We are evaluating the effect PINS will have on very young users who might not be able to remember their PIN number, and how we might deal with this. We are evaluating using PINS for adults only.

We are also looking into adding computers or redeploying existing ones so that they are more useful. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
Hi, I have two comments about some recent changes to the Library:

1. What is going on with the magazines at the Main Library? They used to be on the Second Floor in the MAGAZINE holders, now they've disappeared to the Third Floor on some random shelving units (that are really messy)! Why fix something that wasn't broken?

2. When I put an item on hold, I used to receive and email notifying me my book was ready. Now, I receive a piece of mail instead. Email was not only eco-friendly, but it also came to me at work, so I could drop by the Library on my way home (rather than walking in the door, seeing the mail and coming back out). Also, when I got the emails, I picked up the item that day, rather that a few days later (by the time the mail came to my house, I made a special trip out to the Library, etc...) Please bring back the email!!!

Library Response posted September 2, 2008
Regarding the magazines, we moved the current issues to the Third Floor to make it easier for people to browse them and past issues of the same magazines. I'm sorry you find the shelving messy. Our changes have caused an increase in usage and disorder in the magazine area.

We are experimenting with ways to improve the neatness of the area, while allowing for easy identification of the magazines' publication dates. We appreciate your comments and concerns and hope you see some improvements.

Your email notification should not have switched to regular mail without your request. The mistake was on our part. Your automatic email notices have been reinstated. You will receive courtesy and overdue notices by email.

Patron Thoughts
I just wanted to send a note to say that who ever is in charge of the movie selection in the Main Library - THANK YOU!

It is a great selection without a lot of garbage to cut thru. Simply an awesome collection. I can go in there and within a minute find 10 movies I want to see. That NEVER happens at a Blockbuter! I am lucky after an hour if I find even one.

Library Response posted September 2, 2008
I am so pleased that you are pleased, and have forwarded your email to the staff. Thank you! It's always nice to hear good news!
- Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
Please consider staying open on Fridays instead of closing, during the summer. I think it would be more convenient for Oak Park Public Library patrons.

You should also consider putting a Oak Park shuttle stop at the Dole and Maze Branches. It would help gain Oak Park Public Library patrons too!

Library Response posted September 2, 2008
Thank you for your suggestions.

The Main Library is open from 9am to 6pm on Fridays, but the Dole and Branches are closed on Fridays (see Library hours). We did consider opening the Branches on Friday as part of last year's budget process, but the cost of approximately $50,000 seemed prohibitive at the time.

We would love to have shuttle stops at our branches, but the Village, not the Library, manages the shuttle. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
I was just reading about the PINS issue -- what about requiring PINS for non-kid patrons?

Library Response posted September 2, 2008
Thank you for your suggestion. We are considering implementing PINS for computer use. We are evaluating the effect PINS will have on very young users who might not be able to remember their PIN number, and how we might deal with this. We are evaluating using PINS for adults only. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
I would like to know why silence doesn't seem to be enforced at the Library to the highest level? I regularly visit the Main library, and even on the Third floor, which is supposed to be the strictest regarding quiet, I do not see librarians being proactive about it. I have had to go up to the desk when another patron was talking on his cell phone and would not cooperate when I told him to take it outside. When the librarian followed me to the place where the person was yakking away, she seemed almost hesitant, as if she was about to do something unreasonable. I have had experiences of multiple people acting up, talking too loud, etc. A security guard came up as I was contronting someone regarding their chronic noisiness and told me that I could go up to the front desk and report it and that a librarian would contact a guard...Why don't they have guards posted on EACH FLOOR? They could be walking around and constantly enforcing the 'no talk' rule, along with nipping any other problem in the bud. I also would like to see the librarians do the same by taking turns going out from behind their desks and walking the floor and making sure everyone is doing what they are supposed to. I come from a generation of librarians shushing patrons...Whatever happened to QUIET LIBRARIES?

Library Response posted September 2, 2008
Thank you for your suggestion. We are cracking down on noise and behavior problems in general. The security guards do patrol the Main Library, but there are only two of them on duty at any given time. They also now patrol the Parking Garage and assist customers with the parking pay system since the Village ended the security contract. We are considering adding more guards but must evaluate the budgetary implications of doing so.
- Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
What is the Library policy with regard to missing CDs? I was reviewing some computer books and found at least two books with CDs missing in the back. Why aren't these books protected with anti-theft cases likes other CDs and DVDs? Are the materials thoroughly checked for all contents when they are returned to the Library? It is a shame this is happening.

Library Response posted July 25, 2008
Thank you for your questions. Our policy with regard to missing CDs is the same as our policy for all missing items. We search for them to be sure we have not shelved them improperly, and once we are sure of this, we bill customers for lost items.

That being said, sometimes it's hard to be sure. As far as putting the CDs in security cases, it's not good customer service to separate these CDs from the books. And, materials are thoroughly checked when they are returned.
- Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
Hi, I always browse your new titles at the beginning of the month, but I never see your new nonfiction books listed. Is there some way to find what new nonfiction books you have ordered? I'm specifically looking for new biographies and music related books. Thanks!

Library Response posted July 25, 2008
We have been working on a way to list new nonfiction for some time. But we are still running into technical difficulties. We appreciate you letting us know that you are interested in this sort of a list. We will keep working on this.

Patron Thoughts
Hey, thanks for everything you guys do, Oak Park has the best library system I have ever visited. But what happened to our library's collection of downloadable audiobooks from NetLibrary? I used to LOVE that, and now it is no longer available. I'm assuming it must have cost the Library too much, is there anything individual's can do to help bring it back? The Gutenburg collection doesn't seem to be as good. Thanks.

Library Response posted July 22, 2008
Thanks for your kind words. We are sorry for the recent loss of the downloadable audiobooks. We are working on making more of them available in the future.
- Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
Please consider having the Oak Park shuttle add a stop at the Dole Branch and/or Maze Branch--it would be fantastic!

Library Response posted July 22, 2008
Thanks for the suggestion. We're glad that you think our branches are important destinations - we do too. However, we are not responsible for the Shuttle. I suggest you contact Village Manager Tom Barwin about this.
- Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
Why don't we have to enter a password with the library card number when checking out materials or reserving computers? Requiring a password would add an extra layer of security. As it is now, if somebody gets a hold of my number, he can check out books under my name. The physical library card is not needed! I wouldn't like it either if somebody used my library card number to look at objectionable material on the library computers.

Library Response posted July 22, 2008
We have discussed using PINS (passwords) previously, but have decided against it because of the problems it would create for children. However, we share your concerns about this issue, and will revisit it. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
How about having a DIY (do-it-yourself) for teens section in the Young Adult area. Other ideas might be crafts, how-to, travel, medicical. Call it a resource section for teens.

Library Response posted June 9, 2008
Thanks so much for your suggestion. The Library restarted our TDIY (teen do-it-yourself) program as part of our Teen Summer Reading Program that launched on June 5th. We'll be creating monster plushies, magazine picture frames, and doing t-shirt reconstructions. We hope this will help address some of your interest in DIY. Most of our informational books for teens are actually interfiled on the Third Floor's nonfiction collection. There are many books to choose from on all of the areas you described. If you are interested in more specific titles, please let us know.

Patron Thoughts
Does the Oak Park Public Library have a gamer's advisory?

Library Response posted May 19, 2008
We are very excited about the movement of gaming in libraries. The Oak Park Public Library held our own open play sessions with the Nintendo Wii and Playstation 2 over the last few years, and we're getting ready to launch a large scale gaming tournament in cooperation with the Ann Arbor District Library's Gaming Tournament system this July. Our system will allow for 32 players to play Mario Kart Wii and Super Smash Brothers Brawl in a single elimination style tournament. We've invested a lot of time and prep in to this venture, and we expect there to be a lot of interest. At that time, it may be worth it to explore the separate Gaming Advisory idea.

Patron Thoughts
I noticed that the Microsoft Office Software on the Library's computers is the 2002 version. When will it be upgraded? It's becoming harder and harder to work with old versions, particularly if a document was started on an Office 2007 application.

Library Response posted May 19, 2008
The Library is currently evaluating Office 2007 but do not have a date yet for migrating to the new version. The interface for this newer version of Office is so radically different we have concerns about our staff and patrons transitioning to it. Keep in mind organizations typically transition to a newer version of Office slower than the home user, as there are deployment, training, and other issues to contend with.

To deal with the different document formats being created in Office 2007, the Microsoft Compatibility Pack is installed on each public computer using Office XP/2002. Any documents created by Office 2007 should be able to be opened by our older version of Office.

Patron Thoughts
I sat in on a luncheon with Jenny Levine today (her blog http://theshiftedlibrarian.com), and she showed how her own public library has moved to RSS feeds to keep the website up to date with new acquisitions. I value being able to see what has been ordered for the library, and the time savings in automating this service would be tremendous.

Library Response posted May 19, 2008
The Oak Park Public Library is moving toward improvements to both our website and our catalog system. RSS feeds are on our wish list. We agree, using these feeds to share new library acquisitions would be an excellent service to our patrons and a time savings for staff. Currently our new items are listed monthly.

Please be patient as we are investigating new systems which will enable us to then implement RSS feeds for a number of purposes.

Patron Thoughts
Will you consider selling pens and pencils at the Library? It'd be nice to be able to buy them here.

Library Response posted May 13, 2008
Thank you for your suggestion. We are considering selling pens and pencils as well as other items. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
Website does not work. The links appear like they will take me to the catalog and other parts, but nothing happens. Can you fix it? Thanks.

Library Response posted May 6, 2008
The library catalog system is inaccessible Monday mornings from 12:45 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. due to routine system maintenance. It appears that you ran into this maintenance time period. Our catalog system not only allows users to search for items but also to login to their accounts. Other areas of the website should work as expected during that maintenance time period.

Patron Thoughts
Here is a good example of lack of links. I am on "about us" page following sending a suggestion, and cannot find a link to login. I would expect to find that on all pages, without going to the site index.

Library Response posted May 6, 2008
You make an excellent point that a "login" link should be more visible on every Library web page. The login link in the Catalog drop down menu is not as obvious as it should be. We are planning changes to the site and hope that this and other navigation issues will be improved. Thank you for sharing your observations and difficulties with using our website.

Patron Thoughts
I have so many old books and some are new...Do you buy books?

Library Response posted May 6, 2008
Thanks for your inquiry. We do not buy used books. However, our Friends group has an annual booksale if you are interested in donating your books for that purpose. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
So often, when looking up a book title, outrageous numbers will show up. As an example, Perfect Family will show 104 titles and I have to go through so many to find what I want. Am I doing something wrong? Looking for the same title on Amazon or Borders produces only one title.

Library Response posted May 6, 2008
I understand your confusion. Libraries catalog different editions separately, which is of course, different than how Amazon's and other booksellers' sites work. The Library is working on improving our catalog in many ways.
- Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
The Library issues those cute little receipts when we check out materials. How about having them when you return an item as well? Almost every time that I am in the circulation line, I overhear someone upset because they returned an item but their library record wasn't credited. It becomes a game of tug of war between the patron and the Library. If the Library could give a receipt when material is dropped off, that would really help. The Library could ask for the receipt and trace from there. I've heard of university libraries doing this. It's just disgusting that people are using the system to STEAL things. It isn't fair either that other patrons have to wait for the stolen item to get ordered from Interlibrary loan. Out of curiosity, what is the annual dollar value of materials lost due to theft?

Library Response posted May 6, 2008
Thank you for your suggestion but return receipts would not be feasible with staff work loads and our remote book returns. We will research the amount of lost money and get back to you. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
The process for items that have been placed on hold is too slow. It regularly takes 3 or more days for items to make their way off of the shelves and onto my holds and finally onto the hold shelf for me to pick-up. This also applies to the lag time between an item checked in and the time it takes to place it on the holds shelf. Considering the assumed volume of patron traffic and the limits to the collection, I would imagine that it would be beneficial for this process to be sped up.

It is my understanding that hold pull lists are only printed once or twice a day and that librarians are used to pull the items. Why are librarians using their time to pull holds? This seems very inefficient in both terms of time and money to use such a valuable resource to pull hold items. I would recommend that this service be handed off to circulation and shelving staff that Oak Park Public Library employs. As it seems that there is always a cart full of unshelved hold items sitting at the Circulation desk, it might be best to empower Circulation with this task as a way to maximize the expense directed to that department.

I believe that Oak Park Public Library is a first-class library system with amazing facilities, excellent staff and an incredible collection, but certain aspects of customer service need improvement to take this organization to the next level. Thank you for your time.

Library Response posted May 1, 2008
Thank you for your suggestions. You make excellent points. We will look into the specifics and get back to you. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
Could the Library provide a better place for those free newspapers and other publications which are now left in the foyer? Currently they are placed on the ledge near the entrance.

Unfortunately, people who are mostly non-patrons of the Oak Park Public Library sit on that ledge and pile the papers into one big disorderly stack or even toss them on the floor. People aren't supposed to sit there in the first place. And some create a mess with bits of food and spilled drinks on and near the ledge. Other times, unknown persons come in and steal an entire week's edition of one or several papers for their own purposes. I saw that happen today.

In the old library building, these papers were further inside where they were not vandalized as often.

Library Response posted April 8, 2008
Thanks for your suggestion. We are looking into a better place for the free newspapers, and a better way of keeping them neat.
- Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
Is there a book discussion group for mysteries?

Library Response posted April 8, 2008
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, we do not have a book discussion group just for mysteries, but we think it is a great idea. We did just try a romance discussion over at the Maze Branch, but had low turnout due to bad weather. Stay tuned for more information. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
Will you ever consider hosting a WebEx for any of your book club meetings? There may be members in your community who can not physically show up for an evening event.

Library Response posted April 8, 2008
Thank you for your suggestion. It is an excellent idea. I have forwarded it to staff to investigate. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
This is definitely a suggestion, rather than a complaint. I don't see that we have MyMediaMall at the Oak Park Public Library. Is this something you have considered getting for the Library? I know that it is expensive, but it would be a wonderful addition to our already great collection of items. (I'm home sick, have read everything in the house, and wanted to download. You know how that is.) Thank you for your consideration.

Library Response posted April 8, 2008
Thank you for your suggestion. We are in talks with the vendor about this product. More information will be forthcoming.
- Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
I am having vision problems and I was told to start using one of those electronic books where you can increase the font size. I know that other libraries have these available, but not Oak Park. I am wondering if you plan to get these at some point.

Library Response posted April 8, 2008
Thank you for your suggestion regarding electronic books. We do have some electronic books, but I think you may mean the Kindle which we do not have yet. We are still trying to ascertain from the manufacturer if we can legally lend Kindles because the contractual language is unclear. We will continue to investigate.

We do have other assistive technology in the Library for people with low vision. Please contact Adult and Teen Services at 708-697-3480 or visit the Service Desk on the Third Floor of the Main Library. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
Perhaps the Library could request the Village of Oak Park to modify the turn-around on Grove Avenue to allow for a left-hand book drop, eliminating the need for patrons to first find a legal parking space before they return library materials. A bin at this location would be easier for library staff to access than the one across Lake Street. Thank you.

Library Response posted April 3, 2008
Thank you for your suggestion. We agree that a left hand book drop would be a great improvement to the existing situation. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
The "send a suggestion" button was the only link that worked tonight on the Oak Park Public Library website. I have occasionally dropped a short handwritten note into the shoe box by the Lobby over the years. After writing my note about the website problems, I found the section below it with all the other suggestions. I had never known there was a section of questions and answers available. I found that many other patrons are experiencing the same problems I have over the years. I have lived in Oak Park more than 20 years, and have used it in many different ways over the years. The staff has almost always been professional, knowledgeable, and helpful, and I commend their work as the Library's best asset. I do have some points I would like to raise.

Have continually had difficulty navigating the website, especially getting back to the homepage to check hours or look for a book once I logged into account. I learned below that you have to click on the LOGO? Definitely not intuitive! I had to open a new webpage to look up a book! I have been on computers for more than 15 years, and navigated thousands of sites, and find this one difficult (although it has been improved over the years). It would be beneficial to have some real life users try it out and tell you where they would look for links. Have also searched long to figure out how to reserve a book, and since do not do it often, forget in between because it is not user friendly. Also hard to find out if other libraries carry the book. I currently need to supplement part-time work, and would be willing to work with the webmaster on a short-term contract basis on this project. I think there are a lot of treasures available on the website than most of us have been able to access. As far as hours of operation, I would also like consistent weekend hours, but do not shorten them-make it 6pm on Fri-Sun, or even better, 9pm on Fri and 6pm Sat-Sun. Sundays is short as it is, since only afternoon. All other public libraries I have used for 50 years were open until 9pm weekdays, and the earlier closing is hard to remember. Colleges until 2am. When the Oak Park Public Library is used for study and research by so many people, longer hours would be great and alleviate computer and quiet area overcrowding. Maybe it would be quiet in computer rooms on Fri evening, when serious folks would show up. I frequently just get on a computer at 5:30 and have to leave soon. For the amount of taxes that we pay, I would like more hours and recent books that train for particular skills. With the job market as tight as it is, current job skill manuals, technology training, and texts would be great. Especially in computers and the coming "green industry". Suggest that NEW POLICY is that cell phones are on VIBRATE in Library-adults and youth! The disturbingly loud and long ringSONGS are not needed in a place that is supposed to be basically quiet anyway-people are not at a ballgame or rock concert! I too have been finding it difficult to find a quiet area to work on a computer especially since the fall. I can almost always hear someone else's music, cell conversation, ringsongs, talking and laughing. It is not the fault of the staff or the guards(they do all that they can, as far as I can see). The problem is the inconsiderate nature of too many patrons! Maybe have patrons email the staff at the Second or Third Floor desk when people are breaking rules. I do not want to get up every 5 minutes to report someone-then I cannot get any work done. Agree the voice notification system is difficult to understand. Agree that the selection of instock DVDs is not very appealing. I need to see the packaging to find a film I want to view, so being able to reserve is not helpful, since I do not know what title I would want. Understand you changed the length for all to 7 days, but the popular ones were already 7 days, and now with the 2 renewal period, people can get them for 3 weeks anyway if they renew them online right away before another person can reserve a missing title. Have you considered that renewals could not be made until the DVD is due in 2 days, so that other patrons have had a chance to reserve a title that is not instock for those first 5 days? This would be what happened to the person who tried to get a title in November (see below) and it was checked out until later in Dec. Previous libraries I have used never had such immediate renewal access. I was totally surprised by this. Thank you for your suggestion forum.

Library Response posted April 3, 2008

Hello, thank you for all of your suggestions and insights. We will look into all and get back to you with specific information and responses.
- Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Additional Library Response posted May 6, 2008

A common way to return to the home page of a website is to click on the site's logo at the top of the page. The Library uses this standard web practice on each page. The Library will continue to look for ways to improve the website, including usability testing with "real life users" to improve the navigation of the site.

Library hours are a budget issue. The Oak Park Public Library used to be open on Fridays, but as the evening hours were not well-used the Library Board of Trustees had voted to shorten Friday hours.

The Library is still tweaking our response to problem behaviors and noise in the Library. We hope the Noise Level Zones have clarified expectations and have made the Library a more comfortable setting for all visitors.

We are looking into our renewal rules and will be modifying these to ensure fair use of library materials.

Patron Thoughts
Really enjoyed presence of Buzz in Lobby - would love to see a way to have a cafe type enterprise that is financially viable - here's hoping!

Library Response posted April 3, 2008
The Library is working on finding a replacement for the cafe space in the Main Library. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
Why was there no special display for African American History Month in February? There was one for Lincoln. Just curious.

Library Response posted April 3, 2008
There was a display for African American History Month in the Main Library's Lobby in February. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
I first want to thank the staff at the Library for all of the help that they provide. They are always helpful, courteous and informative. I am an adult student and resident of Oak Park for over 20 years. I would love to study at the Main Library but I can not because of all of the "strange" people that roam the Third Floor. I visited the Main Library today and I left sooner than I would have liked to because I was so uncomfortable and felt that my safety was threatened. I reported my feelings to a staff member and I was told that there was nothing that could be done about the "strange" people unless a formal act was committed against me. I then reported it as well to the security guard and she basically had no answer for me other than this was her second day on the job. I know that the security guards make periodic rounds and that the Library is aware of the problem. Is there anything specific being done?

Library Response posted March 25, 2008
I'm sorry you had an unpleasant experience at the Library. We want all of our patrons to be comfortable and enjoy the Library.

One of the wonderful things about a public library is that it
is "public" and generally also "free." This means that everyone, rich or poor, can get a library card for free and enjoy library services and resources. Library users do have to abide by rules that are set by the Trustees. You can find the "Rules of Behavior" on our website. The rules are designed to ensure that every patron has a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable experience. If people break the rules, they are asked to leave or may even be banned from the Library for a period of time.

Security guards do patrol all floors of the Main Library regularly. It's good that you talked to a staff member about your concerns, and he/she was correct that unless someone breaks one of our rules we do not restrict their access to the Library.

As you can see, it is a complex situation. I would be happy to talk with you about this in person. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
I have a suggestion regarding the Inter Library Loans. I just got home from the Library to find a voice mail message that my Inter Library Loan was waiting for me. It's frustrating not to know that except by your phone calls.Is it possible to automate this to send me an email since I have to provide my email address when I order the book? It would make my life easier and probably save you some phone calls.

Besides that, the Library is great. I especially like the signs you have up about green zones since noise at the Library is one of my pet peeves. Thanks for all your hard work at the Library.

Library Response posted March 25, 2008
Thanks for your suggestion. I will forward it to our ILL staff.

Thanks for your kind words! - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
What's wrong with the change machine in the Lobby of the Main Library and why does it say I can't get change at the front desk. Its been broken for along time. Is it going to be fixed?

Library Response posted March 24, 2008
The change machine has been fixed. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Patron Thoughts
It's hard to get back to the Library's home page after I go to the search catalog. Could we have an easy top of the page link back to the home page from every page on the website? I finally found a home link way down at the bottom of the page in tiny letters, but that is tiny and not very user friendly. I'm sure other people have the same problem and may become frustrated and stop using the website.

Library Response posted March 24, 2008
The Oak Park Public Library logo at the top of each page of our website links to the home page. We hope this standard web practice is a convenient link.

Patron Thoughts
I am disappointed with the film selection at the Library. Nowadays there is almost nothing to check out! Since the Oak Park Public Library allowed checkouts of films for free and since it allowed loans of three weeks most motion pictures are always out. I think there must be a good way to guarantee that most people will enjoy the Library without having to deprive others of its public goods. What could the Oak Park Public Library do to address this issue?

Library Response posted March 19, 2008
We are sorry to hear that you are unhappy with our film collection. This is a very popular collection and we have doubled the budget this year to keep up with the growing demand for more movies. A recent change is that all of our films check out for seven days. Patrons can only renew titles that do not have any holds on them. So the best way for you to guarantee that you will get to see all of the movies that you're interested in is to place holds on those titles. Also you can find lists of the titles we've recently purchased on our website.

Patron Thoughts
I have a few suggestions and one comment. First, I want to say how much I appreciate the Oak Park Public Library librarians and other staff members. I utilize the resources on Third Floor of the Main Library most often and the people who work the service desk are wonderful. Their service (and the service of others) is what makes the Oak Park Public Library the jewel of our community!

With regard to my suggestions (and I realize that most things are a matter of funding) I'd like to share two. The first involves the computer rooms. Would it be possible to have a coat rack mounted in the room? Currently, the only place in the room to store coats is over the back of one's chair and it is hard to keep from rolling over them. Even a standing rack might help, as would an umbrella stand.

My second suggestion involves writing courses. With the announcement that February showed the highest unemployment rate in five years and with the economy being so shaky, I was wondering if it would be possible to have a resume writing workshop in addition to your other writing workshops. A workshop on job search strategies (or even a job fair) might be helpful, too.

Library Response posted March 17, 2008
Thank you for your suggestions. We will look into providing a coat rack and also the writing programs. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
Your search tool doesn't let me search for new nonfiction (search by publication date descending). The fiction department generates a list of new fiction and dvds--why can't a list of new nonfiction books also be generated? I'd do it myself on your system but as I mentioned above, your system won't allow such a query.

Library Response posted March 13, 2008
Thank you so much for your suggestion. We have actually been working on this for some time but ran into some technical difficulties and the project stalled out. We appreciate you letting us know that you are interested in this sort of a list. We are going to explore some other ways to do this.

Patron Thoughts
Perhaps the Library could consider the installation and use of remote "drop-boxes." They might enhance circulation of materials, reduce late fees, and enhance visibility.

Library Response posted March 13, 2008
Thank you for your suggestion. The Library actually has three remote item returns. One is at the Dole Branch at 255 Augusta Street, one is at the Maze Branch at 845 Gunderson Avenue and one is located in Village Parking Lot 55 on North Boulevard. They are all open 24 hours. I hope this is helpful information.
- Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
Can you include the names and titles of all library staff on the website, either in a dedicated staff section, or a section split out by library branch name (i.e., Main, Dole, and Maze staff)? I was trying to figure out the name of a really helpful reference librarian in order to send a commendation, but I didn't know what it was. Photos would be even better! Thanks!

Library Response posted March 4, 2008
Thanks for your inquiry. I'm glad that you are interested in complimenting one of our staff members - good news is always welcome. However, it's just not practical to put all of the staff names, addresses, and photos on our website. We would really prefer that you contact managers for this type of information. All of our department managers are listed with contact information. Additional contact information by subject is listed under Contact Us. Hope this helps.
- Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
Can something be done about the bands of teenagers that seem to roam the Third Floor after school? Don't they have a teen area where they can hang out? Why are they on the Third Floor? They need their own space. I thought they did have a space where they could talk on the Second Floor. If the teen space is on the Second Floor why are they hanging around the Third? I've noticed that quite a few people have said the same thing on this suggestion page and aside from mentioning the security guards nothing else has been done. It's obvious that you need to think of some new ideas to alleviate this problem. What you're doing now isn't working. What else do you propose to do with this situation?

Library Response posted March 3, 2008
We are trying to solve behavior problems throughout the Library. We had serious problems on the Second Floor with high school kids monopolizing the computers and intimidating the middle school kids to the extent that they didn't use the Library. Obviously, patrons of any age are free to use all areas of the Library to find the information they need. Our security guards make regular rounds and they are paying especially close attention to the Third Floor computer area. We are cracking down on behavior problems in general. We hope you will see substantial improvements. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
The website is not easy to use anymore! I like to use Online Databases and Rosetta Stone, but it's very difficult to navigate! I am very frustrated about not being able to find what I need on the website. I am hoping that you will consider a re-design, because, frankly, I use my computer a lot and I am very familiar with computer use. I have designed my own website and I am adept at many applications. Therefore, since I am having a problem, I can only imagine the frustrations of people who are not comfortable using computers.

Library Response posted February 20, 2008
Thank you for the feedback on using our new SuperSearch to access our online research tools.

SuperSearch allows easy access to search multiple tools simultaneously but still provides access to single resources (in the SuperSearch Basic Search tab, click on List by Database for an alphabetical list).

We hope to make these resources easier to identify and access throughout our website and will be working on improvements.

Patron Thoughts
When I do a catalog search by going through home page, catalog, search, advanced, and then checking the small box for "other nearby libraries in mls", the search fails to find books that I can find in other libraries by going through home page, catalog, request item, and then clicking on swan catalog. The first search method I used implies that it is searching "other nearby libraries in mls", but it doesn't find books that are easily found when going through the other search method to access the swan catalog. When you go to the Oak Park Public Library's website, the first most obvious way to search for books is to go through the first method I described. It isn't clear that you have to go into "request item" to find the swan catalog if you really want to find books that are in other libraries. I called the Oak Park Public Library and a very helpful librarian told me how to find the swan catalog. But if I had not called, I would have assumed the first search method was adequate and that no other library had the book I was looking for. It seems like the website should be more clear about how to search for books that might not be in the Oak Park Public Library. And if the search box for "other nearby libraries in the mls" doesn't really work, then the website should be fixed.

Library Response posted February 8, 2008
Thank you for your feedback. You are correct that the "Other Nearby Libraries in MLS" search (under Advanced or Power search) within our own web-catalog is not as full featured as going to the SWAN MLS catalog search directly. What it does provide though is an option that wasn't there prior - the ability to search our catalog and the SWAN catalog simultaneously. There are limitations with this type of "broadcast" search that we hope to resolve and make clearer on our catalog.

Patron Thoughts
I have seen a change in the Third Floor of the Main Library the last couple of months. The Third Floor computer area is a complete disaster. The teenagers have gotten completely out of control. The normal smiling and upbeat reference staff now look like tired and frustrated. Every 5 minutes they have to get up and police these areas. How can you expect them to get any work done? How can they help patrons like me if they are always on the move chasing teenagers around the floor. They are not security guards nor are they babysitters. And by the way why isn't there a security guard at all times on the Third Floor? This problem has been going on for a while and I see no improvement. Perhaps an article in the newspaper or a letter to the library board will get results?

Library Response posted February 8, 2008
Thank you for your suggestions and questions.

I am very sorry to hear that the Third Floor computer area is a "complete disaster." I hope this isn't really true!

We are trying to solve a lot of behavior problems throughout the Library. We had serious problems on the Second Floor with high school kids monopolizing the computers and intimidating the middle school kids to the extent that they didn't use the Library. We have "homeless" patrons who frequent the Lobby and Vestibule who sometimes violate the Rules of Behavior.

Our security guards make regular rounds and they are paying especially close attention to the Third Floor computer area. We recently banned two teenagers who were constant and serious transgressors of our rules against noise and profanity.

We are cracking down on behavior problems in general. I hope you will give us a little more time and hopefully you will see substantial improvements.
- Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
To whom this may concern. I'm typing this letter because of the noise level in the computer room on a daily base. The young people that comes in the computer room in the evening and very loud and disrespectful. They listen to music on the the computer with the head sets and they have the music very loud. This has been very up setting to me. If I can't come to my local Library then where can I go. The staff at the information service desk has been very helpful but they can only do so much. Please can some answer this question for me. Why? Are there school age kids in the library at all times when they should be in school. I have witnessed this on a on going base. I feel the library should take steps to report school age kids in the library to the local authorities for actions to be done. If they are to be in school why are they in the library just passing time as though they are in school. I am sick in tired of being sick in tired of having to fight everyday I come to the library just to have peace and quite in the computer room. If it's not the loud noise of music, it's the talking that's going on as well as cell phone's ringing off the hook. What's the purpose of having signs posted for the noise and talking on cell phones if this is not being enforced. The security guard is a wonderful person. But he can only do so much. And let me just add I came in one day to use the computer only to find out that someone was using my library card number. The young person stated that his sister gave him the number. I showed my card to the staff as well as proper ID then the young person left. Please advise and address these issues because I'm at the point of going to another Library.

Library Response posted February 1, 2008
Thanks very much for your message. I apologize for your difficulties in using our library recently. Let me take your issues one by one.

First, we have established noise zones in an attempt to combat the very problem you describe. We do try to keep the Technology Center and all of the red zones quiet, so I'm very sorry to hear that we are not succeeding. We will try harder.

I cannot answer your question about why school age kids are not in school. If you have any specific information about who the kids are I will relay that to the school administration. In the meantime, I will tell our Youth Interventionist Officers and recommend that they visit the library during school hours and see if they recognize anyone.

It is a violation of the rules to use a library card number that does not belong to you. We will investigate this.

Please feel free to contact me with any further questions or complaints. I will forward your concerns to the appropriate staff members, and we will take action.

Thank you for your support of the Library. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
I'd like to be able to download audiobooks to my iPod. Most people have iPods. Isn't such a service available that is compatible with Mac products?

Library Response posted January 28, 2008
I will look into this and get back to you. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
Librarians should display their name so patrons can report good or unacceptable work to management.

Library Response posted January 21, 2008
We do have nametags but sometimes we forget to wear them. I will remind staff. Also, we are always willing to work with you on any specific complaint or problem, whether or not you know the name of a staff member involved.
- Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
Thank you so very much for putting up the Buzz table signs that say "for customers only."

Library Response posted January 18, 2008
You're welcome. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Patron Thoughts
I have three thoughts -

1. I'm sorry to say that the Buzz cafe is losing money for two reasons. Firstly they are very expensive compared to nearby businesses and secondly I know people who are intimidated at certain times of the day by all of the "down and outs", for want of a better word, who congregate in the foyer. This problem has become obviously bigger since I started using the Library 4 years ago. They now even hang around the Silent Reading Room - not being very silent! I now occasionally switch my study periods to the Harold Washington Library because of the atmosphere at certain times in the OP Main Library. I realize that the Library is open to all, and support this fact, but there are times when this is obviously being abused.

2. To find that the Library has one copy of an item and that the item is 'long overdue' is incredibly frustrating. If an automatic call can be made to tell us when items are on hold surely one could be made to say that people have items due back. I think, after the original booking-out time has passed plus one more week for dvds and three more for books Esc, then people should be warned to return the item to the Library. Maybe cards could be frozen after a certain time period?

3. Would it be possible for dvd series with multiple single volume dvds to be given separate entries on the Library computer system? For example the Jeeves and Wooster dvds have two separate dvds per series but because they are adjoined to one entry on the computer, patrons cannot be sure which of the two they are placing on hold without contacting the circulation desk. I had placed a hold on what I thought would be volume two because I had volume 1 out only to have volume 1 placed back on the hold shelf for me when I returned it! Needless to say volume 2 came back and went out again before I could correct this. Would it be better to either make dvds like these one 'box set' or to split them on the system into part one and part two?

Library Response posted January 16, 2008
Thank you for your thoughtful questions and suggestions. I am going to confer with members of our staff regarding the issues of "long overdue" and the circulation of multi part DVDs, and we will get back to you.

As far as the Buzz goes, there are certainly multiple reasons why they are closing the café. We have received other complaints such as yours regarding patrons congregating in the Library vestibule or other areas. We have a policy on acceptable behavior in the Library and try to enforce it fairly and firmly. If patrons are not violating the policy, we have no grounds on which to ask them to leave. As you indicate in your suggestion, this is a complicated issue and we are working to find solutions that will make the Library experience good for everyone. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
Today's Chicago Tribune had a story about "Green Living" and I was reminded that you can recycle household batteries at Chicago Public Libraries. This was such a nice service; I've missed it since I've moved to Oak Park and now my batteries end up in the trash. Would you consider a similar program?

Library Response posted January 16, 2008
Thank you for your suggestion. We will look into this. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Update - At this time the Library does not collect batteries for recycling. Batteries can be dropped off at all Walgreens locations in Oak Park for recycling.

Patron Thoughts
it would be fantastic and wonderful and an occasion for "rejoicement" if printing a check-out receipt was optional. i heard it was once this way, and would dearly like to see such a policy reinstated -- not only for the good of the environment, but for the facilitation of mental activity and activism as well. thank you for reading this. i love the library (i patronize the Main Library). thank you.

Library Response posted January 16, 2008
Thank you for your suggestion. Yes, it was optional at one time. However, we do use the receipt for verification purposes if items do not check out properly. The security guards check the receipt to be sure all items checked out if the security gates beep. A la Home Depot.

This is not an ideal situation by any means. We are working to improve our self-check so verification will not be needed.

I hope this answers your question. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
I would like to heartily endorse your new arrangement for displaying 'foreign' films. While, in terms of a movie's financing or underwriting, the distinction between 'domestic' and 'foreign' may be fuzzy, your scheme serves to concentrate a bunch of films that are not oriented towards the US mass market, but which have received favorable reviews in this country, as well as their country of origin. This is the first movie section I visit every time I get to the top of the stairs. Bravo Oak Park Public Library. Your selections and displays are the best!

Library Response posted January 11, 2008
Thank you for the positive feedback. The Oak Park Public Library strives to provide the best service to our community.

Patron Thoughts
Place your phone number(s) on library cards, in case needed.

Library Response posted January 10, 2008
The Oak Park Public Library has begun using newly designed Library cards as of January 2008. These cards are in compliance with standards set by the Metropolitan Library System and include the address and telephone number of all three Oak Park Public Library locations.

Patron Thoughts
It appears quite obvious that the library has a policy, intended or unintended, to add to and actually promote the sexualization of our youth, as if our youth needed to be any more sexualized than they already are. As but one example of this the "youth" section is extremely permeated with material of a highly sexual nature, and one which would certainly gravely scandalize many parents if they ever dropped by to see it.. It is indisputable that the gross over sexualization of our youth ends with much promiscuous behavior. Many of these youngsters will end up grabbing the morning after pill and if that fails or is not available then they can be found at the doorstep of their local abortion clinic. The heartache/traumatization/destruction of all of this is incalculable. Why is it that the library so readily plays its' part in contributing to this devastating aspect of our society? Please be so kind as to address these concerns of mine and of many others (the largely "silent majority" if you will). I plan on making them known to the local media by letters to the editors, etc.

On another matter (one of which I also plan on making known to the local media), I wish to know why the library has a policy of allowing their property to be used for the distribution of much material in the form of newspapers and leaflets at its entrance and which is clearly of a gutter type variety. Much of this material is quite salacious and yet it is set out where any child can freely pick it up. It contains among other things provocative ads for prostitution under the guise of escort services. I have also seen free material at the entrance and within the library itself which is blatantly pro communist. Why, why, why do the powers to be at the library continue to contribute to this open degradation and degeneration of our society? Have you no shame? Is your policy a part of a covert agenda to corrupt our society? Do you ever discuss these matters openly in front of the public at your board meetings? You allow so much free material at the entrance and within the library that is very anti-Christian in nature; yet, I have never ever seen the slightest trace of any free material at the entrance or within the library which could be even remotely described as anti-Judaic/Talmudic. Why is this? The public deserves to have a clear unequivocal answer to this. Are you going to provide it?

Library Response posted January 9, 2008
I'm sorry that you are disappointed in the Library.

We abide by the American Library Association's"Freedom to Read" statement and the "Library Bill of Rights," as well as associated interpretations of these documents. You will find them on our website (beginning page 5 in the Policy Manual [PDF file]). - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
Please purchase more LARGE PRINT books that are classic. There is a series called Large Print Classics and you don't have them! Amazing! Instead of the trashy literature, please focus on the good, solid time-tested classics. In order to read Pride and Prejudice in large print, I had to send out to Orland Park Library. That's nuts!

Library Response posted January 9, 2008
Thank you for your suggestion. The Library has since purchased Pride and Prejudice and additional classics including To Kill a Mockingbird, Wuthering Heights, Tale of Two Cities, and Heart of Darkness. We will continue to examine the Large Type collection for classic titles that the Library is missing.

Patron Thoughts
Have a big button on main page for renewing books/movies.

Library Response posted January 4, 2008
We hope you've noticed that we've added a Renew Items link to the side bar on the left of our home page. Cardholders will need to login to their account to renew online.

With all that the Library offers it's hard to highlight everything. But we do want all of our services to be easy to find on our website. Thanks for sending your suggestion.

Patron Thoughts
I have been a regular user of audiobooks and I was dismayed this past month to see the whole collection dwindling. I can't even find the authors that I just read a few months ago, classics like Jane Austin. Are you phasing out audiobooks on CD?

Library Response posted December 6, 2007
We appreciate your question and feedback. Our audiobooks on CDs are actually so popular that it may appear to be a small collection because much of what we own is usually checked out. The Library does carry all four of Jane Austen's books, with multiple copies of Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. Also, the amount of audiobooks purchased has actually increased. For example, in September, we purchased 126 titles including full dramatizations of all of Shakespeare's plays. Other recent purchases include works by Kafka, Tolstoy, Twain, LaForet, Steinbeck, Hemingway, Cummings, and Doyle. We list New Titles for Books on CD on our website. We've just added instructions for How to Browse Catalog for Audiobooks. You may also place a hold on any item in our catalog (How to Place Holds), whether the item is on the shelf or checked out to another patron. We will notify you when your held item is ready for pickup.

Patron Thoughts
I was interested to see the suggestion here somebody made about renewing DVDs and your answer. I went in the catalog (in November) to see if a movie I wanted was available and saw that it is checked out until December 6th. Sure I can put a hold on it, but it's not due back until then. That's a long time to keep a movie! Is that how you want or expect this to work?

Library Response posted December 4, 2007
Thanks for your inquiry. We are trying to make all of our materials more available and simplify our loan rules so they are easier to understand and more consistent.

Your specific example appears to be an error on our part. DVDs circulate for one week and can be renewed for that period also. We will review our procedures to be sure they are correct. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
It would be nice to have more clocks around the Library, and it would be especially nice to have one in the Silent Reading Room on the Third Floor. And they'd be a welcome addition to the computer center and classroom, too. Yes, the computers have clocks, but it isn't the same! Thank you!

Library Response posted December 3, 2007
Thank you for suggesting this. The Library will look into purchasing additional wall-mounted clocks for those spaces.

Patron Thoughts
I got an automatic call yesterday telling me I had a book waiting for me at the Main Branch. I couldn't understand it very well and just heard Branch, so went to Maze. They said it was at the Main Library. Main's not a branch so you shouldn't call it that. It's confusing, especially on the phone message. It should be Main Library. Dole and Maze are branches of the Main Library. Be clear and accurate. This is confusing.

Library Response posted December 3, 2007
Thank you for contacting the Library, we will look into making this change.

Patron Thoughts
I cannot find a directory of people who work in the library, especially the director. Please make this more facile and easily seen. Thank you.

Library Response posted November 27, 2007
Your suggestion prompted some changes to our website. Contact information for the Executive Director was moved to the top of the Departments/Staff page, where other key staff are listed. Additional telephone numbers were added to the Contact Us page. These changes should prove useful. The link to the Contact Us remains in the upper right hand corner of the website where it can be easily accessed from most pages.

Patron Thoughts
I would really like to be able to request an interlibrary loan after looking a book up in SWAN. I. know the history of the Oak Park public library leaving SWAN so it could use a different circulation system. However, after 30 years in the computer industry I believe it is possible to interwork our computer systems with theirs for the limited purpose of allowing Oak Park patrons to login to SWAN, request a book, and have this sent as an interlibrary loan request to the Oak Park Public Library. Currently, I look a book up in SWAN at home, print out the web page, carry it to the library, give it to a reader services librarian, who fills out a paper form. This is less work for me than filling out your online form (and I object to filling out information that you already have after I've logged in to the Oak Park Public Library website).

Library Response posted November 16, 2007
Thanks for your suggestion. We have recently made an improvement to our connection with SWAN, where you can go to Advanced Search and see both our catalog and the SWAN holdings. Technologically we are able to communicate quite well with SWAN. However, it is a feature of full membership to be able to request an item from a SWAN library electronically. We are currently looking at the possibility of rejoining SWAN because of public service imperatives such as the one you suggest, and for financial considerations. - Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Patron Thoughts
That we can now renew DVDs two times is a very bad idea. A week was enough. Now someone can check something out and immediately check it out for two more week-long periods, if no one else is in line for it. I think that's terrible, and will limit far more the opportunities for watching. Perhaps good for the few users who don't plan especially well, but not considerate or good for majority of the library users. It severely limits the possibilities of finding something interesting on the usually disorganized DVD shelves at the library.

Library Response posted November 12, 2007
The decision to allow movies to be renewed was accompanied by other changes. The maximum limit of movies on a card was lowered to 7, the circulation period for nonfiction movies was reduced from 3 weeks to one week, and overdue fines for movies were increased to $1.00 a day. These changes were prompted by several considerations. Documentaries have in the past years become very popular, and although we want to properly catalog them as nonfiction, we also wanted them to circulate faster. At the same time we wanted to acknowledge that some nonfiction movies, like language instruction or how-to items, are more useful when kept for more than one week. Changing the circulation period and allowing renewals addresses these divergent needs. Allowing movie renewals was also a frequent request from patrons who needed an extra day or two to return their movies. For our patrons' convenience, all movies can be placed on hold, and any item that has a hold on it cannot be renewed.

Patron Thoughts
Why can't the hours be easier. Just make it 5 o'clock on the Friday Saturday Sunday weekend days. I can never remember. It doesn't need to be so hard.

Library Response posted November 9, 2007
The Library Board has discussed changing the Sunday hours to 12-5. We will forward your suggestion to them.

Patron Thoughts
In your business section, I am finding the books out of date (more than than five years old). Finance books are not classics. The laws, the world economics, and internet are moving. These dynamics impact financial advise. I would like to see some resources spent updating the financial book section and some of the older books retired. To me I would rather have an old library building and updated books than a new building with outdated material.

Library Response posted October 30, 2007
Thank you for contacting the Library about this. We have been buying new titles in this area, but it's difficult to find them when the shelves are so crowded with out-of-date books. Weeding the collection is a crucial part of collection maintenance, and needs to be an ongoing process throughout the Library. This got away from us, and we will be focusing our attentions on this area in early November.

Patron Thoughts
Why can't there be word processing computers for visitors? And longer Internet access?! No other library is this limited -- I don't understand.

Library Response posted October 12, 2007
Thank you for the suggestion. The Library is currently looking at the software available on our computers, who can use which computers and for how long.

Patron Thoughts
I just wanted to say "Thank you" big time for the reading list called "Free to Be He and She: Non-Traditional Gender Roles." These items are very important to our household, and we appreciate the Library making them available to the youth of Oak Park. Thank you so much!!!

Library Response posted September 14, 2007
Thank you for the positive feedback. We hope the Library continues to be a resource for all residents of Oak Park. The Library has made available a range of Reading Lists for kids organized by subject and by grade.

Patron Thoughts
Can we sign up for computer classes online? And can you please send reminders via email just like we get for holds and books that are almost due? Such a system would be wonderful. We could see how many "open seats" there are, and if needed, cancel after registration so the next person on the waiting list would get an opportunity to take the spot.

Library Response posted August 9, 2007
Online sign-up for computer classes is something that the Library is currently working on. We're not sure if the system will allow for email reminders about the class, but we will be looking into that, too. Thank you very much for the suggestion! (Sign up for Email Notification to receive reminders about overdue items and notices of items on hold.)

Patron Thoughts received March 26, 2007
This is such a cool thing -- to be able to make suggestions!! Thanks for making it so easy!

Library Response posted March 26, 2007
Great! We hope lots of people will feel the same way, and take advantage of this easy way to communicate ideas, compliments and complaints to the Oak Park Public Library.
- Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

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How do I request the Library purchase a book I'm interested in reading?

Requests or recommendations for items not in our catalog may be made through the Make A Request form. We are always delighted to receive suggestions for purchase in this way.

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Can I borrow a book or other item that the Library doesn't own?

Requests for items not in our catalog may be made through the Make A Request form. These requests for items in any format (books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks) are considered first by librarians who purchase items for the Library. If the decision is made not to purchase the item or if it is not available, the Library attempts to borrow it through interlibrary loan.

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Can I request a book or other item from another library using your catalog?

Because the Oak Park Public Library is not a member of SWAN it is not currently possible to request an item while searching our catalog with the limit "Other Nearby Libraries in MLS." Please place interlibrary loan requests through our Make A Request form or ask at a Service Desk for assistance.

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Can I pick up holds for family members?

The Oak Park Public Library abides by Illinois Law that states that circulation and registration records are confidential information.

The Oak Park Public Library is concerned for the privacy rights of our adult patrons. We treat all adults as individuals and will not divulge library account information to anyone except in conditions stated in the Library's Confidentiality of Circulation Records Policy.

That said, if a patron presents the library card of their spouse/domestic partner, we assume they have given permission to pick up the Holds. We must have the card that the Hold is attached to. The Library's automated system does not allow the transfer of a Hold to another account.

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What does "Long Overdue" mean next to a title listed in the catalog?

Our catalog system also serves as our inventory control and borrower accounts database. With over 320,000 items in our system and over 1,000,000 circulations per year, we rely quite a bit on our automated systems. Statuses such as "Long Overdue," "Reported Returned," and "Lost and Paid" are attached to a patron account. According to the Library policy approved in October 2007, patrons are blocked from further borrowing if they owe $15 or more. They are sent to a debt collection agency if they owe $50 or more. We need to keep these "Long Overdue" items in the database while we work through the collection process. The Library tries to order more copies when the last copy becomes unavailable.

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How do I clean DVDs before playing them?

To clean a DVD use a soft, clean, dry cloth and wipe it radially (from center to tip). If the DVD still does not function well, please include a note with it when you return it to the Library.

The Library purchased a disc-cleaning machine in 2009 to better maintain our DVD and CD collections. Volunteers run discs through the machine which smoothes the playing surface. Almost all discs are like new after the machine cleans and buffs the discs to remove scratches.

The machine quickly paid for itself since we no longer pay a disc-cleaning service or replace items that are not playable. This is just one example of how the Library is a careful steward of tax payer dollars.

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Can I return items checked out at the Main Library at a Branch location?

Yes, any item borrowed from the Oak Park Public Library may be returned at the Main Library, the Dole Branch, the Maze Branch, or at a curbside book return.

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Why can't I install software on Library computers?

The computers available to the public to use at the Oak Park Public Library do not allow installation of programs, web-browser plugins, Active-X controls, etc. This practice is done for a number of reasons:

Patrons using the public computers want to come into the Library and be able to use any computer available. We aim to have all the public computers running identical configurations. Allowing anyone to install whatever software they chose on individual computers will disrupt this uniformity and will make it very likely that patrons will have a different experience each time they use a different computer. This could be quite frustrating to the user that wants to get started quickly and finds that something has changed and its causing problems.

In addition, all public computers should be running in a stable configuration. If the computers are running with the exception to allow anything to be installed it introduces an element of instability. We wish to prevent installation of software that could easily be various forms of malware, virus, or spyware. Moreover, the Library is responsible to the Internet community at large to not let computers be compromised in such a way that they could be used remotely by malicious crackers.

Oak Park Public Library computers have a basic installation of software, including Quicktime, Windows Media Player, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Flash, Adobe Shockwave, PDF Creator, Paint.NET, and OfficeXP. There are many websites that have games that run using Flash or Shockwave. For example, games.yahoo.com has chess, backgammon, etc. for individual play or play against opponents over the Internet. No additional software is required.

While the Library strives to please all of our patrons, we realize that some computer features desired are not available. We do like to hear about what we could offer to the public. Requests are considered and if found appropriate we attempt to get these features into a future public computer configuration.

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How often does the Library update software on the public computers?

While the Library strives to please all of our computer users, we do make some trade-offs, by sacrificing immediate upgrades in application versions for the overall security and stability of our PCs and network. The computers available to the public are configured with the understanding that there will be users of varying abilities and needs. Upgrading programs such as Flash affect all machines in a given area, and would generally include other software in one bundle, so as to get the most out of a new deployment. This method guarantees users a consistent experience, but due to the need to thoroughly test upgrades for compatibility, the timing for updates tends to lag.

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Why are computer classes available only to Oak Park residents?

Free classes at the Oak Park Public Library are available to Oak Park Public Library cardholders. (Library cards are available to all Oak Park residents free of charge.) Since there are a limited number of computers, and therefore places for students in the classroom, we limit our classes to Oak Park Public Library cardholders.

There are many other resources for learning about computers, building computer skills, or learning to use information gathering tools. You may Ask A Librarian for assistance. Also, we recommend you ask your local library to offer classes of interest to you.

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How are you addressing disruptive behavior in the Library?

We are trying to solve behavior problems throughout the Library. We have established Noise Zones at the Main Library in an attempt to make the Library a comfortable place for all visitors. These zones within the building clarify the noise levels and activities permitted. So for example, the Computer Center on the Third Floor of the Main Library is a Silent Zone where patrons can use the computers without disturbance. The computer area on the Second Floor of the Main Library is a Social Zone where groups can work together and speak in moderate conversation levels. Patrons are encouraged to find the zone that is appropriate for their needs and to respect the needs of others in the zone.

We do try to keep all of the Red Zones quiet, including the Computer Center. Our security guards make regular rounds of the Main Library and they are paying especially close attention to the Third Floor computer area. We are cracking down on noise and behavior problems in general. We ask that all visitors observe our Rules of Behavior. We hope you will see substantial improvements.

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Does the Library have a fax machine for the public to use?

No, the Library does not have a public fax machine but there are fax machines available at Burke Business Café (102 S. Ridgeland Avenue, Oak Park, 708-386-3222), Peterson's Pharmacy (715 Lake Street, Oak Park, 708-848-5020), and UPS Store (159 N. Marion Street, Oak Park, 708-358-1445). These locations charge for use of their public fax machines.

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How can I contact an individual staff person?

Contact information for key staff is listed on the Departments/Staff web page. Additional telephone numbers appear on the Contact Us page.

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Does the Library heat the Parking Garage in the winter and cool it in the summer?

The Library no longer heats or cools the Parking Garage at the Main Library. The decision was made in 2006 that this was not cost effective or necessary.

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Why is the Main Library too cool/too warm?

The process of maintaining a comfortable temperature at the Main Library becomes a challenge during periods of moderate weather in the spring and fall. During moderate weather, the outside air temperature puts the building's system between the heating and cooling modes. The Main Library was designed with energy efficiency in mind and because it is very well insulated the building has a slow rate of heat transfer. So during these periods of moderate weather it takes some time for the building to respond to the rapid changes in outside air temperature, especially when it is cool at night and very warm during the day.

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Why are the lights left on at the Main Library when it's closed?

This is a complicated issue, even though it seems like it shouldn't be. First of all, the emergency lights are always on in accordance with fire and building codes.

Most of the lighting in the Main Library is computer managed and controlled, so that there are not individual light switches in the public areas at all. A certain number of lights are left on for the cleaning crew which arrives at 10 pm and works until 4 am. At this point, we are using less than 20% of the available lights. (When the building first opened in 2003 50% of the lights were left on for the evening cleaning crew. Through experimentation we've been able to reduce to 20% at night.)

Light switches in the majority of staff areas are on motion sensors. So these lights automatically go off after a short amount of time the area is empty. (This also provides savings during the day.) Staff and security guards turn off manual light switches before leaving for the evening.

It's not a perfect situation, but we are doing our best to manage the building's systems and conserve as much electricity as possible.

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Does the Main Library really have a green roof? Can I see it?

The Main Library does have a green roof. The larger part of the Third Floor roof, some 12,500 square feet, holds a thin layer of soil and was planted with many native Illinois plants including stonecrop, phlox, and sedum. Oak Park landscape architect, Carol JH Yetken, responsible for the design, selected plants that will require minimal upkeep and grow well in a thin layer of well drained soil. The soil together with the plant material will improve the energy performance of the building and contribute to better air quality in the neighborhood. For safety reasons the green roof is not open to the public, or even to all staff! We encourage you to check out seasonal photos and the planting plan.