Patron Comments November and December 2013

Comment:  I found the DVD “The Sentiment of the Flesh” to be disturbing subject matter.
Response:  We're sorry to learn that "The Sentiment of the Flesh" did not meet your expectations.  TCPL prides itself on offering a diverse collection.  This allows us to meet a variety of needs and tastes, but also means that not all materials will be suitable for all patrons.  We hope you will continue to use our DVD collection and are confident that you will find an assortment of films that better meet your viewing preferences.

Comment:  Stay Beautiful!
Response:  Thank you!  We are constantly working to ensure that our facilities and collections are aesthetically and intellectually appealing!

Comment:  My young daughter and their friends don’t want to come to the library so much  because they’re "scared of the people who smoke and hang out!"  We love it here!  Thanks!
Response:  We share in your daughter's concerns and have been working cooperatively with local police, legislators, business owners and partner organizations to mediate this problem.  We hope your daughter and her friends will continue to visit and will take comfort in knowing that we our staff and security team are aware of and working toward a resolution to this problem.

Comment:  Who needs books anymore why not just fill the library up with DVD’s!
Response:  We are delighted that you enjoy our DVDs! Our goal is to provide a diverse collection in multiple formats to meet the needs of all of our patrons!

Comment:   It is annoying to be working and hearing other phones going off!
Response:  We agree that the buzz of cell phones can be a distraction, that is why we have placed "Voices Quiet, Ringers Silent" signs throughout the building.  We know that banning cell phone use is an impractical solution and would make using the Library inconvenient for many of our patrons, but we do advocate for respectful/courteous use of all electronic devices.

Comment: Oh, how I miss “Not new, but worth a view.”  Any chance of bringing it back??
Response:  We're glad you enjoyed the "Not New, But Worth a View," section!  While we no longer have a designated spot for these titles, we are still putting thematic "Not New, But Worth a View" titles on our new display units.

Comment:  Patron tried to pay fine on-line, but it tried and failed to redirect so she came in to pay.
Response:  We are sorry for the inconvenience.  As long as a fine is more than $5 it can typically be paid online.  Should you experience problems paying fines online in the future, please contact Jennifer Schlossberg, Circulation Department Head, at (607) 272-4557 extension 254.

Comment:  One of these “Service Animals” trips me up or bites me up in the library = BAD DAY!
Response:  The Library is proud to provide free and equal access to all, and like all public institutions, we have a legal responsibility to allow service dogs.  If you have concerns regarding a specific animal during a Library visit, please reach out to a member of our security team or a staff member.

Comment:  It would be nice if the art displays could stay up a little longer.  I don’t always have time to take a good look at them and, by the time I come back, they’re gone.
Response:  We couldn't agree more!  While our fantastic exhibits are often up for only a short time, the good news is that we have a constant rotation.  So when one exhibit comes down, another goes up!  Be sure to visit our Exhibit Blog at http://tcpl-exhibits.blogspot.com/ for exhibit updates and information!

Comment:  Amityville Horror would like to have ordered to read.
Response:  Thank you for your request.  "The Amityville Horror" is available to TCPL patrons through the Finger Lakes Library System.  Visit the Reference or Circulation Desk for information about requesting a copy!

Comment:  Where are all the books?
Response:  TCPL has more than 200,000 books in our physical collection and thousands of titles are available electronically through the OverDrive Digital Download Service.  If you are looking for a specific title, please browse our online catalog at http://tcpl.org or contact our Reference Desk at (607) 272-4556.

Comment:  The public library is my only internet access and I’m trying to find a job.  65 minutes a day??  I might as well stay home.
Reponse:  TCPL serves as a wonderful resource for job seekers!  From reference books to databases offering resume-writing skills, we have a number of services to help make your search easier.  While Internet  use is timed due to high demand and limited broadband access, we do offer untimed access to computers with Microsoft Office programs for resume and cover letter writing.  Best of luck with your job search!

Comment:  SKY TRAIN by Canyon Sam
Response:  Thank you for your suggestion! 

Comment:  Would love extra movies for the holidays!  Thanks!
Response:  You are in luck!  TCPL will again be offering enhanced borrowing privileges during the holidays, which will allow our patrons to borrow twice the normal limits on books, CDs and DVDs.

Comment:  You need to have more dance instruction DVDs like 2 step, swing, clogging and Ball room.
Response:  Thank you for your suggestion.  It has been forwarded to the Library staff member who orders DVDs.



















 

PATRON COMMENTS - September & October

Comment: We would suggest lengthening the borrowing time for books to four weeks to help parents remember to return before fees are assessed.
Response:  Thank you for your suggestion.  We will be reviewing this policy in the near future.

Comment: The Willard Exhibit if beautifully done. So moving, touching, human and sad.  Thank you!
Response: We are happy you enjoyed the Willard Exhibit. Thanks to our Art Exhibit Coordinator Sally Grubb for a beautiful display.  Thank you for your feedback.

Comment: Thank you for the no receipt button!
Response: You’re welcome.  We had this suggestion earlier this year and are delighted that we are able to accommodate this request and save on resources too.  Thanks to our wonderful patrons for bringing this to our attention.

Comment: Please do a separate display or shelf of the newest picture books in Youth Services.
Response: Thank you for your suggestion which has been shared with the Youth Services Librarian.

Comment: Catalog DVD by genre, comedy or horror, etc.  Thank you
Response: The DVD collection is a browsing collection and they are roughly in alphabetical order.  e are in the process of looking at our services and this suggestion can be addressed at that time. 
Bravo!  You do such a wonderful thing thank you. Thank you!

Comment: Danke schon!  Thanks so much for consistently expanding the German Children book selection! It’s a great tool while raising our boys bilingually.
Response: You’re welcome we are pleased to offer the learning tools for the community’s educational needs.  Thanks for your feedback.

Comment: Usually the library is a peaceful place of learning, research, stimulating information etc.  For the past couple of weeks we have been traumatized by the relentless, constant beeping piercing one’s brain in the main big library room.  It is beyond comprehension that this continues and you do nothing? 
Response: We are sorry you had this experience.  We are aware that the beeping is distracting to many patrons and staff and are working with facilities to resolve the problem.  Facilities needed additional parts to correct the problem.  The library is scheduled for repair the second week in October.   We hope you will continue to find TCPL the peaceful place of learning that we strive to make available for our amazing community.

Comment: Take the benches out so the drug dealers and low lifes will have nowhere to camp out. 
Response: Thank you for your suggestion.  We are looking at all of our options and working with local agencies and the Ithaca City Police Department on this issue.
 

PATRON COMMENTS - August

Comment: The noise and displays of ignorance outside the library near the windows by the magazines is becoming greater every day it seems.  Can’t the bike racks be relocated to another section (near parking garage) and the benches removed.
Response: Thank you We are aware of the groups gathering outside the library.  We have spoken with facilities and have asked them to remove the benches.  Our security guards are monitoring the activities and telling those with behavior issues to leave. We are also working with community organizations to provide services for some of these individuals.

Comment: Thanks for selling the head phones again that I asked for I just bought a pair 
Response: You’re welcome.  Thank you for bringing to our attention that we had sold out.  We were happy to reorder.

Comment: Please be sure the phone message accurately states when the library is open.  I drove 17 miles for nothing on Sunday the machine stated “We are busy helping a patron and can’t come to the phone.  This made me think you were open.  I was not only disappointed but gas cost more than I can afford now.  Thank you! 
Response: Thank you for your comments.  We have checked all the messages on our phones and have corrected this message to more accurately reflect our Sunday hours.  Please also know that our hours open and days closed are posted on our website at tcpl.org
 
Comment:  I rate TCPL a 10 because it has really good books.  And you are able to check out e readers. 
Response: Thank you!! Yes, eReaders may be checked out at the circulation desk at the front of the library for three weeks.

Comment: To T.C.P.L. the building is very pleasing to the eye. 
Response: Thank you.

Comment: More DVDs!  I live far away and can’t come often.  Thanks! 
Response: Currently 5 DVDs may be checked out for one week.  We will review this policy.

Comment: I am looking for a daytime book club.  Are there any here?  Thanks
Response:  The library hosts book discussions for the community read and we have an on-going Mother/Daughter book group.  Most book groups in this community are organized by friends or neighborhoods groups. At times the bookstores also have reading groups.  Thank you for the suggestion.

Comment: It would be great if books could be on loan for 4 weeks!  Thanks! 
Response: Thank you for suggestion.  We will review this policy.

Comment: I think you should brightly label the movies on the bottom with a color that indicates they are new ones.  Help us who have watched everything. 
Response: Thank you for your suggestion.  We do post new titles in the DVD section.  The list of new titles is also available in our online catalog in the left hand frame, from our website tcpl.org under “We Suggest”  and you may sign up for the list of new titles to be sent to your email from http://library.booksite.com/6631/signup/?list=NLSGN

Comment: Hi, I’d like to request you carry the book “Towards Collective Liberation Anti-Racist Organizing Feminist Praxis, and Movement Building Strategy” by Chris Crass.  It is essential reading for progressive interested in principled anti-racist Work, and I think many in the Ithaca Community would take interest in I benefited from reading this book.  Please consider stocking in on our shelves!  Thank you so much. 
Response: Purchase suggestions for books or AV may be submitted at any public service desk in the library.  These suggestions are passed directly to the librarians selecting the materials.  In addition suggestions may be submitted from our http://tcpl.org/we-suggest/request.php or from our online catalog using the link in the left hand frame.

Comment: I am sad our librarian, Stephen Salino, is leaving.  He is such a nice young man. 
Response: We, too, are sad that Stephen is leaving.  He has been  an enormous help this summer and we have enjoyed working with him.
 

PATRON COMMENTS - July

Comment:  More and more there seems to be patrons that want to use the Cornell reading room as their own private area to carry on a conversation or to use the cell phone.  They can be loud and rude to others in that area who are trying to study or read in quiet.
I hate to be the one that has to go to the staff for redress on this issue but at times it can be very annoying.  I am sure other users of this room feel the same way.  This reading room area is a great library asset and I and many others use it often.
Response: Thank you for your feedback about the Cornell Reading Room. This is intended to be a quiet reading room and we hope that you and others will let us know of any hindrance to your using the room. We will also review signage as well as the process for monitoring the use of the room. Thank you.

Comment: We have four people at home and each of us have a library card.  I would like to combine our log in ID into one account so, I can supervise the balance and overdue.  Thanks
Response: Thank you for your suggestion. The automated system and our policies require that each person have a card and be responsible for her/his own account. We aren’t able to accommodate your request. If you would like to talk more in person about how accounts are set up and maintained, please feel free to contact us at 607-272-4557, ext 233 or ext 234.

Comment: Have family movie night.
Response:  This summer, we are offering Family Movie Night—learn more at http://tcpl.org/kids/programs-family-film-nights.php Thank you for your feedback.

Comment: Terms on 4 & 6 CD, DVD’s should be longer.  If someone puts on hold before I renew I am unable to utilize second renewal.  Thank you!
Response: Thank you for your suggestions. We will review the circulation policies for these materials.

Comment: I love you all! We appreciate every single person in our amazing community! 
Response:  Thank you

Comment:  I wish the library had PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii systems available for checkout
Response:  You are in luck!  We do have these materials available. Check with our Youth Services staff for more information. Thank you.

Comment:  You should have an area with books & stories written by local kids.
Response:  What a great suggestion! Thank you. We will forward this suggestion to our Youth Services staff. You may want to stop by Youth Services to see the creative Lego structures made by local youth at our “Legos in the Library” each week. Learn more at http://tcpl-news.blogspot.com/2013/06/library-to-host-lego-program.html
And we are also hosting “Visual Culture,” our annual art exhibit curated by IHS faculty member Carol Spence and students of the Ithaca High School Art Department,
 
 

PATRON COMMENTS - MAY & JUNE

Comment:  Please also acquire recent books/media on long-distance/endurance running, nutrition, especially those which discuss NEW products such as GU, CLIF, etc.
Please acquire some books or media on; trail running, minimalist & running movement.  Thanks! 
Response:  Thank you for your suggestion, which has been shared with the Acquisitions Librarian.  Suggestions for purchase may also be made from our website http://tcpl.org/we-suggest/request.php or at any of the public service desks in the library.

Comment:  You should make a youth authors section where kids can have books they wrote. 
Response:  Thank you for the suggestion, which has been shared with Youth Services Librarians. 

Comment: Harry Potter in Japanese 
Response:  We do try to purchase popular materials in other languages and have a copy of several Harry Potter titles in Japanese.  Please stop at our one of reference desk for assistance

Comment: One of our regulars, brought her complaint to me at the circ desk – bunches of young people hanging out near the low wall on S. Cayuga St. making it difficult to pass by on sidewalk.  Think she has “handicapped parking” sticker. 
Response:  Thank you for reporting this concern. We, too, are concerned with access and safety at the library.  We have hired a second security guard to increase patrols and to prevent individuals from blocking the sidewalk and have been in communication with the Ithaca City Police Dept.
 
Comment:  Hello!  Please consider adding TCPL collection sites around Ithaca, i.e.:  Wegmans, Agway, Mall etc.  I believe this would greatly increase return rates and quicker turn-around times.  Parking can be difficult so books tend to stay in our car longer than they should.  The two spots outside for drop off are usually taken and the bus lane is/can be dangerous with kids. 
Response: Thank you for your suggestions.  Unfortunately we have no way to retrieve these items returned to stores.  However, all the rural libraries will accept returns for TCPL, The rural libraries in Tompkins County are located  in Dryden, Groton, Lansing, Newfield, and Trumansburg.

Comment:  Newer and more books about the history of the Earth (550) for kids, more history DVDs for the kids. 
Response:  Thank you for the suggestion, which have been shared with youth services department.

Comment:  The new sculpture outside is an eyesore as usual. 
Response:  Sorry you do not like this art.  We are happy to offer our library patrons and the community multiple opportunities to experience art.  We hope that in the future there will be other art that you do enjoy.  Thank you for your feedback.

Comment:  Hello, you are out of the $4.00 headphones.  Thank you. 
Response:  Thank you for this information.  We will reorder.

Comment:  Positive comment – In the airport in Philadelphia, flight delayed 5 hrs.  Took out two e-books from TCPL and read them on my smartphone using overdrive.  What a great service!   
Response:  Thank you!
 
Comment:  Hire a staff person to clean the restrooms, stack the soap etc.  Log in to use free WiFi internet should be abolished.  LIBRARIES should strive to expand inclusivity NOT exclusivity.  Moreover, the internet barely works.  This place is no longer suitable for people to get work DONE.  I will not authorize new taxes to finance a library managed this poorly. 
Response:  Thank you for your feedback about the public restrooms. You can image with over 400,000 visits each year that they are very busy and well used.  We will pass on your concerns to facilities.   Also thank you for your wireless access comments.  As with most free WiFi throughout the county and the nation, a log-in is required to ensure that people in the building have access.  We now require a log-in due to the increased demand.  People outside the building whose devices were connecting without their knowledge were sucking up the wireless connections.
So sorry you did not have a productive experience at the library.  If you would like to come to the library to talk with us, please call 272-4557 ext. 221 to make an appointment.
 

PATRON COMMENTS - April 2013

Comment: I would like to read skateboarding Magazines.  If you could get some I’s like that. 
Response: Thank you for this suggestion.  Periodicals are selected and purchased annually for the next year. Please let us know if you have specific titles for consideration. We will research and consider this subject for purchase.
 
Comment: Please do something about the opera CD’s VERY CLUMSY!  IMPOSSIBLE!
Response: We are sorry that you are frustrated.  What is the nature of the problem?  More detail would assist us in analyzing the problem so that we can see what can be done.

Comment: I think I have a great idea for an Art Exhibit; the history of tattoos, and tattooing.
Response: Thank you for your suggestion.  The art exhibits are booked at least a year and often two years in advance.  Your idea has been shared with the Art and Exhibit Coordinator at the library.

Comment: How do I get my computer time back when computer crashes happens?
Response: We are very sorry this happened.  Please speak with the reference librarian.  They can help you.

Comment: Please order a DVD of Douglas Sirk’s classic Written on the Wind.
Response: This suggestion has been forwarded to the librarian who selects the DVDs.

Comment: It would be helpful to have an EXPRESS line for simple pick up of reserved books/limited stuff.
Response: Thank you for this idea.  We will share this idea with circulation department.

PATRON COMMENTS - March 2013

Comment: Start a collection of Blu-ray movies. 
Response: Thank you for your suggestion.  At this time we are not ready to add another format for several reasons.  DVDs may be viewed on Blu-ray players, but not vice versa.  Disks are easily scratched and Blu-ray cost considerably more than most DVDs.  In addition another format is an investment in time and processing.

Comment: It would save the library money and natural resources if a paper receipt for check-outs, renewals, and paid fines were optional.  Does your system allow this?  I use the TCPL website to keep track of my borrowing, so I always discard my paper receipt.  At the very least please put recycling bins near each checkout station. 
Response: Thank you for the suggestion.  The system automatically prints a receipt.  We are happy to recycle the paper immediately if you do not want the receipt.  There is also a green recycling bin between the self-check-out machines and there are green recycling bins located throughout the library.

Comment: Please enforce smoking areas, especially in front of the entrance as there are children continuously flowing in and out.  Thanks. 
Response: We too are very concerned about the smoking and disruptive behavior outside the library.  We have hired a second security guard to assist us with moving the smokers away from the library.  It is a violation to smoke on County property or 25 feet from an entrance.

Comments: Groups of kids hanging out in front of the entrance smoking, loud and just annoying. 
Response: We are also convening a group of local agencies and organizations to address these concerns and to see what actions can be taken to improve these loud and disruptive behaviors

PATRON COMMENTS - January & February 2013

Comment: Fix computer time because people lose time from loading on slow network.  I lose 30 minutes from my time.
Response: Thank you for your time looking into this. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.  We are aware of the slow internet access and are looking into the problem and investigating solutions.

Comment: I want to let you know that I enjoyed looking things up on the internet on your computer.  I want to thank you for helping me out.  But now that I have my library card, I am wondering if I could have the car key ring with the TCPL library card. 
Response: We are delighted that you received the help you needed.  Please check with the front circulation desk for information on a key ring library card.

Comment: There is only one magazine about sailing on the rack, SAILING Magazine.  I was hoping that maybe you could acquire another one of excellent quality; WOODEN BOAT.  Thanks for considering it. 
Response: Thank you for this suggestion.  We purchase our periodical subscriptions annually and will certainly include Wooden Boat for consideration.
 
Comment: Two separate patrons commented on how much fun the “Blind Date with a Book” idea is. 
Response: They were very enthusiastic! Thank you!!!  We loved it too.
 

PATRON COMMENTS - November & December 2012

Comment: I really like the “It came from the Library display!  It looks so good!
Response: Thank you very much.

Comment: Unable to place purchase request via library catalogue terminals!  (Please remedy!)
Response: Thank you for notifying us of this problem.  We will investigate and correct the problem.

Comment: Great Exhibit – the cast collection.  Who knew Cornell had such stuff?  Thanks!
Response: We agree.  Who knew that such amazing works were right here in our community?

Comment: Men’s room baby seat on wall has no straps.  Kid could fall on his/her head.
Response: Thank you for this information.  We will inform facilities of this very important problem.
 
Comment: Really would like to see second season of “What’s Happening” 
Response: Thank you for the suggestion.  We will pass it on to the librarian who selects DVDS.  There is also an opportunity to make purchase suggestions on forms located at all public service desks in the library, on our website under “how do I…” and there is a selection in our online catalog.

PATRON COMMENTS - October

Comment:  I have a slight problem.  I got on an airplane and flew to the other side of the planet and realized when I got to work that the DVD my wife and I checked out of Ithaca-Tompkins County Public Library was still inside my laptop. Your outstanding staff has addressed this problem with great kindness.  Please accept my sincere thanks. 
Response: Thank you for your positive feedback.  The staff are very dedicated to providing outstanding service to a wonderful community.

Comment: Tutors are awesome but have a closed in room would be better for a “quiet atmosphere” in the Library.  Loud conversation today in the periodical section with tutor and student. 
Response: Thank you for your suggestion. The Ezra Cornell reading room offers a quiet study room.

Comment: I love this library!  I know funding is tight that’s why I’m surprised and disappointed when I see all the lights on at night and when the library is closed.  Is that just a coincidence that I see them on when I walk by or could this be a cost-saving opportunity? 
Response: Thank you for your concern.  The lights are on a timer and are on because of the night crew that cleans the library.