Pros And Cons Of New Parma Library Branch

For those who haven’t seen the new Parma library on Powers Blvd., you should visit your investment. On its own, it is a striking building. Windows fill walls. You can observe some of the sights without leaving your chair. The inside is expansive with much room to wander in. There are also fireplaces to decorate several of the interior walls of the building.  

In general, the building is divided into three sections; children’s, teen’s and adult’s. The children’s is beautifully decorated with rhymes that span the wide support beams. The immediate, eye-catching feature is the wonderful mural on the western wall. There are also storage creations that are quite imaginative. Among other appointments are such diversions as a heat sensitive end cap that, if you place a hand on it, your body heat will duplicate your hand print. It also has a number of computers for parents and children.

The teen section is walled off by a glass partition. It contains a Playstation video game system that is usually available, as I have noticed. Also, in the room are a number of computers. It is decorated with stuffed furniture. The room is spacious and seems comfortable.

In the adult section, the ceilings must be at least twenty-five feet high - apparently for observing the sky and letting sunlight in. Part of this section contains a tech lab that has a glass wall which also allows natural light to brighten the room. There are approximately forty computers for the public to use. 

Along the windows, the sun glare certainly is distracting. This occurs most notably at certain banks of computers. There is much space that is not used (wasted?) and the height of the ceilings is such that in winter the heat goes readily to the top. The impression was that this library system would have energy efficient buildings.

The deficiency in the children’s section is that there is no sound barrier between the children’s and adult sections. Thus, after the children enjoy what is in many respects a time at the playground, some get upset and make their displeasure known to all. Did the engineer or administration not consider this? Did the administration listen to the individual workers familiar with the activities of the various branches? There could have also been some foresight into having an exit in the children’s section, eliminating the issue of having an upset (usually boisterous) child go through much of the library to exit with parent.

There are also issues when parents use the computers with children in tow. There have been instances where a parent goes to the adult section to work on the computer and her child is disorderly  and asking for some video game. Doesn’t it seem logical to guide these parents to the children’s section? The staff responds that the sections are open to all. True, but to all who act appropriately. They should be permitted to direct disruptive individuals or groups to an appropriate area.

Though most persons with cell phones are generally considerate, shouldn't the phone be on vibrate? Speaking in the appropriate area would help also. Having conversations while others are attempting to conduct their business is something that the library should address without patrons drawing it to their attention.                   

Let’s go to staffing issues. I have viewed lines of people waiting to get served in various sections of the library with no one there to assist them. Staffing is minimal. Maybe economically wise, but from a patron aspect somewhat frustrating. Perhaps if the Director and her assistant didn’t have a taxpayer provided SUV that is fully loaded, these funds could provide more service for patrons and less for the Director, who could get from branch to branch just as well with a lesser vehicle. 

Snow removal between the Senior Center and the Library would help Seniors avoid an ugly incident. The Senior Center removes their snow quite nicely.  

Now turning to the disabled. The spacing of the computers won’t allow a disabled person to travel freely among the DVD section. Incidents occurred where a wheel chair trying to maneuver just knocked entire sections down. There are spacing issues for the non-handicapped trying to get by in the computer sections. If patrons occupy full sections, trying to pass is an issue.

Perhaps the corrections should start with the Director and Branch Manager.