1. Could you please have computer beginner classes here at this library?  Also make the computer area a quiet area so people won’t be disturbed.

Classes are planned for the Winter/Spring programming season at the library.  Next summer we hope to set up a hands-on computer training lab with 15 workstations!  As for making the computer are quiet, all we can do is ask that users be considerate of others.  Please remember that if you require silence, we do have two private computer rooms.  Please inquire at the Adult Services Reference Desk.

2.  (Via web site) How about updating your suggestions page a little more often?   That way someone who made a suggestion can see a response on a timely basis.  Beyond that, your web site is very good.  Much better that other local libraries.  Good work.

Done – sorry we got behind a bit.   We’re glad you like our web site – in the past year alone, usage of our web site has doubled! 

3.  (via web site) On Saturday, September 6, 2003, I took my children to the library.  My teenager was in the computer lab finding information for his school's assignment.  When I went to look for him in the lab, I saw two men in their twenties viewing inappropriate pictures (pornography) on the web.  I was very disturbed by this incident due to the fact that I had three young children with me (under the age of four).  I was upset to see that our tax dollars being spent so unwisely.  If these men wanted to view these inappropriate pictures, then they should do it at home instead of viewing it at the library using our hard earned tax dollars.  As a mother of young children, I love to go to our Wauconda library because it promotes and provides so many wonderful opportunities for my children.  I would like to see the Wauconda library staff take a stance against pornography (inappropriate pictures on the internet) and put a stop to this.  I would like to see our tax dollars being spent for good causes, not pornography.  I think our library should block all inappropriate (porn) pictures at all levels, not just the children's lab.  As a patron to our Wauconda library, I would like to support our library and see to it that our library excel for education purposes, not to be a place where people can come and view inappropriate pictures. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. 

The library has a strict policy against the use of pornographic web sites.  When we are aware that a patron is using a library workstation for this person, our policy is enforced.  All children’s workstations are filtered to prevent such web sites from appearing, as are the private computer rooms in the Adult Services department.  This system generally works well, but sometimes patrons at our unfiltered workstations in Adult Services come across a pornographic web site, either by accident or by intention.  If it is known that the patron is doing this intentionally, we will enforce our policy against such usage.  In fact, library privileges have been suspended for several such patrons.  We will not look over everyone’s shoulder to monitor exactly what they are viewing.  If we happen to see offensive graphics being displayed, though, we will take action.    If any patron sees such abuse of the library’s free access to the Internet, we ask that they report it to library staff immediately so that we can take action to stop it.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to block all offensive web sites without blocking many other web sites which serve as valuable information resources.  We feel that our Internet Policy, in conjunction with our filtering configuration, generally works well in preventing such incidents as the one you have described.  Occasionally there will be an exception to this success, and for this we apologize. 

4. An advanced sign language class (for beginners).

We will consider a class or perhaps a single program for beginners.  Thank you!

5.  The DVDs won’t play in better quality DVD players.  They require perfect balance.  The metal strips throw off that balance and create problems.

This problem has been solved – at least, for all new DVD’s.  The older DVD’s cannot be changed.

6.  It would be agreeable that the library would have more bilingual workers to help those who do not speak English.

We are very interested in having bilingual people on our staff.  In fact, we recently lost one Hispanic staff member who moved away.  We do still have one part-timer at the Circulation Desk who speaks some Spanish, bet we would like to increase the number of bilingual staff. 

7.  Tape on CDs causes CDs to jam in front load CD players that have a slot.  They work OK with tray loading CD players.

We are sorry you can’t play the CDs in your particular CD player.  No one else has reported this as a problem.  We have tried them with front-loading players and have had not problem.

8.  I like your new automated machine for check-out but I will not use it again unless there is a line of 30 people at the desk (which there never is).  Reason for not using the automated check-out: 1.) People crave interaction with other people.  2.) People at the library can comment on books being checked out and suggest others patrons might like.  3.) The machine is slow and the constant repetition of the same phrases is annoying.  4.) My thought is that my tax dollars will go more toward machines than people, a repulsive and unacceptable situation.

We appreciate your opinion.  However, there are many people who prefer to check out their own materials, for various reasons: privacy, expediency, a feeling of self-control and self-service, or simply because they do not want interaction with other people.  Self-service checkout stations have become a standard service at most public libraries which many people have come to expect.  Please remember that the Circ Desk will remain fully staffed for those who want good old fashioned friendly service! 

9.  I liked the paintball idea.

Thank you – we plan to do this again!

10.  The Circulation Desk employees always are so helpful, pleasant and professional.  Thank you!

Thank you!

11.  Please acquire: videos: Single White Female; magazines: Fine Gardening, Trains.

These items are being considered for purchase.

12.  There aren’t enough “Senior Trips” scheduled.  There seems to be three pages of things to do for children and young adults and only one page for Seniors.  How about some 2 or 3-day trips without gambling.  One trip was scheduled downtown for show and lunch.  Cost was $80.00.  Too expensive for Seniors on a fixed income.

We are continually looking for ways to better serve our senior patrons.  We’ll consider adding more affordable trips to our program venue.  We would greatly appreciate specific suggestions.

13. (via web site) How about updating your suggestions pages on a more timely basis.

Will do – sorry for the wait.

14.  Keep up the good work!

We plan to – THANKS!