OPPL :: Suggestions

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 Information Services at 708-697-3480 or visit them 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 and Rosetta Stone.

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 sends about 50 to 100 discs a month to a company to be machine-cleaned. Almost all discs are like new after this company cleans and buffs the discs to remove scratches.

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.

How are you addressing disruptive behavior in the Library?

We are trying to solve behavior problems throughout the Library. We have established Noise Level Zones at the Main Library in an attempt to make the Library a comfortable place for all visitors. These color-coded zones within the building clarify the noise levels and activities permitted. So for example, the Technology Center on the Third Floor of the Main Library is a "Silent" Red Zone where patrons can use the computers without disturbance. The computer area on the Second Floor of the Main Library is a "Social" Green 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 Technology Center. Our security guards make regular rounds 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.

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 the Media Zone at 1010 Lake Street (708-524-8589) and at Peterson's Pharmacy at 715 Lake Street (708-848-5020). Both locations charge for use of their public fax machines.

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.

What's happening with the café space at the Main Library? Where can I get coffee?

The Oak Park Public Library and West Suburban PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) are exploring an innovative public-private partnership to provide café service in the vestibule of the Main Library. PADS would operate the café in the Library as a transitional job training program for their clients enrolled in the agency's supportive housing programs. Read more about this.

There are three nearby options for coffee…

Caribou Coffee
136 N. Oak Park Avenue
708-445-1196
Walk ½ block east on Lake Street. Caribou is on the southeast corner of Lake Street and Oak Park Avenue.

Great Harvest Bread Company
736 Lake Street
708-848-5700
Walk ½ block east on Lake Street. Great Harvest is on the northeast corner of Lake Street and Oak Park Avenue.

Starbucks
711 Lake Street
708-660-9357
Walk east on Lake Street, ½ block past Oak Park Avenue. Starbucks is next to Jimmy Johns.

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.

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.

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