Thanks for all the information, and thanks for your diligence in responding!

The atrium benches do get a lot of wear, I believe they have been painted at least once in the last three years, but will check on it when I go back to work on Friday. If you can see orange, it is the original 70’s color showing through and they will need painting again. I appreciate you letting us know.
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The middle floor you mention does have a hole in the carpet where the old circulation desk was removed. We are in the process of trying to match the carpet and fill the hole. (It is scheduled to be done in the next month.) Eventually we anticipate that the reserves/holds will be located there and be self serve. That way you will not have to stand in line at the circulation desk to retrieve reserves/holds. The reserves/hold shelves will be relocated as soon as we have the self-check out stations installed. (I had hoped to have them installed prior to summer reading, but we ran into a few technological issues that appear to have been resolved, so look for the self-check out machines in the near future.)

We are working with the railroad to repair/replace the railroad crossing. They have been very cooperative and willing to work with us on improving the crossing. The crossing is scheduled to be replaced by the end of this summer.

When completed the new crossing will be easier for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and strollers to cross. I really appreciate the railroad for their attitude in wanting to improve this crossing. I had heard a few ‘horror’ stories, but my experience has been that the people from the railroad have been excellent to work with on this project. I believe they are probably waiting to clean up the other items you mentioned when they completely remove the crossing and install the new one. At the same time they repair the railroad crossing, we will be replacing some of the concrete sidewalk that is worn and not too friendly for wheelchairs, strollers, etc. This will require everyone to walk to either Capital or Park to cross the railroad tracks and then come back to the ramp going into the library. (Sorry, this will be a MAJOR inconvenience, but I believe the new crossing will serve us for many years and will be worth the inconvenience it causes during replacement.) I also want to say thank you to EICAP for bringing the railroad crossing to my attention and a big thank you to Jan Blickenstaff from the City Planning and Building Division for working with the railroad in getting the crossing replaced, and a final thank you to Mayor Fuhriman & the City Council for funding the sidewalk replacement.

I appreciate your bringing these items to my attention. Please continue to post items of concern here and I will respond to questions/concerns as I become aware of them.

Happy reading!

1. The atrium benches need to be repainted. The paint is scuffed in many places, revealing an orange underneath. It looks a little ghetto, and a repainting would make that atrium look completely beautiful.

2. The middle floor area where the check out counters used to be looks terrible. They removed the old checkout counter and the carpet still shows where the counter used to be, actually the carpet ends and you see the concrete floor there. They threw a rug there, which only covers part of the issue and looks almost worse than nothing at all. Fix it by getting another rug or two to cover those holes and it will look good. Even better, why not put up some book racks in that spot and provide another area for patrons to browse books? Make it an “employee picks” section. This would be a hundred times better than the ghetto area it looks like now.

3. The library looks great outside with trimmed grass, full shrubs, shady trees, no graffiti or garbage. Then there is the railroad crossing. A 15 foot section of ghetto right as patrons cross from the parking lot into the library. The railroad area has discarded and rusting rails sitting in the gravel, and the gravel has been pushed back in many areas so torn black plastic pops up everywhere. I know this is the east idaho railroad company’s problem, and we all know how poor a neighbor the railroad is to Idaho Falls, but hopefully Mr. Wright can ask the railroad to add some gravel and remove the rails. It is disappointing to see our city take such great care of the library exterior, then see the stupid railroad neglect their small but unremoveable plot.

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.

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.

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.

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

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?

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

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?

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.

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

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

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?

“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

Very good customer service, thanks!

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.