Suggestions/Comments
Thank you for your suggestions.
The mission of the Glen Ellyn Public Library Staff and Board of Trustees is to provide information, an extensive collection of materials, and programs which enrich and enhance the quality of life in the community. The Library endeavors to furnish open access to both print and electronic sources to foster life long learning and the cultural life of patrons. We welcome patron suggestions, comments and ideas for improvements.
Suggestions for 2007
January | February | March | April
April 2008 Suggestions
57. Smoking smell in the computer room today 4-30-08 at 10:00AM was horrendous- it felt like walking into a bar- before the smoking law change.
Please bring this type of issue to the attention of the staff at the public desk immediately, so that we can investigate and see what might be done about the unpleasant odor.
58. I find it embarrassing that our library would be having a “money drive” for a teen room. With the amount of money we pay as residents toward the library I am offended. If we cannot pay for this sort of project – Don’t do it.
The Library has budgeted the tax monies to be collected in FY2008/2009 to provide materials, programs and services as well as maintain the current facility. There is an additional need to create a space designated for the teens of our community to be able to make better use of the library. The decision was made to ask residents and local organizations who support the need for a teen space to contribute to the project, rather then ask all residents for a tax increase to make the teen room possible.
59. Will you be offering the Jumpstart program for the littlest kids this summer? If so when? Is there a fee?
We will offer Summer Jumpstart. Registration begins June 10th. A Glen Ellyn Library card is required to register for this program and there is no fee. Registration for non-Glen Ellyn cardholders will begin June 16th. Summer Jumpstart will take place: Thursday 9:30-10:00AM and Friday 9:30-10:00AM The program will run June 18 - August 8.
January | February | March | April
March 2008 Suggestions
49. Although I don’t visit the Glen Ellyn Library, I love your online bookclub and often get the book from my local library after the excerpts printed through your site. Have a great national library week!
Thank you for your comment.
50. I was wondering if you accept donations of old textbooks? I have some books that are 8-10 years old (college level on several different topics).
We do not add used college textbooks to our collection, however a good place to take them is SCARCE. You can find more information about this organization at their website www.bookrescue.org and they are located at 799 Roosevelt Road, Building 2, Suite 108. Their phone number is 630-545-9710.
51. How can I search for material in back issues of newspapers (like the Chicago Tribune) in your archives? My particular interest is articles about Glen Ellyn from 50 to 100 years ago.
We subscribe to a Chicago Tribune database. You can access it from our website from home or in the library at http://gepl.org/resources/index.html. Here you will find a link to the Chicago Tribune. If working from home you will be asked to input your Glen Ellyn Library card number and your pin. Then you will see a drop down menu labeled database. Click on Proquest Historical Newspapers Chicago tribune 1849-1946. We also have the Glen Ellyn newspaper going back to 1912 available at the library on microfilm if you would like to use it. Anyone at the reference desk on the 2nd floor would be happy to assist you in accessing the microfilm or searching the Chicago tribune database.
52. It would be REALLY nice if the library added a “New Books” choice on the table of contents of the website. It would include all the books on the shelves that hold the newest acquisitions at the library. So many times I don’t realize that a new book by an author I like has been purchased and is available for checkout.
Yes, we agree a new books list can be very helpful. We do have a version of this that is currently accessible. If you click on the Search Catalog link from our webpage, then select Quick Lists you will find links to alphabetical lists of new fiction, new non-fiction, new DVD’s etc. These lists are simply alphabetical lists of all the items in our catalog that have been designated as New. We are currently investigating subscription services that would allow us to provide even better online New Books lists, watch for changes in the near future.
53. Is there a way to look at my recent borrowing history? I am trying to find the title of the last book I borrowed/returned.
We do not retain this information to protect your personal privacy. Some patrons keep paper list, or use word processing or spreadsheets to track their reading history. Some even keep the check out receipts, but that can become cumbersome. There is a new way to keep lists online. The Library subscribes to a new database called “Books and Authors”. It has a “My Reading Room” It is described as a “new environment that allows you to create, maintain and share lists of your favorite authors or titles, your own written book reviews, and your bookmarks.” You can access it from home or in the library at http://gepl.org/resources/index.html and click on Books and Authors. Once you get to the site you can mark it as a favorite if you like. In addition to this database there are several more sites that allow you to create your reading lists online. Shelfari, Librarything and Goodreads are a few others. These sites are free to users.
Please feel free to stop at the reference desk on the 2nd floor. Our staff would be glad to talk to you about books, resources to find books, and these new online book lover’s sites.
54. Wonderful selection of books. Easy to find and locate. I suggest a more efficient way of checking out customers. Possibly more staff or more electronic machines.
Thank you for your comments.
55. This Library is ridiculous! 30 minute guest pass what is that? As if someone is going to come here from out of town to use the internet regularly. At least a guest can still use the internet, unlike someone who misplaced their card but lives in the district, it seems a photo ID and being in the system is not enough.
Many people do visit the Glen Ellyn Public Library from out of town to use the internet on a regular basis. Providing the guest cards was implemented to limit the internet time these visitors may use in order to provide more internet time for the residents of Glen Ellyn. Typically having a photo ID and being in the system would be appropriate ID to allow internet access. The exceptions to this would be an expired library card and or unpaid fines.
56. The top of the periodical racks are filthy dirty and the railings to the 2nd floor are very dusty at the bottom. It is embarrassing to see this.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. The railings are scheduled to be cleaned and possibly repainted, if needed. We will see that the periodical racks are dusted.
January | February | March | April
Thank you for the Suggestions, if you have more please let us know. Suggestions/Comments
February 2008 Suggestions
40. I visit the library everyday, but mostly Thursday, Saturdays and Sundays. My concern is a gentleman who coughs every 2 seconds. It is disturbing and has been going on for 3-4 months. A chronic cough is often a sign of TB. I respect his privacy but worry that others may be in danger.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. As a result of your comment, we contacted a local agency that was able to provide assistance to this gentleman in this matter.
41. Will we ever have a quiet room again?
The room previously known as the Quiet Study Room once repaired will be reopened as a new Teen Space. The Large Print Books that were housed in that room will soon be moved back down to the 2nd floor. The entire 2nd floor is meant to be a Quiet Study Space if you need help finding a quiet alcove or location in which to work, please let us know and we will be happy to assist you.
42. I am angry that the policy restricting cell phone use to the lobby is not being reinforced on a consistent basis.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Upon investigation we do not have a consistent policy or procedures regarding cell phone usage. We have some signs in some areas and no written policy. This will be addressed.
43. Is it possible to request an Interlibrary loan book via the website? The COD website offers this service and it is very helpful.
Yes, you can request materials be delivered to the Glen Ellyn Public Library for you from other libraries via the Interlibrary loan service in two different ways. First, if you are working in the LINC catalog found by clicking on the Search Catalog button at www.gepl.org you may place a hold on materials you find in this catalog that are owned by any of the eight participating libraries including GEPL and these items will be pulled and delivered here for you in 2-3 days. Second, if you are working in the Statewide Illinois Catalog (SILC) found by clicking on Other Libraries in the LINC catalog, you can also request items from all over the state and possibly other states be sent to you to pick up at the Glen Ellyn Public Library through statewide interlibrary loan which usually takes 10-14 days. Please ask about this at the Adult Desk on the 2nd floor and we would be happy to show you how this process of patron initiated interlibrary loans works in one or both catalogs.
44. Amarcord and 400 Blows are not labeled foreign films.
Checking the shelves 400 Blows currently has a foreign film sticker on the case and Amarcord is checked out but we will check the case for a sticker when it returns.
45. I am unable to place a hold on books. Is there something wrong with my account?
Upon investigation we have found your library card has expired. Once it is renewed you will again be able to place holds.
Please find the answer to comments 46-48 after number 48:
46. We will miss the “wall”. It added character. I hope you find someplace to still keep that element. It adds atmosphere and it is very welcoming. I understand the need for sharing info. Please try to keep some of this tradition. Thank you.
47. Where is the fireplace? This area looks bare – and it was a traditional part of the library. What happened? When will it be back?
48. What happened to the beautiful displays behind the circulation desk that I always looked forward to seeing in your library?! They were always so elegant and well put together – so unique!! I learned that the Director of the Library deliberately does not want it up! A big mistake! This added such elegant charm to this unique library! A real loss!!
The wall behind the Circulation desk does seem very bare now that the Library Centennial Celebration has come to an end the Centennial Fireplace display has been removed. Soon we will be patching and painting the walls in that area and then we will determine the best way to use that space to provide information regarding the materials, programs and services of the GEPL. Stay tuned as we make changes in that area.
January | February | March | April
Thank you for the Suggestions, if you have more please let us know. Suggestions/Comments
January 2008 Suggestions
29. What’s up with the snow plow putting all the snow in the handicapped parking spaces? It makes it extremely difficult for people with mobility issues to come into the library. There are plenty of other places to dump the snow. Let those in good health walk a little farther.
We were also surprised to find the snow piled in the handicapped spaces and immediately called the snow removal service. They returned and moved the snow from the handicapped spaces, later the same day.
30. I would like to suggest that you have a book discussion of Phillip Pullman’s –Dark Materials Series.
Thank you for the suggestion. This program suggestion is under consideration by the Youth Department.
31. I would love to see a couple of magazine titles carried through the library. They are great peace giving magazines that I think people would love. “Spirituality” and “Ode” – to people – to passion – to power.
Thank you for your suggestions. Our annual weeding and review of periodical titles will begin very soon. Your suggestions will be added to our possible new titles list.
32. It would be great to give/have bookmarks at the front desk!
Thank you for this suggestion. It is being considered by the Circulation Dept.
33. When searching for an author it would be nice if all of their names came up when you do a basic/easy search.
We will pass your suggestion on to the company that writes the catalog software. In the meantime, please allow us to show you how to use the browse option in the catalog – using this feature will reveal the author’s various pen names.
34. Just want you to know what a great service you are providing by extending hours during high school finals, accommodating the extra noise that probably occurs in study groups, and finally providing snacks after 9PM! My daughter quickly explained her experience at the library yesterday to me this morning on her way to her last final today at West! She had been at the library from 2PM until the late close last night. She agreed she would never have gotten as much studying done anywhere else…. Thank you and bravo on the useful service you are providing by giving our kids a place to be productive! I know that often at their age high school kids do not have the maturity to say thanks, but from her words to me today, I know she very much appreciated being there and so I’m just passing on the news.
Thank you for your comment. We are pleased to say that over 300 students attended the extended study hours over the course of the four days. Both Caribou and Starbucks graciously donated coffee. We received a number of favorable written evaluations from the students and we greatly appreciate you taking the time to let us know how much your daughter appreciated the program.
35. You guys are great!! (A student wrote regarding the Late Night Study Hours)
We are very happy you enjoyed the late night study hours and hope you will join us again at the end of this current semester.
Please find the answer to comments 36-39 after number 39:
36. What happened to the fireplace decoration? It is so much fun to see the seasonal displays and to get a warm feeling from the “constant” of the fireplace. I hope it will be replaced with something as interesting.
37. The circulation desk looks like Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard without a decorated back wall. I look forward to the change in ambiance as the background to the beautiful and pleasant circulation desk staff. Please continue to periodically change the theme decorated back wall middle section of the circulation desk area.
38. I miss the art work from the locals at the front desk.
39. We miss the warm, friendly and beautiful center circulation décor. Bring the decorator back!! We don’t need more information. By definition a library is information. Soften it.
We are happy you enjoyed the fireplace mantel display that had been on the counter behind the Circulation desk this past year. It was a part of our Centennial Celebration which ended December 31, 2007. We plan to clean and possibly repaint the walls in that area as needed and then a decision will be made regarding the best use of the wall space behind the Circulation desk.
January | February | March | April
Thank you for the Suggestions, if you have more please let us know. Suggestions/Comments
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