Recent comments during 2005:
The Building
Is it possible to maximize the view of the pond at the back? Perhaps more office administration space could be at the front of the building, with additional larger windows/seating space at the back of the building. Perhaps fewer windows on the front of the building.
People will tend not to sit near the windows with southern exposure when it’s warm. Additionally, they will be costly to heat and cool. Suggestion: having the roof overhang the windows at the proper angle will keep out the summer sun and let in the winter light.
The elevation of the building creates space that is not used. How can the building be designed to that an addition can be made to it, or a second story be added even now? How can it be more functional?
Interior
Friends of the Mendon Public Library: No space has been allocated for the annual booksale. Would it be possible for a basement or attic for the Friends?
Entrances/Circ Desk: The staff feels the Circ desk should be located very close to the entrance. Handicapped patrons and senior citizens were clear that they prefer the circulation desk to be very close to the door. Library theft is becoming a problem. “Staff” near the door may provide a deterrent.
Young Adult Area: The Young Adult area needs to be in an area that can be seen from the Circ desk, but not immediately adjacent to it. It also needs to have adequate bookshelves.
Reading Area: See above: it should be located with a view of the pond, instead of the Young Adult reading area.
Storage is inadequate in proposed building.
Every member of the staff performs multiple tasks, in contrast to larger libraries where an employee concentrates on one function e.g., returns). Every member of the staff interfaces with patrons to help in whatever way possible, whether to find books, check them out, pay fines, or do computer research. This approach seems to work; with a minimal number of people, our staff consistently receives high ratings in community surveys.
Move the Director and Assistant Director’s office into the library. This will enable the Director and Assistant Director to serve the patrons more effectively.
Move the Circulation desk adjacent to the front door. An open area, without glass walls and or doors would improve our effectiveness to multitask, as well as being available to direct volunteers as they are working on projects behind the circulation desk.
We would also like to see a small private staff work area. This area will not be viewable to the public from the circulation area. Its primary use would be to reconcile the cash register, provide space away from the public for projects which are not easily interrupted and house new library material that has not yet been processed for circulation.
Although private space is not a staff requirement, security of our valuables is. We would prefer that our lockers be located in the interior of the building, in the break room, rather than at the entrance. A small locker to fit a purse or other small belongings would be sufficient.”
Children’s area:–
Moving the Assistant Director’s office into that space.
Enclose the Children’s Library. This follows suggestions of the parents of our juvenile patrons, and of multiple librarians interviewed. A clearly defined area, with physical barriers would make parents feel safer when bringing children to the library as well as give the children a safe area to explore. The enclosure would not necessarily be from floor to ceiling.
In addition to using Meeting Hall for children’s programming, create a Children’s Program Room. We would like to offer the children a small space created for them for small story times and crafts. This would aid our staff in controlling groups of children, and provide a space where children could be messy and creative. Having a “discovery” room where parents and children could relax, read, and participate in programs was one of the original suggestions gleaned from surveying parents and other libraries.
Conference Room: How can this space be made more flexible? If fitted with a conference table and chairs, it takes away prime space, if only used several times a month. With the use of dividers, perhaps the conference room could be folded into the meeting hall.
Display space for art and pamphlets is important.
Previous Comments during 2003 - 2004 on Interior Facilities
• 3 say the computers are inadequate
• “After chasing 2 little girls around our library, I suggest the interior design have a children’s room – or gated area. This would be very helpful.”
• “Need ample parking; need book drop (outside)…This library is so small and has such few books – we usually visit other libraries.”
• “I think that the children’s area of the Brighton Library would make a great model for the new Mendon library’s children’s area. I like how it is in a room away from the front door and the fact that it is somewhat enclosed. It make keeping track of the kids easier. Also, the Discovery Room that they have is a wonderful way to get kids into the library and interested in reading activities.”
• “I think everything needs to be more organized, fiction with fiction – alphabetical. Books music, videos the kid section and story room (story room should be by windows, with glass walls.)”
• “PLEASE…drive-thru book drop and pick-up…to avoid accidents on ice during winter and to avoid having to park in Handicapped.”
• “Would be nice to have a “Gallery” space as part of the Library for Community or Historical Society use. Great Site Plan!!”
• “Please consider a wrap around couch (leather)”
• “I would like to see skylights to add natural light without taking up wall space, a coat/boot rack near door: Also a large open area in the children’s section for reading hour.”
• “Coffee and donuts.”
• “Get a water fountain that works.”
• “Please keep the handicapped door access buttons (blue wheelchair push squares) at the same height and keep them truly accessible. We have a 4 year old son who uses a wheelchair and these are the only buttons I’ve seen that he can access in a public place. We frequent the library often and wish to continue. Thank you!”
• “Display cases by entrance. Garden. Windows. Small room for kids (Fairport).”
• “Build into the library extra space for local businesses to have seminars, meetings, employee training. This could be rented out to businesses and training companies.”
• “Need coat rack and area for cubbies/boots/winter/backpacks and strollers near entrance.”
• “Children’s area is cut off from remains of the library, quieter, less wandering, glass walls and door?”
• “beanbags, headphones to listen to music, expand CD section.”
• “I like the coffee bar best”
• “I would like to see the children’s book area more enclosed. I know that when I am in our present library with my little ones, I spend a lot of time chasing them down and worrying about the noise level for other patrons. With a bigger library this could only be worse.”
• “Children’s area concerns me –
o They are in the front of the building while I am in the back of the building looking at fiction/non-fiction – Who is watching my child? Where is the security?
o Stairs in the children’s area – Why? Kids love to climb stairs – I foresee moms chasing kids up the stairs.
• “Reading Garden, Fountain, Coffee Bar – all excellent ideas”
• “Women’s bathroom with more stalls”
• “Media room for listening to cds and internet usage”
• “A place (room?) in children’s area for storytelling, projects and events”
• “Do we need a coffee bar?”
• “A wonderful feature to consider is full spectrum lighting – they cost about the same as regular florescent bulbs and fit the same fixtures. Patrons could see better and it has been shown to positively affect health, especially in winter.”
• “A designated stroller parking area under the portico and/or a place in or near the vestibule for hanging coats and umbrellas. Thank you for listening to my comments.”
• “A reading garden and fountain, coffee bar and children’s library – I love it! Hope there’s enough parking because there’s a lot to the new design to attract all ages.”
Previous Comments (2003-2004) on Exterior Facilities
• “It is important to maintain the historic façade at the current location. The current location is ideal for student and community use (HF-L includes students in Livingston and Ontario counties also.).”
• “ I hope the original brick building could be saved and used in some way by the village/town.”
• “Please consider a outdoor reading room – a garden space.
• “A Poet’s Garden (similar to Brighton Library) incorporated into the grounds (funded through memorial gifts if needed) To allow a place for contemplation, summer reading programs and awareness of nature. Plaques mentioning plants and herbs which are featured in literature and poetry”
• “I think the exterior of the new library is lovely. I like the symmetry of the building and the large center entrance. The reading garden is an excellent idea, but I would not have an entrance/exit to the outside due to possible opportunities for theft and vandalism.”
The library is committed to receiving input from the community as we work together for a new library.