Sunday 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Monday – Thursday 7:45 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Friday 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday 1 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Term Break and Summer Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday Closed

Regular Reference Assistance Hours:

Monday – Friday Daytime 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sunday-Thursday Evening 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Library Hours
Sun CLOSED
Mon 10 am — 8 pm
Tues 10 am — 8 pm
Wed 10 am — 6 pm
Thurs 10 am — 8pm
Fri 10 am — 6 pm
Sat CLOSED

I know of NO public library with the hours you state.

As far as change of address is conserned all public libraries require proof of current address as a minimal level of accountability. We have a legal obligation to make sure that what we loan does indeed get back in the library for others to use.

Edward M. Szynaka
Director
Peoria Public Library

I went to the PPL two times. That was it. I will NOT go back. The staff was very un-friendly, and due to the lack of cash flow, they only have a limited number of computers available.

That sucks for people actually doing real work, and have to get kicked off for some punk kid who is going to MySpace his girlfriend and giggle like a school girl for hours. I don’t have anything against MySpace or sites like that, I just think that it is a library, and they should have more resources than the PPL does. The woman working was extremely rude because I live in Peoria, but have not changed my ID over to my new address. I could not rent any books, nor use the computer til I got a new one. When I got one, I came back and was very rudely attacked by the lady working the desk. I asked a simple question, and was given a very rude answer by what seemed like a disgruntled employee.

My advice…Boycott the PPL, and get your own computer. Do the research at home, go to the Eureka Public Library, at least there, the people are nice and ask no questions.

D.S.

Sorry,

Ed Szynaka

The issue of the number of people voting is interesting because if the vote had been below 50% then I think we could all agree that the idea of a tax for updating our facilities would be mute. I might add that the at large candidates who ran in the same election were seated with the same turn out.

It is true that weekends in the summer are very slow. But being on the job one year we are looking at alternate days during the week to be closed so that weekends would be open. I am interested in suggestions. FYI the slowest day is Thursdays during part of the year and Mondays at other times.

As far as Library costs are concerned the Library Board has determined NOT to request an increase in our operating rate but rather seek economies in opreation. The staffing of the Main Library is a difficult issue because of the way it is constructed. The building program envisions a reworking of the interior of the Main Library to permit a smaller staffing situation without compromising service.

As far as other priorites for Peoria I agree that a case can be made for everything. Clearly public safety is a major issue. Adding a policeman on every corner 24/7 would certianly reduce crime. However fighting crime with just policemen is not the only part of the solution. Citizens with jobs, homes, and an ability to prosper is also part of the solution. The Library is one of thoes institutions that provided a means for individuals to better themselves. On April 17, 2007 and in the weeks before that date a solid debate was held on that issue and part of what the citizens I think said was that a mix of solutions is needed. Our Public Library has been morbundum for many years. Other communites have used Libraries to revitalize and give hope where not existed. That is not liberal bleeding heart stuff. When I attended the end of the Summer Reading program event at the Peoria Zoon last month I was astounded at the thousands of people in attendance of all ages, races and economic status. Things really change in small simple ways with consistancy and fairness. The Public Library stands for that principal.

It is very interesting that the most complaints I have ever recieved in my 30 year career have always called for something we are not doing–not a complaint about what we were doing. We worked very hard following the correct path to the April election. We engaged the community. Nothing was done in the shadows or without a active public effort. What are we now suppose to do with the results of that election. Start over again. I am not sure thoes who voted would agree with that. In fact not a day goes by where I do not get a call asking when we are going to start the construciton projects.

I happen to like Bloggers. And I think it would be good to have a convention of bloggers to address issues of interest to the community. Perhaps the Library would be a good partner to make that happen. I am willing to take the first step by inviting all peoria bloggers to such a meeting at the Main Library at a time suitable to all.

I only ask that we keep our discussion based on facts and not personalities. My biggest problem with bloggers is the sometimes savage swipe with poor language and ignoring facts. The Public Library is dedicated to helping our citizens find the truth based on information not emotions or private agendas.

Long post. Sorry.

Edward M. Szynaka
Director
Peoria Public Library

“Now getting the City Council to support what the citizens voiced is becoming a very difficult task. Why is no one questioning that issue.”

In my humble opinion, I think that is an easy question to answer. In all due respect, Mr. Szynaka, if I’m a city council person or anyone else responsible to raise property taxes to partly assist paying for 35M worth of new or renovated libraries, I have to really dig deep within myself for answers. Do we ask our citizen to pony up that type of money so some people (although all could if they had the want or need) may benefit or if we institute those types of tax hikes, should we be putting that type of money into like extra police, fire, crumbling sidewalks and other essential services. I’m not saying it is a want over a need, but would the residents of Peoria rather have nice new shiny libraries or feel safe getting there? Barely 10,000 people saying “yes” is not a resounding “heck, yeah” of what ALL the citizens of Peoria want. If the question on the ballot was: “What should Peoria do with $35 Million Dollars”, would I, as a city council person think “build and refurbish libraries” would have been the top vote getter? I doubt it. So, why, if I’m a council person, am I (if I were a councilperson, I’m not speaking for them) hestitant to say “Go For It”? Because spending that type of money on libraries while people have a real fear of being shot while walk down their street makes me question whether or not my vote to say “yes” is REALLY in the best interest of the community. Educating our children is essential, but getting rid of the idiots shooting at us and supplying drugs to our children is critical.

I am sorry that you do not have Library service in West Peoria. That is one of the few areas where Library service is not provided by you local government.

With regard to the fee you pay to use the Peoria Public Library that is established by State Law and we are bound to charge the fee.

And yes I read the blogs as frequently as I can. I try to answer factual questions but not emotional brick bats.

I like the name Grandma’s Attic.

Edward M. Szynaka
Director
Peoria Public Library

I now live in SC and belong to a subscription library. It is antiquated and runs on volunteers and love. I think it’s wonderful. (It’s closed on Sundays, but again, this is the South.)

I am going to ask friends / family back home to call their council member to pursue the issue the director mentioned.

m.