July 2014 Patron Comments

Comment:  How much do these "security" guards make?  Have they ever done anything useful?
Response:  TCPL contracts with Securitas, a private security firm to ensure that the guards assigned to the Library are up-to-date on the latest trends in public and private security.  They are an integral part of the TCPL team.  We have increased our security presence in response to patron suggestions and have heard from many community members who appreciate the added sense of comfort offered by our security team.

Comment:  Please remove the awful rust sculptures from the Library entrance.  They are not art.
Response:  Thank you for your feedback.  The sculptures are part of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance's Art in the Heart of the City program.  TCPL is delighted to host art through this collaboration.  As Henry David Thoreau once said, "It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."

Comment:  Great books!   I really enjoyed "Acts of God" by Gilchrist and "Under the Wild" and "Starry Sky" by Horan.
Response:  Thank you for your wonderful recommendations.  One of the most magical gifts of literature is its ability to be shared!

Comment:  Make cards $1.
Response:  Thank you for your suggestion. One of the reasons that TCPL, and libraries throughout the country, are such vital community anchors is because of our commitment to providing free and equal access to resources and services.  Our library cards are free for residents of Tompkins and its contiguous counties, so that our entire community can benefit from and enjoy the Library!

Comment:  I would increase your limit of items on one's card.  I was visiting my sister her in Ithaca and had to put back half our books as your limit is only 20.  Our library system in Schenectady, NY allows 99 items per card.  Otherwise, this is a beautiful library--we loved the children's section.
Response:  We're glad you enjoyed the library.  Our community is fortunate to enjoy such a beautiful space for reading, reflection and community connections.  It sounds like your library system has a generous borrowing policy and it is wonderful that your family uses its services so heavily.  At TCPL, each card member can only borrow 20 items at a time, but all family members, including babies, can enjoy the benefits of Library cards.

Comment:  It's too hard to find DVDs!  When I'm in the mood for a comedy, I have to look for one from A-Z.  Grouping by type--comedy/mystery/drama, etc., would be so much easier.
Response:  Thank you for your suggestion.  Our goal is always to make TCPL easily accessible for our patrons.  Your feedback has been provided to our Adult Services Department for consideration.