Delaware County District Library

The layout seems nice and while it doesn’t look brand new, it doesn’t look rundown either. The issue I have comes with the patrons of the library and how the staff doesn’t do anything to help those that come to the library to read or study enjoy their time.
Almost half of the patrons are on their cell phones having loud, personal conversations that distract everyone who isn’t on their cell phone. Librarians and other staff members are constantly walking around but do nothing to quiet the obnoxious people who ruin it for everyone else. It’s a shame.

Cool that they have free wifi so that you can bring your laptop and work however long you need to.
The thing I don’t like is how everyone here appears to hate their job. Also over the intercom today they announced that the library was closing in 15 min and as soon as I heard that, I began packing up my things. While I was doing so two of the library employees kind of just stood there whispering to each other while looking at me. As I was walking out there were still many people sitting at tables and computers not getting ready to leave. I kept quiet and to myself so I don’t know what their problem was. Probably the fact that they’re young and don’t want to be working on a Friday even though the library closes at 6pm…

This library is downtown, but off the main drag. Parking is right in front and on the street. Every employee I have asked questions or needed to find something in particular have been great.
The selection of books and magazines is vast and a lot better than my previous library.
On Saturday’s there aren’t a lot of kids so no problem as stated in the previous review.

The main library is good during the time when the kids are in school. However, once school is out, the place turns in to a «community center» rather then a quiet library. Most of the kids show up, run around, yell, use profane language, etc. It is typically always the same kids and the library management will not do anything about it nor will they let the contract armed security officer do much about it either. They kick them out but it takes alot to get management to enact a ban, rather then just kick the trouble teens/​kids out. If you want to study or read (you know, actually use the library as a library) and you must use any branch of the Delaware County District Library, you will just have to make the drive to the Orange Branch near Lewis Center. Thats terrible for the patrons who are not able to go that far that they have to deal with the kids instead of have peace and quiet.
The library since reorganized things, and it looks much better now and things seem easier to find. New carpet or flooring would have been nice. The bathrooms are kinda disgusting. The local history room could use more history on the walls rather then the tons of paintings and better chairs in the local history room, study rooms, and tables.
The parking lot is REALLY tight and space is limited. Sure, there is on-​street parking or parking at the Justice Center across the street (after their hours) but the current parking lot is terrible. During events around town, inconsiderate people use the library to park and dont even use it. The library should tow these folks as the signs state. Then the people that live in or visit the apartments at 65 E William St use the rear parking a lot because they lack parking as do employees who work at Sarah Moore Home behind the library. There are 59 parking spaces, including 3 handicapped spaces on the property but its tight.
They finally stopped putting failing coffee shops in the front of the main library and turned it in to a vending area with seating. That was a good move. Now, if they would only fix the door to access it which sticks (yes, they were advised many times on this issue).
Some of the patrons like hoard the newspapers when they go. Instead of taking one or two at a time, they take several then if they return them to the rack, they return them out of order and a mess. Same goes for magazines. They take several. Then they dont put them back and shelvers cant keep up with this with their other duties.
I am also bothered by the lack of an AED. The library management says their policy is to call 9−1−1. The armed security officer is trained in CPR/​AED/​First Aid. So management would rather waste critical moments and time because they feel an AED is unnecessary.
Lastly, I am kind of bothered about the lack of accountability with taxpayer bought items (books, DVD’s, etc). You are only charged fines for overdue DVD’s at $ 2.00/day and as long as you have a balance of less then $ 10.00 you owe, you can continue to check out DVD’s. Many times, they seem to waive the fines. Where I grew up, you paid your fines or you didnt check anything else out. This included fines on books and all other material. The Delaware County District Library needs to add fines to all material to pay for it if its damaged or lost (or to help pay for new, better stuff) and actually collect on it.