Comments on: Guest Column: Thoughts on the library’s proposed acquisition of the Sullivan Center http://rockrivertimes.com/2012/07/25/guest-column-thoughts-on-the-library%e2%80%99s-proposed-acquisition-of-the-sullivan-center/ The Rock River Times - THE VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1993 Tue, 21 May 2013 21:10:32 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: John Brien http://rockrivertimes.com/2012/07/25/guest-column-thoughts-on-the-library%e2%80%99s-proposed-acquisition-of-the-sullivan-center/comment-page-1/#comment-6106 John Brien Wed, 01 Aug 2012 19:42:54 +0000 http://rockrivertimes.com/?p=39059#comment-6106 I would understand why you would not use your last name Chet, as you should be embarassed. I am no longer on the Board. My term has expired. I am speaking as a private citizen who pays a large amount of property tax, so is just as concerned as anyone. I am allowed to say what I think now. I will not apologize for calling someone out for misrepresenting the facts and stating untruths. I worked as a volunteer on this Board for 12 years, I know more about what it takes to provide balanced service to the public than a special interest group. If those concerned took a little more time to think this through, they would realize that efficiencies combined with a library downtown more in keeping with the size of the East Branch would not result in lost jobs, but increased hours, as the staff would be better utilized to serve the public. The mission of RPL has never been to bow to special interests. Only the misinformed would question my dedication to RPL. Your name calling Chet, highlights your ignorance. I would understand why you would not use your last name Chet, as you should be embarassed. I am no longer on the Board. My term has expired. I am speaking as a private citizen who pays a large amount of property tax, so is just as concerned as anyone. I am allowed to say what I think now. I will not apologize for calling someone out for misrepresenting the facts and stating untruths. I worked as a volunteer on this Board for 12 years, I know more about what it takes to provide balanced service to the public than a special interest group. If those concerned took a little more time to think this through, they would realize that efficiencies combined with a library downtown more in keeping with the size of the East Branch would not result in lost jobs, but increased hours, as the staff would be better utilized to serve the public. The mission of RPL has never been to bow to special interests. Only the misinformed would question my dedication to RPL. Your name calling Chet, highlights your ignorance.

]]> By: chet http://rockrivertimes.com/2012/07/25/guest-column-thoughts-on-the-library%e2%80%99s-proposed-acquisition-of-the-sullivan-center/comment-page-1/#comment-6053 chet Sat, 28 Jul 2012 16:15:08 +0000 http://rockrivertimes.com/?p=39059#comment-6053 I find it disturbing that some of the more vicious attacks posted come from members of the administration and board. They are so quick to condemn a TAXPAYING, ardent SUPPORTER of the library for raising an extremely important question- "The main concern is simply, where in the library’s strained budget is there room for the expenses involved in the acquisition and upkeep of the Sullivan Center?" Mr. Brien, as a board member SERVING TAXPAYERS, you sir should apologize AND RESIGN!'Such arrogance has no place in 'public service'. WHAT is the 'personal agenda' of Mr. Novak, the executive director? It certainly is very easy to continually develop grand, expensive "visions" when he does not even reside in the taxing district that so generously PAYS him. I guess the freedoms we enjoy in this wonderful country require us to endure poorly formed opinions of modern-day carpetbaggers and arrogant 'public servants'. God bless America, indeed! I find it disturbing that some of the more vicious attacks posted come from members of the administration and board. They are so quick to condemn a TAXPAYING, ardent SUPPORTER of the library for raising an extremely important question- “The main concern is simply, where in the library’s strained budget is there room for the expenses involved in the acquisition and upkeep of the Sullivan Center?”

Mr. Brien, as a board member SERVING TAXPAYERS, you sir should apologize AND RESIGN!’Such arrogance has no place in ‘public service’.
WHAT is the ‘personal agenda’ of Mr. Novak, the executive director? It certainly is very easy to continually develop grand, expensive “visions” when he does not even reside in the taxing district that so generously PAYS him.

I guess the freedoms we enjoy in this wonderful country require us to endure poorly formed opinions of modern-day carpetbaggers and arrogant ‘public servants’. God bless America, indeed!

]]> By: Susan http://rockrivertimes.com/2012/07/25/guest-column-thoughts-on-the-library%e2%80%99s-proposed-acquisition-of-the-sullivan-center/comment-page-1/#comment-6048 Susan Sat, 28 Jul 2012 01:34:07 +0000 http://rockrivertimes.com/?p=39059#comment-6048 Unfortunately, the library has ceased listening to the community. All the people who respond with such hostility are library employees or on the Board. This is from a group that felt free to view someone's library records in violation of state law. The law was posted to this site. The personal attacks are beneath what one would expect from a Board member. I would hope that Mr. Logli would read these comments and ask the Board members and library staff to take a step back. The lack of library hours is a serious matter. Longer hours and more programs for children in morning hours is a more important need. There would be nothing wrong with acquiring the Sullivan Center if that were central to the library's mission. I attended many programs there, but would not it be more appropriate for the Park District to own it. The children's and adult programs that the Park District could offer would be more appropriate. But lack of library services is a more important issue to the general public. Unfortunately, the library has ceased listening to the community. All the people who respond with such hostility are library employees or on the Board. This is from a group that felt free to view someone’s library records in violation of state law. The law was posted to this site. The personal attacks are beneath what one would expect from a Board member. I would hope that Mr. Logli would read these comments and ask the Board members and library staff to take a step back.

The lack of library hours is a serious matter. Longer hours and more programs for children in morning hours is a more important need. There would be nothing wrong with acquiring the Sullivan Center if that were central to the library’s mission. I attended many programs there, but would not it be more appropriate for the Park District to own it. The children’s and adult programs that the Park District could offer would be more appropriate. But lack of library services is a more important issue to the general public.

]]> By: John Brien http://rockrivertimes.com/2012/07/25/guest-column-thoughts-on-the-library%e2%80%99s-proposed-acquisition-of-the-sullivan-center/comment-page-1/#comment-6035 John Brien Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:32:12 +0000 http://rockrivertimes.com/?p=39059#comment-6035 It has gone from "Save Our Library" to "Support Our Library" I would suggest it has now become "Savage Our Library". The members of this organization should seriously consider removing Ms. Leon, as her efforts seem to only undermine the mission of RPL. Her misrepresentation and lack of real facts, as well as her unconscionable suggestions regarding the motives for the donation should lead her members to question her ability to lead.Does anyone know what the mission of S.O.L. is, because these actions suggest a personal agenda. She is harming RPL, the Community and her own organization. I guess the freedoms we enjoy in this wonderful country require us to endure poorly formed opinions based on gossip and innuendo. God Bless America!! It has gone from “Save Our Library” to “Support Our Library” I would suggest it has now become “Savage Our Library”. The members of this organization should seriously consider removing Ms. Leon, as her efforts seem to only undermine the mission of RPL. Her misrepresentation and lack of real facts, as well as her unconscionable suggestions regarding the motives for the donation should lead her members to question her ability to lead.Does anyone know what the mission of S.O.L. is, because these actions suggest a personal agenda. She is harming RPL, the Community and her own organization. I guess the freedoms we enjoy in this wonderful country require us to endure poorly formed opinions based on gossip and innuendo. God Bless America!!

]]> By: Toni http://rockrivertimes.com/2012/07/25/guest-column-thoughts-on-the-library%e2%80%99s-proposed-acquisition-of-the-sullivan-center/comment-page-1/#comment-6034 Toni Thu, 26 Jul 2012 17:36:24 +0000 http://rockrivertimes.com/?p=39059#comment-6034 I am trying to understand why Ms. Leon continues her tirade against the library management. I think they’re doing a pretty good job. I too use the library quite often. She seems to be a likeable young woman but has many old fashioned ideas and she spews a lot of misinformation. Ms. Leon, I would be very interested to learn of your background, education, work experience and credentials that qualify you as an “expert in all areas of library management” and future trends. E-books are gaining in popularity every day. They are not going to disappear. Isn’t it better to try to educate our residents on new technology and provide opportunities to use E books and take computer classes to strengthen job skills? Ms. Leon, you have had your 15 minutes of fame. I don’t care what your opinions are on any matter related to the library system. I am trying to understand why Ms. Leon continues her tirade against the library management. I think they’re doing a pretty good job. I too use the library quite often. She seems to be a likeable young woman but has many old fashioned ideas and she spews a lot of misinformation. Ms. Leon, I would be very interested to learn of your background, education, work experience and credentials that qualify you as an “expert in all areas of library management” and future trends. E-books are gaining in popularity every day. They are not going to disappear. Isn’t it better to try to educate our residents on new technology and provide opportunities to use E books and take computer classes to strengthen job skills? Ms. Leon, you have had your 15 minutes of fame. I don’t care what your opinions are on any matter related to the library system.

]]> By: Katrina Burns http://rockrivertimes.com/2012/07/25/guest-column-thoughts-on-the-library%e2%80%99s-proposed-acquisition-of-the-sullivan-center/comment-page-1/#comment-6032 Katrina Burns Thu, 26 Jul 2012 15:58:25 +0000 http://rockrivertimes.com/?p=39059#comment-6032 I believe that Ms. Leon has interpreted programming attendance incorrectly. As the programming coordinator in charge of computer classes, I can definitively say that computer classes are still alive and going strong. We have been turning people away from classes due to lack of space. We need the Sullivan Center to provide the digital technology resources and space our community needs to survive in the 21st century. I will agree that the shift to a digital program guide has been hard and slow. Our community is used to picking up a program guide as they check out their materials and, frankly, it was much easier for staff to hand them to anyone asking about upcoming programs. There will inevitably be a lag in the move from the “way we’ve always done it” to newer, more interactive processes – like using the digital guide. We have seen some decrease in attendance and, while this may be due to lack of paper guides, it may also be that the 100 degree weather has been having an impact, as it has across the city from retail stores and restaurants to attendance at many free events. As for the availability of paper copies for upcoming programs, I’m disturbed by that. Staff have been shown how to provide these copies. I just printed a list of computer classes for a customer. We print these lists when asked and at no charge. We also provide bookmarks with some of our recurring programs. What we do not do is have copies for the next few months sitting out, this is expensive. On demand printing is less expensive and green, as no paper is tossed at the end of the cycle. Finally, and this is purely my opinion, the shift to digital is not coming, it’s here. The Library is not trying to make it harder for those of us who can’t afford the digital shift; the Library is trying to make it stress-free and ubiquitous. Progress can be difficult and scary and it does cost money. That said, doing things the same way also has a cost: to our community and to our future. The sensational news item that we won’t have storybooks to read is absurd. Storybooks are not going to disappear, but it does make for a great reaction from the public! Digital offerings are: extensive databases our children can use for book reports and to learn about the wider world; online, university level classes that provide certification for someone to move up into a better job; the ability to find out just who your ancestors were and how they got here; crafts blogs, how-to articles, medical help and more – did I mention, FREE? There’s that to consider, too. My grandfather once told me, “When you’re costing, you’re rolling downhill.” Time to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and climb that hill; we’ll be better for it. I believe that Ms. Leon has interpreted programming attendance incorrectly. As the programming coordinator in charge of computer classes, I can definitively say that computer classes are still alive and going strong. We have been turning people away from classes due to lack of space. We need the Sullivan Center to provide the digital technology resources and space our community needs to survive in the 21st century.
I will agree that the shift to a digital program guide has been hard and slow. Our community is used to picking up a program guide as they check out their materials and, frankly, it was much easier for staff to hand them to anyone asking about upcoming programs. There will inevitably be a lag in the move from the “way we’ve always done it” to newer, more interactive processes – like using the digital guide. We have seen some decrease in attendance and, while this may be due to lack of paper guides, it may also be that the 100 degree weather has been having an impact, as it has across the city from retail stores and restaurants to attendance at many free events.
As for the availability of paper copies for upcoming programs, I’m disturbed by that. Staff have been shown how to provide these copies. I just printed a list of computer classes for a customer. We print these lists when asked and at no charge. We also provide bookmarks with some of our recurring programs. What we do not do is have copies for the next few months sitting out, this is expensive. On demand printing is less expensive and green, as no paper is tossed at the end of the cycle.
Finally, and this is purely my opinion, the shift to digital is not coming, it’s here. The Library is not trying to make it harder for those of us who can’t afford the digital shift; the Library is trying to make it stress-free and ubiquitous. Progress can be difficult and scary and it does cost money. That said, doing things the same way also has a cost: to our community and to our future. The sensational news item that we won’t have storybooks to read is absurd. Storybooks are not going to disappear, but it does make for a great reaction from the public! Digital offerings are: extensive databases our children can use for book reports and to learn about the wider world; online, university level classes that provide certification for someone to move up into a better job; the ability to find out just who your ancestors were and how they got here; crafts blogs, how-to articles, medical help and more – did I mention, FREE? There’s that to consider, too. My grandfather once told me, “When you’re costing, you’re rolling downhill.” Time to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and climb that hill; we’ll be better for it.

]]> By: RPL http://rockrivertimes.com/2012/07/25/guest-column-thoughts-on-the-library%e2%80%99s-proposed-acquisition-of-the-sullivan-center/comment-page-1/#comment-6031 RPL Thu, 26 Jul 2012 15:14:38 +0000 http://rockrivertimes.com/?p=39059#comment-6031 Ms. Leon continues to be an advocate for the library's programs and services, which is admirable. However, her article contained factual errors which we are glad to correct. First, to the claim that library programming attendance was down, let me reference the statistics (which are published monthly and available for the public to view as part of the Board packet), programming attendance is up 27% YTD. (In raw numbers, close to 8,000 additional people have attended RPL programs this year so far.) Mr. Logli misspoke in reference to the quote in the Rockford Register Star, and apologizes for any misperceptions that were created as a result. As far as computer class attendance being ‘non-existent,’ over 250 people have attended a computer training class since April. Our staff continues to provide quality programming for all ages, drawing greater numbers every year. Second, the library did not make a significant investment in a ‘computer program’ to produce the digital Explorer. The digital Explorer is not only considerably more cost effective, but also allows customers to customize their own program calendars, send program information to personal Outlook or Gmail calendars, share program information with family and friends through social media and register for programs with one step. With e-blasts, we can send customers information about the program categories of interest to them on a regular basis—keeping them better informed and more up to date than simply hoping they pick up a program guide once every quarter. We also reach customers who don’t visit our locations regularly, or who may be primarily homebound. The system also streamlined the process for our programming team, which allows them to spend more time doing what they do best—creating world-class programs for our community. How were these upgrades paid for? With less than what would have been one year’s printing budget for the traditional Explorer. And yes, you CAN still get printed program lists, which our staff will print for you free of charge at any location. Printing on demand saves thousands each year and is a much greener approach to promoting programs and events. Ms. Leon is understandably concerned about the costs associated with a gift of the Sullivan Center to RPL. At the Open House on 7/31, attendees will see firsthand the significant improvements made to the building by the current owner including a new roof, HVAC system, elevator and ADA accessible bathrooms to name a few. To even suggest his dedication to an arts center downtown and willingness to donate the building to the library is anything less than altruistic is both uninformed and unfair. Attendees will also see that the library’s initial budget projects that rental fees from outside groups, grants, internal fund transfers and other program support could very well have the Center self-supporting within three years. Rockford Public Library has been presented with an opportunity to serve as a steward for the Sullivan Center, a wonderful resource in our downtown. I would encourage anyone interested in more information to attend the Open House event on Tuesday, July 31st from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Take the opportunity to hear what the Board envisions the Sullivan Center becoming for RPL, partner organizations and our community. After learning the facts, we welcome your thoughts and input. Emily Hartzog Community Relations Officer Rockford Public Library Ms. Leon continues to be an advocate for the library’s programs and services, which is admirable. However, her article contained factual errors which we are glad to correct.

First, to the claim that library programming attendance was down, let me reference the statistics (which are published monthly and available for the public to view as part of the Board packet), programming attendance is up 27% YTD. (In raw numbers, close to 8,000 additional people have attended RPL programs this year so far.) Mr. Logli misspoke in reference to the quote in the Rockford Register Star, and apologizes for any misperceptions that were created as a result. As far as computer class attendance being ‘non-existent,’ over 250 people have attended a computer training class since April. Our staff continues to provide quality programming for all ages, drawing greater numbers every year.

Second, the library did not make a significant investment in a ‘computer program’ to produce the digital Explorer. The digital Explorer is not only considerably more cost effective, but also allows customers to customize their own program calendars, send program information to personal Outlook or Gmail calendars, share program information with family and friends through social media and register for programs with one step. With e-blasts, we can send customers information about the program categories of interest to them on a regular basis—keeping them better informed and more up to date than simply hoping they pick up a program guide once every quarter. We also reach customers who don’t visit our locations regularly, or who may be primarily homebound. The system also streamlined the process for our programming team, which allows them to spend more time doing what they do best—creating world-class programs for our community.

How were these upgrades paid for? With less than what would have been one year’s printing budget for the traditional Explorer. And yes, you CAN still get printed program lists, which our staff will print for you free of charge at any location. Printing on demand saves thousands each year and is a much greener approach to promoting programs and events.

Ms. Leon is understandably concerned about the costs associated with a gift of the Sullivan Center to RPL. At the Open House on 7/31, attendees will see firsthand the significant improvements made to the building by the current owner including a new roof, HVAC system, elevator and ADA accessible bathrooms to name a few. To even suggest his dedication to an arts center downtown and willingness to donate the building to the library is anything less than altruistic is both uninformed and unfair. Attendees will also see that the library’s initial budget projects that rental fees from outside groups, grants, internal fund transfers and other program support could very well have the Center self-supporting within three years.

Rockford Public Library has been presented with an opportunity to serve as a steward for the Sullivan Center, a wonderful resource in our downtown. I would encourage anyone interested in more information to attend the Open House event on Tuesday, July 31st from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Take the opportunity to hear what the Board envisions the Sullivan Center becoming for RPL, partner organizations and our community. After learning the facts, we welcome your thoughts and input.

Emily Hartzog
Community Relations Officer
Rockford Public Library

]]> By: Donna http://rockrivertimes.com/2012/07/25/guest-column-thoughts-on-the-library%e2%80%99s-proposed-acquisition-of-the-sullivan-center/comment-page-1/#comment-6030 Donna Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:20:03 +0000 http://rockrivertimes.com/?p=39059#comment-6030 Ms. Leon once again is misleading the public with incorrect facts; program attendance at RPL: January +6%, Feb. +8%, March +36%, April +27%, May +33%, June +27%. In 2011 RPL presented a total of 2,801 programs provided at no cost to participants. RPL has 6 F.T. & P.T. programmers. E-Book cuirculation is also up by over 150% every month this year. How can anyone say that a new digital media/computer lab and increased class training would not benefit our at-risk patrons. Ms. Leon once again is misleading the public with incorrect facts; program attendance at RPL: January +6%, Feb. +8%, March +36%, April +27%, May +33%, June +27%. In 2011 RPL presented a total of 2,801 programs provided at no cost to participants. RPL has 6 F.T. & P.T. programmers. E-Book cuirculation is also up by over 150% every month this year. How can anyone say that a new digital media/computer lab and increased class training would not benefit our at-risk patrons.

]]> By: marie pizarro http://rockrivertimes.com/2012/07/25/guest-column-thoughts-on-the-library%e2%80%99s-proposed-acquisition-of-the-sullivan-center/comment-page-1/#comment-6027 marie pizarro Wed, 25 Jul 2012 23:56:04 +0000 http://rockrivertimes.com/?p=39059#comment-6027 When will all the negative library bashing stop? I have to agree with Jen; attendance has increased this year. Please check the statistics for facts before misleading the public with false information. The Sullivan Theater is more than a gift to the library; it's a gift to the Rockford community. Dance companies, theater groups, poets, musicians, and other cultural arts groups will have a place to showcase their talents. I'm hoping it will also be a place to go for independent film showings. I certainly hope the library will be supported by all those who see the gift as a place for all of us. When will all the negative library bashing stop? I have to agree with Jen; attendance has increased this year. Please check the statistics for facts before misleading the public with false information. The Sullivan Theater is more than a gift to the library; it’s a gift to the Rockford community. Dance companies, theater groups, poets, musicians, and other cultural arts groups will have a place to showcase their talents. I’m hoping it will also be a place to go for independent film showings. I certainly hope the library will be supported by all those who see the gift as a place for all of us.

]]> By: Jen http://rockrivertimes.com/2012/07/25/guest-column-thoughts-on-the-library%e2%80%99s-proposed-acquisition-of-the-sullivan-center/comment-page-1/#comment-6025 Jen Wed, 25 Jul 2012 22:14:25 +0000 http://rockrivertimes.com/?p=39059#comment-6025 I would like to correct one piece of glaring misinformation in Ms. Leon's article. Her statement that "attendance is down for all library programs" is incorrect. We record this information monthly. Attendance has been up every month this year, 27% in June I believe. Please stop spreading false and misleading information. If you are such a lover of the library why are you constantly misleading the public and trying to undermine library activities? I would like to correct one piece of glaring misinformation in Ms. Leon’s article. Her statement that “attendance is down for all library programs” is incorrect. We record this information monthly. Attendance has been up every month this year, 27% in June I believe. Please stop spreading false and misleading information. If you are such a lover of the library why are you constantly misleading the public and trying to undermine library activities?

]]> By: Susan http://rockrivertimes.com/2012/07/25/guest-column-thoughts-on-the-library%e2%80%99s-proposed-acquisition-of-the-sullivan-center/comment-page-1/#comment-6014 Susan Wed, 25 Jul 2012 12:18:45 +0000 http://rockrivertimes.com/?p=39059#comment-6014 Excellent points in the article. Excellent points in the article.

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