My Letter to the Troy Public Library

Troy Public Library Director (real name redacted) –

I was recently reading in the Troy Times that you were soliciting public feedback about the library’s goals.

Hello.  Here I am with lots of opinions and ideas.

First, please allow me to introduce myself.  I’m Lisa of Troy.  Last year, I read 200 books, have 4 library cards, and am the #4 US book reviewer on GoodReads.

It seems to me that the library is extremely focused on foot traffic.  However, I use the library resources electronically much more frequently.  Last year, I checked out more than 100 items through Libby, a phone app.  On Libby, I have three library cards: the Brooklyn Public Library, Broward County Library, and the Midwest Collaborative Library Services (through Troy Public Library). 

The best access by far is definitely through Brooklyn.  Sadly, Brooklyn will be phasing out their non-resident program by the end of this year.

The wait times on Libby are ridiculous especially for in-demand books.  For example, I wanted to secure an audiobook copy of Spare, the latest book by Prince Harry.  In Brooklyn, the wait time is 14 weeks.  In Midwest (aka Troy), several months!  

Earlier this week, I was at the Troy Public Library to pick up my hold for Notes for a Small Island when a sign caught my eye, HITS, high interest titles where participants can’t place any holds, have one week to read the book with no renewals, and $1/day in late fees.

I really question the value of this program.  As mentioned earlier, these books have extremely long wait times electronically but they are collecting dust on the shelves?  How many people can read The Last Chairlift, a 900+ page book, in one week?

Who is going to drive to the library every day to see if these titles are available?

Also, is the big sign about the $1/day fines creating a welcoming environment  when so many libraries are waiving fines completely?

Alright, so I just complained and have no solutions.  I do have some solutions, but I am getting there.

If you decide to keep the HITS program, might I suggest that your staff put a short daily video on Instagram and Twitter with what is on the shelves so people know what is available?  

Can we please make electronic borrowing part of the library metric?  What can the Troy Public Library do to be more competitive with Brooklyn Public Library?

I have also seen other libraries print on their receipts, “Using the library in 2023 has saved you $326.”  This makes people feel like they received an incredible value.  Perhaps the TPL can consider the same?

Additionally, I strongly encourage the TPL to have a better way of handling book donations.  Given the large volume of books that I read, I like to donate most of them.  Wouldn’t it be nice to shorten the ridiculous wait times for high interest titles?  For example, I would be more than happy to donate The Dictionary of Lost Words and Daisy Darker to the TPL.  However, the process for donating is that I give them to The Friends of the Library, and then the Friends sell my books and give TPL the proceeds.  It makes absolutely no sense to donate a high-interest title to the library just for it to be sold for $2 and repurchased for $30.  Can someone please review the books being donated?

Now, there is an incredible library not far from us that I think should be the Troy Public Library’s benchmark.
  
The Baldwin Public Library (located in Birmingham, Michigan) is the best library that I have ever been to (and I have been to the New York Public Library and The Boston Public Library).  Why doesn’t the Troy Public Library partner with the Baldwin Public Library?

The Baldwin Public Library is a magical blend of old school architecture with modern touches and loads of natural light.  I can read all day beside the fireplace.  It also has an Idea Lab which includes 3D printing!

Troy High Schools consistently rank quite highly in robotics.  As soon as some of the robotic parents discovered Baldwin’s 3D printer, they started planning to meet there.

Why doesn’t Troy have its own 3D printer?  Shouldn’t the library evolve to meet the changing needs of the community?

Furthermore, the Baldwin Public Library has an amazing children’s section.  In addition to loads of books, there is an interactive digital play table where the kids use teamwork to play games.  They also have a puppet area including a stage.  Come in on the weekends, and it is packed!  Now, take the Troy Public Library.  There used to be a train set, but it was “retired.”  

I would suggest having all of your staff visit Baldwin Public Library to see what a library can really be for the community.  Personally, I am going to attend their Library Board Meetings because I want to learn all I can about this highly successful library.  

Yes, it will take loads of money to renovate our library, but when did readers stop reaching for the stars?  And you won’t be alone.  I have more than 7,500 followers on GoodReads, and I would be more than happy to help out with fundraising efforts, giving a speech, or auctioning off a lunch or personalized book recommendations.  

Please let me know how I can help the readers of the future.  If you have any additional questions or follow up comments, I would be more than happy to discuss.

Best bookish wishes,

Lisa of Troy
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/124132123-lisa-of-troy