There have been complaints and compliments about this program that will take place at the Library tomorrow ( July 16th) between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
First, this is a program that is not sponsored by the Sycamore Library. The group hosting the program have complied with our Meeting Room Policy and application process.
Our Meeting Room application requires that anyone who wants to use the meeting room provide a brief description of the nature of their meeting. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association wrote the following:
"Holy Quran Exhibition
The purpose of this this exhibition is to provide local residents with an introduction to Islam and identify commonalities between Islam and the other major religions of the world. The goal is to help educate and dispel common myths and misunderstandings about Islam. Those who attend will be able to ask any questions they have about Muslims and Islam, including but not limited to: What is Islam? What is the Holy Quran?, What is the status of women and their rights in Islam?, What are the prophesies of the Holy Quran?"
This group has used the meeting room in the past for the same purpose. The program was well received by those who participated.
There are many terrible things going on in the world today and this can lead to fear and anger.
One of the things that we at the library strives to offer, is the opportunity for all to learn and expand their understanding of the world around them. We believe that offering the meeting room for public use by a variety or groups and organizations is part of that service.
You have a choice to attend or not attend this program the same way you have the choice to attend any of any program at the library. Every time you use the library, you are making choices about what you read, watch, or listen to. There are many things that a person will find offensive in the library. At the same time, that same program, book, song, or movie will appeal to another person.
I have been asked if a Christian group wanted to use the meeting room to provide information about their religion, would we allow them to use the meeting room? The answer is, Yes! We require that all group follow our meeting room policy, complete the application process, and pay the fee for use of the room.
As a public entity, we have a legal obligation to make sure that we don't discriminate based on religion, politics, color, or sexual orientation. As a matter of fact, we don't want to discriminate. We want EVERYONE to feel comfortable using the library. We also want provide discomfort that takes people outside their comfort zone so everyone is provided with opportunities to learn, discover, create, and grow.
These are difficult times and lately we have seen too much anger, fear, and violence. I believe that the Library is and should be one place where you can research ideas, participate in a variety of activities, and join in discussions that can take us beyond what we already know to a more knowledgeable more understanding place so that we can relieve fear and anger and find a way toward peace.
Friday, July 15, 2016
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Comment: Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Multicultural experience for the children it will help with understanding differences in the community.
Reply: Sycamore Library would love to be able to support all the cultural differences found throughout the community. With limited time and resources we try to help promote community events that do just that.
In this instance we would encourage all residents to attend and support Taxco's Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival! Happening this year on Sunday, May 1st from 1:00pm-9:00pm. Enjoy cultural dancing, food, entertainment, and fun for the whole family!
Proceeds will benefit Kishwaukee College Scholarships and other local non-profit organizations.
Reply: Sycamore Library would love to be able to support all the cultural differences found throughout the community. With limited time and resources we try to help promote community events that do just that.
In this instance we would encourage all residents to attend and support Taxco's Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival! Happening this year on Sunday, May 1st from 1:00pm-9:00pm. Enjoy cultural dancing, food, entertainment, and fun for the whole family!
Proceeds will benefit Kishwaukee College Scholarships and other local non-profit organizations.
Friday, April 1, 2016
Public Computers are Very Slow
Comment: The public computers are difficult to use. They take forever to login and then if they finally do, they are very slow.
Reply: We apologize for your difficulties with the public computers. We have had our IT support people working on solving this problem. They have been trying several different things. The problem seems to be solved and then within a couple days, the problem starts all over again. We have recently switched IT support companies. We have a new plan in place for getting the computers working better. Some fixes have been completed in the past two days which are helping. There are several more things that will be done over the next couple of weeks. We are taking each step slowly so that we can make sure each one is actually a part of the solution.
You will also notice that we have a new copier in place of the printer. You can print to the copier the same way you printed to the old printer. In addition, you can scan documents, and make copies. The money on your library card can be used for printing and making copies. Scanning is a free service. You will need a USB drive to save your scanned documents. We have some for sale (8 GB for $5.00 at all of our service desks.)
If the copier by the computers is busy, you can go to the copier across from the bathrooms and pick up your print there.
The new copiers are capable of printing in three paper sizes (Letter, Legal, and Ledger), another added feature of the new copiers.
Not sure how to work the copiers? We are happy to help you learn.
Reply: We apologize for your difficulties with the public computers. We have had our IT support people working on solving this problem. They have been trying several different things. The problem seems to be solved and then within a couple days, the problem starts all over again. We have recently switched IT support companies. We have a new plan in place for getting the computers working better. Some fixes have been completed in the past two days which are helping. There are several more things that will be done over the next couple of weeks. We are taking each step slowly so that we can make sure each one is actually a part of the solution.
You will also notice that we have a new copier in place of the printer. You can print to the copier the same way you printed to the old printer. In addition, you can scan documents, and make copies. The money on your library card can be used for printing and making copies. Scanning is a free service. You will need a USB drive to save your scanned documents. We have some for sale (8 GB for $5.00 at all of our service desks.)
If the copier by the computers is busy, you can go to the copier across from the bathrooms and pick up your print there.
The new copiers are capable of printing in three paper sizes (Letter, Legal, and Ledger), another added feature of the new copiers.
Not sure how to work the copiers? We are happy to help you learn.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
The teen GAME ON! program is too loud!
Comment: This library is noisy and the teen program is too loud.
Response: We appreciate that you feel that the library is too loud. Times have changed and libraries are more active and filled with people and programs. This makes for louder spaces. To add to that the Sycamore Library has very high ceiling so that noise carries more than in other spaces.
The GAME ON! program is one day a month on the First Thursday right after school. We are actually very pleased that so many teens have discovered the library and want to spend time here. With 20 plus teenagers in one space, the noise is really quite soft when you consider the potential of noise that teenagers are capable of making. I believe that the teens are very respectful of their environment. They love this afternoon program, they set up the equipment, they clean up after themselves, and they have a safe place to go after school. Many of the teens are playing Dungeons and Dragons which helps them develop their imaginations. Others are playing rock band which requires attention to detail. All of them are working together, they are making new friends, and winding down after their school day.
We are happy to provide headphones or earplugs to help you block the noise from this once a month program which only lasts two to two and half hours.
Response: We appreciate that you feel that the library is too loud. Times have changed and libraries are more active and filled with people and programs. This makes for louder spaces. To add to that the Sycamore Library has very high ceiling so that noise carries more than in other spaces.
The GAME ON! program is one day a month on the First Thursday right after school. We are actually very pleased that so many teens have discovered the library and want to spend time here. With 20 plus teenagers in one space, the noise is really quite soft when you consider the potential of noise that teenagers are capable of making. I believe that the teens are very respectful of their environment. They love this afternoon program, they set up the equipment, they clean up after themselves, and they have a safe place to go after school. Many of the teens are playing Dungeons and Dragons which helps them develop their imaginations. Others are playing rock band which requires attention to detail. All of them are working together, they are making new friends, and winding down after their school day.
We are happy to provide headphones or earplugs to help you block the noise from this once a month program which only lasts two to two and half hours.
Friday, February 19, 2016
Musical Mornings
Comment: "My boys LOVE Miss Angie's songs. Please keep inviting her here."
Reply: Thank you so much for sharing your love of musical therapist, Angie Carter. We LOVE her as well :) Sycamore Library was able to secure the funds to invite Miss Angie to the Library once every month! Musical Mornings are the 3rd Friday of each month at 10:00am.
For those not familiar with this remarkable program; Musical Mornings with Angie Carter is a special circle time program for children of all abilities, developed especially for ages 0-3. Each 30 minute program encourages play while building self awareness and awareness of others, listening skills, communication skills, trust, and movement. Throughout each session, children are encouraged to explore their own abilities in a safe environment, right along with their parents and siblings. This program is free and open to all.
Reply: Thank you so much for sharing your love of musical therapist, Angie Carter. We LOVE her as well :) Sycamore Library was able to secure the funds to invite Miss Angie to the Library once every month! Musical Mornings are the 3rd Friday of each month at 10:00am.
For those not familiar with this remarkable program; Musical Mornings with Angie Carter is a special circle time program for children of all abilities, developed especially for ages 0-3. Each 30 minute program encourages play while building self awareness and awareness of others, listening skills, communication skills, trust, and movement. Throughout each session, children are encouraged to explore their own abilities in a safe environment, right along with their parents and siblings. This program is free and open to all.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
E-Cigs and Vaporizers Smoking
Comment: There should be a policy against people smoking e-cigs / vaporizer on Sycamore Library Property.
Response: Our no smoking in the library policy is all encompassing. There is no smoking of any kind allowed in the library. Patrons can smoke outside at least 15 feet from any library entrance.
In the last year DeKalb County decided to make all of their campuses smoke free. This would be the next step for the library. The biggest obstacle is enforcement. Inside it is easy to enforce, but in the parking lot, we would need to have someone monitoring and asking people to stop the behavior.
It's a great idea on paper, much like the requirement for hands-free use of a phone while driving. The problem comes with enforcing the rules. Sadly, many people won't self-police because they don't believe the rule applies to them.
Response: Our no smoking in the library policy is all encompassing. There is no smoking of any kind allowed in the library. Patrons can smoke outside at least 15 feet from any library entrance.
In the last year DeKalb County decided to make all of their campuses smoke free. This would be the next step for the library. The biggest obstacle is enforcement. Inside it is easy to enforce, but in the parking lot, we would need to have someone monitoring and asking people to stop the behavior.
It's a great idea on paper, much like the requirement for hands-free use of a phone while driving. The problem comes with enforcing the rules. Sadly, many people won't self-police because they don't believe the rule applies to them.
Monday, February 15, 2016
CPR and First Aid Training for the Public
Comment: I would love it if the library offered again another CPR and First Aid class.
Response: This was a great class and we were happy to make it available through the library. Unfortunately, the person who provided the training at no cost to the library or to the participant, is no longer offering the course. We contacted some organizations about training, but there is a fee and we would have to pass that fee ($100) onto the participants. It is just as easy for an individual to take the class with the Red Cross. We would be happy to provide you with contact information.
Response: This was a great class and we were happy to make it available through the library. Unfortunately, the person who provided the training at no cost to the library or to the participant, is no longer offering the course. We contacted some organizations about training, but there is a fee and we would have to pass that fee ($100) onto the participants. It is just as easy for an individual to take the class with the Red Cross. We would be happy to provide you with contact information.
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