Trivium Academy Posted January 27, 2008 Share Posted January 27, 2008 Our local library has undergone major changes in the last year, the head librarian retired in April '07 and her replacement has been very curt, not very knowledgeable and unprofessional. Add this to the fact that books through ILL have taken anywhere from 8-10 weeks to come in even though they are marked 'available' when I request them and there are books in our own local library catalog that are not on the shelves because they have not updated the catalog since removing books. The library was our primary source for books, we were checking out around 20 books a week and for the first year of homeschooling (2006-2007), this was wonderful. Interlibrary Loan had a turn-around of 1-2 weeks so I requested books 3 weeks in advance and *gasp* we received them! We're moving in June, but staying in Georgia- it has been on my heart to write a letter to the administrators of the Georgia Pines Library system because not only does the problem of Interlibrary Loan need to be remedied, our local library has turned into an Internet cafe and gossip mill, unfortunately without the cafe part. After dealing with our local library for last 9 months, dh and I have decided it would be best to buy the books we need from now on instead of being dependent on an undependable resource. Is it worth writing the library board? I don't have an "ends" in mind other to improve the Interlibrary Loan system and possibly train their librarian better in the area of customer service. Do I have any right to complain about something free? I am disheartened by the turn of recent events and one of my favorite places has become a place I hardly venture anymore. Should I write someone? Call them? Talking to the new local head librarian is a waste of time, I've already tried- which is probably why she is so curt with me now. Sigh. WWYD? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philothea Posted January 27, 2008 Share Posted January 27, 2008 Are other people having the same problem? If so, find out. There is strength in numbers. I would consider writing to your local newspaper as well. The way I see it, libraries are funded in part, if not mostly, by tax payers and people who contribute with the idea that they are helping a good cause. So the community owns the library, the people at the library are working for you. In some towns, the library boards are run by elected officials so they have a duty and repsonsibility to hear compliments and complaints. I would write the letter, as I would think I would be doing a service to my community by trying to improve a system that is failing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StacyWithFourRugrats Posted January 27, 2008 Share Posted January 27, 2008 I would send a letter. Your library is not a "free" service but paid for by your tax dollars. If you were unhappy with your police department, fire department or any other government-run service, you would probably have no problem complaining. Even if nothing comes of it, you will feel better and maybe make it a little easier for the next person who wants to take issue with the state of the library service. Sadly, I imagine one of the issues with the library systems lately is lack of funds (which obviously does not affect the social congregation happening at your local library). Unless you use your library (like many of us do), the public does not understand the importance of keeping it funded. At our library system, when you pay a late fee, the money does NOT go to the library. It goes into a general fund for the county system. Which is bollucks if you ask me. (yes, my husband is British and I did just say bollucks!) I LOVE our library and it will probably be the first thing I will miss should we move overseas. Luckily, our librarians are awesome :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted January 27, 2008 Share Posted January 27, 2008 Our ILL takes forever here. I would never consider relying on it for our lessons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel Posted January 27, 2008 Share Posted January 27, 2008 Write the letter. It certainly couldn't hurt and it might even help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted January 27, 2008 Share Posted January 27, 2008 Yep, I agree. Make it a "professional" letter, in that sort of tone, so you won't be seen as a complaining mom but as a "caring member of the community," if you know what I mean. Make it serious and factual. Sure hope the next library is better for you. I love the library. It's like shopping w/o the $!! lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sophia Posted January 27, 2008 Share Posted January 27, 2008 Absolutely write the library board! An acquaintance of mine was also unhappy with our library when she moved to our town. She joined the library board and advocated heavily for the children's section. Not only did our library expand the children's section, but local homeschool groups (she's a homeschooler) are regularly contacted and asked to put in requests for certain books. Our local library has come a looong way since we moved here. Thank goodness she acted as the squeaky wheel :). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andie Posted January 27, 2008 Share Posted January 27, 2008 I would consider writing a "just the facts" (as they pertain to the library's performance) letter, certainly. I'd leave out the problems you shared before, like the lollipop and her correcting your son's behavior, etc., as I think you'd be taken less seriously if you brought that part up. Are others voicing the same concerns? It would carry more weight if others would write, too. I think seeing a good library go bad would do me in. Ours has always been bad, so at least I know what to expect. LOL Good luck w/your move! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ereks mom Posted January 27, 2008 Share Posted January 27, 2008 ...it has been on my heart to write a letter to the administrators of the Georgia Pines Library system...QUOTE] Well, I probably would write to them, BUT I would not really expect a reply. I e-mailed the webmaster with a problem about the PINES website -- it continually locks up my browser -- but I received NO response. And the problem is still there. I've also complained about it to the people at my local library, but nothng so far. Good luck, though! :) BTW, you said that you're moving, but will still be in GA. You wouldn't be moving into the central GA area by any chance, would you??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trivium Academy Posted January 28, 2008 Author Share Posted January 28, 2008 From what we've been told - which isn't final, we'll be somewhere near Macon. I'll know for sure in April. :) I was hoping someone from here was near there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted January 28, 2008 Share Posted January 28, 2008 It's not free, your tax dollars support it. Yes, I would absolutely write a letter. Regena Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ereks mom Posted January 28, 2008 Share Posted January 28, 2008 We're sort of near Macon -- about a 30-minute drive -- near Milledgeville, but a stone's throw from Jones County. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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