How would you improve the Idaho Falls Public Library?
I think our Idaho Falls Public Library is awesome. I lived in Nampa for six months (the drive-by capitol of Idaho), and Idaho Falls’ library is ten times better than Nampa’s library. The IFPL is not like a full university library (an amazing experience), but we are very fortunate to have a great city location, great parking, great architectural spaces, and great library employees to help patrons. We have some great library resources, but here are some ideas to make our great library a little better.
Clean the gum in front of the entry doors. It has been disgusting to leave the library lately and step through all the gum. People, please stop spitting your gum at the entrance. I’m sure the library contracts with a service to clean the gum, I think they should increase the frequency.
Add self-checkout lanes. This has been suggested before, and I recently saw a library survey asking if patrons wanted these. Hopefully they install some and ease the full lines. I think placing them by the current checkout counters would make that area too congested. The middle floor at the old checkout desk would probably be a good location. They just need to program the demagnetizer to only work when a checkout has occurred.
Add a line corral for folks standing in line to checkout. The problem is not that people are cutting, but currently people entering the library walk directly into the line of people waiting to checkout, and it is awkward. A line corral would at least delineate the spaces and make it seem more orderly.
Offer netcasts of some information seminars. I bet many group would be willing to have their informational seminars video recorded and released broadcast online through the IFPL website. The two ways to accomplish this are live online broadcasts using ustream and later video file releases as a podcast (making it available in iTunes for instance). Recording and publishing library activities online will help reach more library patrons and will make it more valuable to us.
Host classes on how to do research, how to use the library systems, how to find things in the library, explain all the services the library offers, etc.
What’s the status of the teen room? I thought I heard it was not successful, but what was the reason? I imagine the library would be a better study space for teens than socializing space.
How would you improve the Idaho Falls Public Library?
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I agree that our library is very nice. All of your suggestions sound great. I have a few more:
I want an easier online access than having to type in my entire card number (well, not really all of it, but having a logon and password would be more user friendly.)
Those checkout lines are confusing to me, too.
A brochure with a site map (even if it’s one I look up online) helps me, as I’m not able to spend time on my feet wandering around hoping to find what I’m looking for.
The last I looked, the media room was pretty sparse, so having a larger collection might be appealing.
I like to reserve books online, then send someone to pick them up. Unless I reserve the book well in advance, so that it’s pulled by the time my person gets there, the book ends up not being counted as picked up and I get a ‘ding’ against me. So I’d like to have a better system for reservations.
I’d like to see more civic activities using the rooms at the library, with a monthly calendar showing what’s happening at any given time. Of course, if the rooms are rented out for profit, the activities held therein may not be open to public participation…
Why not utilize some free labor for the gum issue? Kids get into trouble and need to do some community service, and they have traditionally been shunted to the zoo, or parks and rec. Why not the library, to help keep it clean and customer friendly?
So, Joe, what happens to suggestions from this post, or are you in the know that someone from the library will just happen to visit this site and take the suggestions to heart?
C’mon people….how often did you use the library to “study” when YOU were a teen? I know I didn’t use it that often. When I was a teen, we’d always study at a friends house. Let alone going there just to “hang out”. That was more for the science club, etc.
They should definately do away with the “teen room”. It’s a waste of space imo.
Other than that, I think Idaho Falls has a great Library.
One thing I would like them to keep an eye on, is the homeless and/or the “dirty old men” that hang out there because they’ve got nowhere else to go or nothing else to do. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen “dirty” (literally & figuratively!) old men in there just wandering around leering at younger kids and teens. It was very creepy to say the least and I’ve noticed it a number of times.
Good post….I think we’ll get some good ideas.
I love the option to reserve books and pick them up later, it saves a lot of time. I have been reserving some kids books for my son from various suggested reading lists, about ten every two weeks, and it saves me a lot of time finding those books.
I think the library’s reserved rooms are used frequently, but I do not know if they publish a schedule or not. Some groups probably do not want a lot of publicity, but others would be thrilled if their activity was publicized on the library site, get more folks in to see it.
That is a good idea for getting kids in trouble to clean the gum, however I think it takes some heavy duty cleaners to remove gum, I’m not sure if you need to be certified in something or the other. Anyone know?
I know a couple library folks who visit fairly regularly, the word tends to get around quickly when an IFz article is about you or your organization.
I have to agree with Guest007, the teen room seemed idealistic not so realistic. Do the schools around here host academic bowl competitions? If not, the library would be a perfect fit for monthly academic bowl competitions among area high schools and middle schools. If so, the library could still host an “all stars” version between districts, or a “world series” of academic bowls. Doing this would serve the younger niche and get them into the library more often (which I think was the goal of the teen room).
I’ve noticed a few guys standing around smoking right outside the front doors also. Not sure if anything can be done about them. I’ve noticed the library always has a packrat car or two, where the car is filled to the brim with junk except for the driver’s seat. I don’t know if they are homeless or just packrats.
Thank you for the comments. For those who may not know, I am the current library director for the Idaho Falls Library. I appreciate all of the comments and would like to respond to them. Let’s take them in the order they appear in the posts.
The gum on the sidewalk at the entrance.
We should have that cleaned up by the middle of next week. We actually do not contract that out, but have a full-time custodial staff. They have been notified and will monitor the situation more closely in the future.
Self check-out lanes.
Adding self check-out stations is something that we have been working on for the past year. It is not as easy as it sounds, nor is it inexpensive. One check-out station costs around $20,000. We hope to have two installed within the next couple of months. They will be installed in new locations within the library, and should ease congestion on the bottom floor.
Corral lines.
Addition of corral lines has been discussed for several years. Hopefully the addition of self check stations will ease the congestion enough that corral lines will not be needed. We will revisit this issue several months after addition of the self check stations.
Netcasts
We have considered this option. However, time, money, expertise and bandwidth all play a part in this decision. At this time the library has no plans to pursue doing netcasts.
Host classes on how to do research, how to use the library, etc.
The library does tours for elementary school age children (2nd and 4th grades) and also for high school age students as requested by teachers. If we were to offer classes for adults in the community how long should these classes last? How often should they be offered? Staff members do offer one-on-one instruction as needed.
Teen Room
The former teen room at the IFPL has been converted to computer and media room (for DVDs and VHS). Current plans call for an eventual space for teens on the top floor. (All of this takes time and manpower and will not happen over night, but as time and budget allow.)
Brochure with a site map.
A brochure has been in the works for a while and should soon be done.
Sparse media room.
Our goal is not to replace the video/DVD rental stores in town. We do offer first run DVDs, but we do not as a rule buy more than two copies. The library does own over 7,000 DVDs, but they are very popular which accounts for the sparse looking room.
I am confused by nemesis’ comment stating” “I like to reserve books online, then send someone to pick them up. Unless I reserve the book well in advance, so that it’s pulled by the time my person gets there, the book ends up not being counted as picked up and I get a ‘ding’ against me. So I’d like to have a better system for reservations.” As far as I know the library has no system to “ding” anyone for not picking up an item on hold. There is a flag placed on the patron’s record that pops up the next time they check out to let them know that the hold has been canceled because it wasn’t picked up within the time allotted. This might be a communication failure on our part. More information on this would be helpful.
Meeting rooms
Meeting rooms are mostly rented by private or non-profit groups. We only advertise library and city related activities. We have chosen to do this to avoid litigation, and to avoid giving the appearance that the city or the library is cosponsoring the events held in the meeting rooms.
I believe that the schedule of meeting room use is usually posted on the door of each meeting
room weekly.
Free labor for gum issue.
Our experience has been that using paid staff for routine maintenance issues is best.
Homeless and/or the “dirty old men”
Homeless people do frequent libraries, not just here in Idaho Falls, but throughout the United States. While some may be uncomfortable in their presence, as long as they do not violate library policy, they have a right to be in the library. It is a public space.
Few guys standing around smoking right outside the doors…packrat cars
There are signs requesting people not to smoke within 20 ft of the entrance. However, it should be noted that while it may not be popular to smoke, it is not yet illegal to smoke outside in a public place in Idaho. I think the same can be said for the packrat cars.
If anyone has any other questions, I would be glad to address them. As a staff we strive to provide the best library service for the community, for the most part I think we succeed. I find the staff to be dedicated, caring people who want to provide service to their community.
We welcome any comments on how we can improve our service to the community.
First, I wish to say a huge THANKS to Robert Wright for his thoughtful and considerate reply. I, for one, really appreciate your time and energy in detailing responses to each of the issues and concerns raised in the context of this venue. I salute you for a job well done! I am especially impressed that you would “join the fray,” so to speak, early in evolution of this particular topic.
I would also encourage you to continue to post your thoughts, replies and views as subsequent posts appear here.
I spent about an hour earlier today preparing a post to this topic and I hit the wrong key and it “vapored.” In hindsight now, I am grateful that my views weren’t published before Robert Wright’s thoughtful insights appeared. I will recraft my thoughts for a post tomorrow.
Thank you once again Robert Wright for your participation in this topic!
Cheers, Monte.
I agree, thank you for your very considerate reply, Robert. All of your responses made logical sense, and I’m impressed this city department is listening so well to patrons.
A year or two ago someone wrote a draft article at IFz about wanting a new library building. I read the draft and was glad they never got around to asking me to publish it because I’m afraid they would have been slammed pretty hard for it. Ever since reading that draft I keep thinking about the idea for a new library building. I think the only reason we might need one is to expand the facilities and collection, and we probably do not need one for at least another 20 years.
That author did not like the architectural style, but I think it works well for our library. It is certainly dated to the era, but is also graceful and unique. The downtown location is also tough to beat. I could not think of anything else the library building could be used for than a library.
Anymore suggestions to improve the Idaho Falls Public Library, even “dream library” ideas?
This isn’t a dream idea, but a safety concern. Last year I brought my daughter to preschool story time several times. We were finished with the art project, and went to view the water and fish. As I turned to check the baby was buckled into the carseat, my daughter took off running very fast up the ramp (she’s quick). I yelled for her to stop, she didn’t, giggled, and kept running to the top while I gave chase, putting down the carseat. Keep in mind she was 2 years old. At the top she went to the edge of the middle rail and leaned out to look over the edge. My heart stopped, a woman saw what was happening and ran towards her. I yelled “stop” again and we both reached her at the same time. I don’t think she would have jumped but she sure was interested in looking down. It’s completely open and a risk for any small person to fall straight down.
I understand we are responsible to watch our kids at all times, and I do, but this was a freak situation which thankfully didn’t turn out badly. Otherwise, the library has served our needs well.
Reader: I think you answered your own question in that YOU are responsible for YOUR child!! I can’t tell you how many times I go into the library and witness kids running all over the place while their parents do absolutely NOTHING! They leave their kids downstairs in the kids section, while they go upstairs to look around. All the while their kids are running wild yelling and disturbing others. This is very irresponsible AND inconsiderate of the other patrons. Kids end up getting bored downstairs, so they run up the ramp yelling Mommy Mommy!! or wander around by themselves interuppting others, without any supervision.
So in my opinion, nothing needs to be done to this railing. Why should the library accomodate your lack of discipline or ability to control your kids?
Gee, what a kind response. Perhaps you should go back and read my post again. I do watch my kids. ONE TIME, as I buckled an infant into a carseat, she ran off. Do you realize you need two hands to buckle both straps? In ONE instant she was by my side, the next, whoosh! I bet she runs faster than most 3-4 year olds to be honest! Do I leave an infant alone at the water on the floor? I ran with the carseat 10 steps before I set it down, and kept going. The open, steep high ramp is a liability. Thanks for the parenting advice, I do discipline my child, and control my children fine, thanks for your concern. She is normally very well behaved, better than most. Others don’t, and we witness them all over town. One wonders if you are a father or leave the entire job to your poor wife. Guess you don’t understand, or have never been there. Not all of us are perfect parents like you, I suppose.
Next time I will tie my child on a leash, and if she breaks free, I’ll leave my infant near the front doors where the homeless scraggy men hang out. Great idea.
I DO understand, but the fact is, you’re asking the Library to make physical changes to their building because YOU failed to be in control of your children. That’s along the same lines of that lady that sued McDonalds because her coffee was hot! Give me a break. There are dangerous situations everywhere we go every single day. We can’t child-proof the city because some people can’t control their children.
And I never said YOU don’t discipline your children. Perhaps you should go back and read MY post.
I appreciate director Wright’s response, it was thoughtful and very timely.
Very good customer service, thanks!
For the most part, this topic has remained “on point” and that’s much appreciated! I still haven’t posted up my own comments yet. I’m going to the library today to double check my facts before I post. Novel idea, eh? In the meantime, though, I thought I’d attempt to spark some additional debate about the issue of homeless people in the library.
Yes, it’s an “issue,” as they say in politically-correct-speak. Robert Wright simply said:
“Homeless and/or the “dirty old men”
Homeless people do frequent libraries, not just here in Idaho Falls, but throughout the United States. While some may be uncomfortable in their presence, as long as they do not violate library policy, they have a right to be in the library. It is a public space.”
Actually, it’s a rather huge issue in other cities–generally the larger the city, the larger the problem as it’s mostly based on population. Although the Idaho Falls Library does have an “issue” here, it’s certainly not as bad as in other cities we’ve seen or read about. You can Google this phrase “homeless issue public library” and you will have a few days worth of reading. I am posting a link here to a really, really long story written by the retired assistant director of the Salt Lake City Library. SLC is doing a lot of innovative stuff as far as libraries go but they still face the same challenge regarding the “homeless issue.” I want to caution you–the writer of this article uses the “f-word” once in the article. Otherwise, I’d mostly rate it PG-13. I know some local readers will have their own issue with that four letter word. Just a kind warning. For those of you who can get past that word, this article really puts the issue into frank and stark perspective. For those of you who might not have known–this article will be a real wake up call about homeless people in public libraries–believe me, it ain’t just Idaho Falls! It’s a nationwide problem that grows with each passing year.
http://www.atlanticfreepress.com/content/view/1306/32/
Cheers, Monte
Monte, I am horrified. I couldn’t even finish reading the article, I was just overwhelmed with despair.
I hadn’t noticed that population at this library but as we grow in size it has to be something that will be more frequently encountered.
I remember being glad when the civil liberties were given back to the mentally ill, because I felt the sanitarium concept was abused, and innocent people who were not mentally ill were allowed to be drugged and put away by those with power.
However, I have been just numb at the unintended consequences. I don’t know what the answer is (and neither does the good librarian) but it seems to me that there’s got to be a way to meet this problem in the middle, where the abuses on either side can be avoided. Such a solution would be win-win for the individuals and society. Why can’t we figure it out?
Thank You, Nemesis, for actually attempting to read the article. You are quite right. I think almost anyone who reads it will have the same reaction. My wife and I have been in roughly 100 libraries in about 25 states in the last few years, probably more. We’ve seen some pretty horrendous examples of homelessness in public libraries. That’s why I feel the above article is “spot on.” I’ve seen it. The worst we encountered was in a major city in West Virginia. The odor in that building would make Reed’s Dairy seem like the perfume department at Dillards! It was amazing. When I had to use the Men’s Room, I posted my wife outside. I told her, if I don’t come out of of here in 2 minutes, call 911. Yeah, it’s an “issue.” No doubt. But at least it’s not as bad an issue here in Idaho Falls as it is elsewhere. So, far, we’re real lucky, actually.
Well, it’s a good thing I went to check my facts today. I WUZ WRONG about one key thing I was going to post up about. I will get around to writing up my comments sometime between now and sundown tomorrow. That’s a nice thing about being a Citizen Commentator/Journalist–we ain’t got no deadlines and nobody’s watching our freaking time card. Whoop-eee! Monte
Well, it’s Saturday night and here we are. I kinda figgered I’d pull up a chair and roast a few marshmallows by the light o’ the campfire in the front yard o’ that place they call The Idaho Falls Public Library.
You remember that place, it’s got a bronze statue of my hero out front, Ol’ Billy Coleman and his faithful hounds, Old Dan and Little Ann. Why, now, don’t you know, Little Billy’s freezing his be-geebers off right now–all piled up with snow ’round so tall and righteous. So I reckon the best thing I can do is pull up a chair to this here imaginary campfire out front and let’s all have ourselves a merry little ol’ time, eh?
So, Dear Readers, what’s one of the most significant icons that the Idaho Falls Public Library chooses to identify itself by? Hum…
Rather than bore you with a bogus multiple choice test, let’s cut right to the point–it’s a book called “Where The Red Fern Grows,” by Wilson Rawls. It was written right here in Idaho Falls, someplace on 11th Street. To say that the book is a classic is a mega-classic understatement. The books looms large in the pantheon of children’s literature. Yes, it has its critics, what book doesn’t? But, by and large, “Where The Red Fern Grows” is a timeless and enduring classic for the ages.
OK, let’s fast forward to today, February 9, 2008. I’ve already tried unsuccessfully to get information from the Idaho Falls Public Library about the statue and Wilson Rawls from the Library Staff.
Yes, I know you can find Red Fern/Rawls information online, if you are dogged and diligent.
My quest today was to try to find local Red Fern information once again from some human being in the actual physical library itself. Once again, I came up empty handed. All I could find was a terribly worn, ragged paperback copy of the book. Frankly, I felt depressed by the whole thing. No brochure? They always tell me there “we have a brochure but I haven’t seen it in a long time.” No flyer? How freaking simple is that? No good copy of the book itself? Sorry, displaying that ragged paperback is an insult to people like me. I have been trying to get information about Wilson Rawls from the library itself for a long time. Yeah, I know you that if you dig long and far and deep enough, you can find it on the library’s website. (See Link below.) But that’s not the point. Why can’t this facility’s mgmt. keep some celebration material on hand all the time–24/7/365 so when someone like me comes through the door, they are ready, willing and able to tell this story–it’s a story any other library in America would drool to claim ownership of. It’s a fabulous story–from Rawls’ authorship all the way to the creation and placement of the statue. Why’s it so danged difficult to pry it out of somebody in the facility? Denial, perhaps? Indifference, perhaps? I don’t get it.
This is a “front and centerpiece” of the culture and history of the Idaho Falls Public Library.
Unless and until the Idaho Falls Public Library finally gets in touch with their inner red fern, I’m always going to have a bone to pick with them. Come on, folks, cozy up here to the campfire with me and let’s roast ourselves some tasty marshmallows!
Cheers, Monte
http://www.ifpl.org/index.asp?p=rawls/origin
OK, we’ll give you one more of our bones to pick with the Library then we will call it a night and come back with more tomorrow. I ask each and every one of you Dear Readers to ask yourself–What is the condition of the American Flag that flies outside of YOUR Idaho Falls Public Library?
Let’s put it this way–it’s EMBARASSING! It’s tattered and ripped and a disgrace to the American Flag. Now, I know some people don’t seem to mind the lack of “flag etiquette.” However, I personally feel that Libraries, City Halls, Fire Stations, Police Departments and federal offices ought to have enough respect for our flag to fly it properly–unripped, untattered and totally upstanding and righteous!
I mean how much does this cost? Is it going to break the bank of the library to get a new flag? It’s been this way for a long time and it’s really, really annoying. Has anyone bothered to notice? Apparently not.
All I can say is, change the flag! It’s the least you can do to show you care about your patrons!
Cheers, Monte.
Is the house Wilson Rawls wrote Where the Red Fern Grows still on 11th street, maybe it should be turned into a local museum attraction?
Johnny Monte, it sounds like the library is missing out on a great opportunity to cash in on the local lore for Wilson Rawls. I’m sure Director Wright is very glad that you spoke up, in case he wasn’t aware of the oversight.
And, it’s probably true that the flag is in tatters, because the sad truth is, many of the flags flown in town, even on government land, are faded and in tatters. I don’t know how much flags cost, but it certainly seems that there should be money in the budget to replace them, or they shouldn’t be flying in the first place.
You are correct that it is poor flag etiquette, and it is sad to see them in such disrepair. But the library is certainly not the only place this is happening. I think that is a city issue, not a library issue…does anyone out there know who has the responsibility to maintain flags on city property?
Happy Sunday Morning! I’ve got two more comments on the library and will write them sometime later today. However, I got ahead of myself. I intended to write this post FIRST, instead of following the above two criticisms.
I wish to be on record as a 100% booster of the Idaho Falls Public Library. I love the place. It’s one of the Top 5 reasons we moved to Idaho Falls. When people come to visit–this is where we will take them. I’ve always said that if the human eyes are supposed to be the windows to the human soul, then a community’s library is the window to the community’s heart. When you see a wonderful library such as the Idaho Falls facility, it really shows how much people care about their community. Sure, I might make some nit-picky little comments about the Idaho Falls public library but don’t get me wrong–the facility is superb in every major way, shape and form and we love the place. We are incredibly proud of the library and all that it represents and delivers.
I’ve served on two different committees that organized successful library bond issues. I’ve written the history of one southwestern city library. I’m no stranger to library organization, administration and politics. And, as noted, we’ve been in a heck of a lot of libraries in recent years. With that said, the Idaho Falls Public Library is one of the best in its class that we know of. It’s a credit to the community and a reflection of the classy heart of this city!
LONG LIVE THE LIBRARY!
Cheers, Monte
I said I think the IF library is much better than the Nampa library. I think the IF library is about as nice if not nicer than the Boise library also. The Boise library seemed cramped into their building.
The Boise library has a great public sculpture/waterfall area right outside their building dedicated to Anne Frank, it was just completed when I left Boise but I bet it is a source of local pride.
Maybe that area between the library building at the parking lot could be lined with some sculptures? That would be neat. Two or three on the right side of the walkway and the same number on the left side?
Well, I guess I better get my other two comments logged. I’m going to keep them brief. First, I was surprised to learn the Idaho Falls Library does not archive the Idaho Falls Magazine. They have some back issues but not a complete collection. Let’s just say I find that highly unusual for a facility of the size of our local library. I’d suggest they partner with Harris Publishing and make available a complete archive both in print and via CD. There no valid excuses for failing to do so.
Second, the public internet access situation at our local library is FAR below its potential. Granted, there are 24 terminals available. However, have you taken a close look at the cramped circumstances users must endure? How ironic that the room in which these terminals are located is big and spacious. Yet patrons must sit almost cheek to jowl with their neighboring users. We’ve used public internet in over 100 libraries in recent years. We find it odd that the Idaho Falls Library can’t offer a truly state-of-the-art setting and facility for their patrons.
Well, that’s it for my comments. As noted, I LOVE The Idaho Falls Library, warts, sidewalk gum and all! It’s easy to nit pick someplace or somebody. Overall, our library doies a great job and they deserve our support and praise! Monte
I asked my daughter who lives in a suburb of Denver about their libraries there. She says the Highlands Ranch library has no homeless individuals that she was aware of, but the Denver branch right across from the art gallery where she works, has many homeless individuals.
Funny, she felt really comfortable with our library’s website, and she sends links of some of their offerings to me regularly.
Also, when she was in high school years ago, she once racked up $86.00 in overdue fees. Sheesh! If they hadn’t had a canned food drive I’d have been in the poor house from her carelessness. So that was of comfort to me. If they still have that program I think it was a good thing.
First let me say thank you to everyone making comments on this post. Sometimes when you work at the same building everyday, you don’t notice things as they deteriorate. (ie: the gum on the sidewalk, which with a few stubborn exceptions is gone, or was as of Tuesday afternoon, hopefully it won’t reappear.) So I appreciate the comments on how to improve the library. Our goal is to provide the best service possible with the resources the library is provided.
Now let me respond to the other concerns that were posted.
Login issues
I forgot to address the login issue that Nemesis mentioned. Yes it is a pain to have to remember the library card number and a login name would be much easier. The current authentication process is cumbersome and less than ideal. Some of it has to do with contracts that we sign with vendors stating we will only let people within our ’service area’ access the databases. To accomplish that we verify against our library patron database which currently doesn’t recognize a login and password system. We have been told that it will have that option in a future release. As soon as that happens we will move to the login/password format.
Homeless People
One final comment on homeless people in public spaces. I believe as a society we need to be VERY careful how we restrict our public spaces to people or ideas that are currently unacceptable or do not match our desired ideal. Having said that, the library does have a patron code of conduct and minimum standards the public must meet if they wish to use the library. For interested parties that policy is posted at:
http://www.ifpl.org/aboutus/policies/PatronCodeofConductApprovedMAY262005.pdf
Wilson Rawls/Where the Red Fern Grows
Having read the post late Saturday night, I checked the library catalog to see how many copies of this title the library has on the shelf, and how many of those were checked in. It appears that as a library staff we need to do a better job of helping our patrons locate materials and communicating where those materials are kept. There were actually eight copies of the book checked in and on the shelf, plus one copy in the Idaho Room. (As a side note Idaho Room materials do not check out, and are available for in library use only.) I think one of the problems may have been that the catalog listed six of the books as being in the YA section on the top floor, when in reality they were shelved in the children’s library on the bottom floor. The catalog also listed two as being shelved in the adult section, when in fact there was only one.
If I may digress a minute, this title is an example of one of the problems libraries face with the current trend in publishing. A book like Where the Red Fern Grows is published, becomes popular, goes into trade paperback publishing and ceases to be available in hardcover. Fortunately for us, Where the Red Fern Grows has been reissued in hardcover and the library has ordered new copies. Thanks go to Monte, without his comments we might not have noticed the reissue.
There is a brochure and a display concerning Wilson Rawls and Where the Red Fern Grows. The brochure is now available on the second and third floor service desks. Our plans are to eventually have the display permanently exhibited in the renovated Idaho Room. That project is not scheduled to be completed until a few years in the future. Perhaps the display should be put up prior to that time.
Flags at the library
Upon arriving at work on Monday morning, I checked the flags. Monte was right; the flags were in poor condition. The cost to change the flags is $60 for the US flag, around $250.00 for the City of Idaho Falls flag and around $100.00 for the Idaho State flag. So to change the flags out once costs the library over $400. The flags were replaced on Friday. Thanks for letting us know.
Idaho Falls Magazine
As a general rule the Idaho Falls Public Library only archives copies of Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report, Time, and National Geographic. All other magazines are only kept for between two and five years. The overriding factor in determining how long to keep magazines is space. The archived magazines are used by students for the articles as well as the pictures. Perhaps the library should archive the Idaho Falls Magazine, again thank you for the suggestion.
Public Internet
The library does have 24 public terminals. They are located four computers to a table. It is a bit tight, but the long term plan is to eventually add as many as an additional 24 terminals, so why the room may look large now, it will eventually be too small. Another factor is cost. Each table in the computer room costs $1000. This amount does not include the cost of wiring the tables, running additional wiring through the walls to the tables or adding the additional electrical panel in the basement. The IFPL was constructed in the 1970’s, prior to computers really taking a place in libraries. So each time we add computers or any electrical device, it requires electrical work. The library is in the process of purchasing reservation and computer management software so that patrons can reserve a computer through out the day.
I have been reading and revising this response for a week now. Hopefully it makes sense to the readers. If you have further questions please post them. We are open to suggestions as the library does belong to the residents of the community. Those of us who work here hold a public trust which we take very seriously. We feel fortunate to be able to work in such a nice library in a community that values our efforts. Our goal is to provide you the patrons with the best possible service within the policies set by the library board and the resources made available to us. Thank you for letting us know how we can improve our service to you.
Director Robert Wright’s response above is exactly and precisely why my wife and I LOVE the Idaho Falls Public Library. Idaho Falls is blessed and extremely fortunate to have Mr. Wright and a dedicated Staff who work tirelessly to make your library a better place. From my first visit to the library to my most recent, I have been and will remain impressed with Staff efforts to deliver the highest possible quality service to their patrons. This is truly a First Class Place!
Thank you for devoting your attention and energies to the Idaho Falls Public Library. As I’ve noted, I feel that a community library is the window to the community’s heart. And, yea verily, I have looked through this window and I see a Heart of Gold!
Thank YOU & Cheers, Monte.
I’d like to thank Mr.Robert Wright for all his hard work and dedication to making the IF public library such a great place. AND for his taking the time out of his busy day to address all of the questions and concerns the posters here at IFz.com have posed.
Thanks!!