1. I think you should have an incentive reading program. (Example: Read five books and get a nice pen, ten books, etc.)

Our seasonal reading "clubs" or programs do just that -- for all ages. To open this up on a continual basis is cost-prohibitive for now, though.

2. A bench near the front doors or opposite the new book shelves, in order to wait (and read) while kids and grandkids are downstairs. I want to see them when they come up.

We'll work on this -- thanks!

3. Have computers downstairs for the older kids so they can go on quick.

The computers downstairs in the Children’s Services department are for young children (through the age of 12.) Young Adults (age 13 and up) are invited to use the computers upstairs in the Adult/Young Adult Services area. JS

4. I think that the Library is in need of more copies of books. It's irritating, having to wait, sometimes weeks, for a book.

We would love to order more copies -- you are absolutely right! More copies cost more money, though, and we must work within the given budget constraints. Please read our Fall 2000 newsletter for further information about this problem and our proposed solution.

5. The people at the checkout desk make me feel like I'm bothering them by checking out books. Never a smile or a friendly greeting from a lot of them. Why should we pay more tax money for service like this?

We apologize for what sounds like a bad experience you've had. We truly want everyone who visits this library to enjoy their visit -- we generally pride ourselves on our friendliness and service, and most of the comments we have received indicate we succeed at this. Please let the Library Director know whenever such an experience occurs.

6. I checked out six video tapes , and four of those tapes were not re-wound!! I recently moved to Island Lake from Chicago and I know the Chicago Public Libraries charge a 50 cent fee per tape for not rewinding. They also put stickers on the tapes stating "Please Be Kind & Rewind"!

You are right -- we have been very lenient! We will certainly consider "Please rewind!" labels -- this may help a bit. As for fines, we prefer simply to encourage everyone to be more considerate of the next person -- a little bit of common courtesy goes a long way!