1. (via web site) I just want you to know, my computer had a "web restricted" sign on one of your web sites under the Just for Teens area. I have AOL and I am on the mature teen setting, so there must be something pretty bad on that site, because my computer, unfortunately, already lets so many bad things by on this setting. You may want to take it off.

Unfortunately, filtering comes in many forms. The filter which restricted that web site may have done so for any number of reasons. This is the problem with filters. Please let us know the specific link AOL would not let you access and we will try to discern the problem.

2. Fooled again! I thought the cost of copies was going to go back to five cents if the referendum went through.

At no point in time was it ever stated by the library that a successful referendum would result in reduced fees. Some of the library services are only affordable on a cost-recovery basis. At the old price of a nickel per copy, the cost of providing this service was not being recovered. Our volume here is not such that we can afford to charge less than a dime per copy. Our fees are still lower, though, than those of many libraries in the area. Please also keep in mind that the library's tax revenue will not increase as a result of the referendum until May, 2002.

3. I'd like to see some more science fiction. I did vote for you.

Thank you for your support! We have restricted spending for science fiction because of our limited budget and the limited demand. With the budget increase coming next summer, we will hopefully be able to expand our spending in this area. In the meantime, we welcome any suggestions of authors or titles you might have. Just drop them by the reference desk.

4. Sunday hour expansion 10:00 to 5:00. Friday night hours until 8:00. I think Friday nights are not just to see movies or play. We need learning time.

Additional hours require additional staffing. Please keep in mind that the library's tax revenue will not increase as a result of the referendum until May, 2002. Additional hours of operation will be considered at that time, but would not be likely to be implemented until the year 2003.

5. (via web site) How about being able to renew our books, videos, etc. through the internet service?

Great suggestion! We'll see what we can do!

6. (via web site) I was just amazed at some of the rude comments people have made regarding the employees. I have had nothing but helpful, friendly people when I have had a question or in checking out books. Whenever I am at the library, I always receive excellent service!

Thank you for your nice comments - we pride ourselves on our 'friendly' staff. Good customer service is a top priority for us - we have wonderful patrons!

7. Please order "A Raisin in the Sun" with Sydney Portier.

This video has been ordered.

8. Your children's book collection is woefully short on research books for 4-6 grade. On nearly every occasion where we've come looking for materials, they've either been nonexistent or the few have already been checked out. I would strongly suggest that you focus on this area of need in you acquisitions budget. (It would also help to ask the teachers in our schools for recommendations.) I understand that such research materials are expensive, so I would suggest the following: Ask for donations. Helping children learn is a popular cause and should be well-received. Also, if such donations are tax-deductible, mention should be made of that as well. Perhaps you should have a regular "donation wish list" column in your newsletter.

We agree that there is an urgent need to increase the number of materials in the juvenile collection. This concern was one of the driving considerations when the library went to referendum this past April (and last November.) Improving the children’s nonfiction collection will be a top priority when the increased revenue begins to arrive in 2002 – and we will do all that we can to support educational needs until then. However, should you ever find that the shelves are depleted in any subject area, please speak to one of the Children’s librarians. She will be happy to locate reference materials on your topic and investigate the availability of interlibrary loan resources as well. Although the library welcomes donations, they arrive unpredictably at best. It is our responsibility to develop a working budget that will adequately address the informational, educational, and recreational needs of the children in our library district.

9. Just a note to tell you how wonderful your book discussion leader is. We enjoy every moment!

Thank you so much for the positive feedback - Terri is a valued employee. We're delighted you are enjoying our book group!