[Publib] use of library phone by public

[Lise Chlebanowski]

Isa,

We have struggled with this situation ourselves and faced the same dilemma. We recently moved to a new building and decided that in the new building we would prohibit the use of staff phones by patrons. There is no pay phone in the library but within walking distance. We are in a very poor neighborhood, but in the end felt that it was up to families to make arrangements ahead of time. After almost six months of no free public phone, we have not seen an increase in kids left without rides, etc. It really hasn't made a negative impact.  


Lisë Chlebanowski
Library Manager
Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library
495 E. Western Ave.
Avondale, AZ   85323
623-333-2611 D
623-333-0260 F
lchlebanowski at avondale.org
 
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-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Isa Small
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 12:08 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] use of library phone by public

I am an assistant at a public library in Wisconsin. I would like to know how other libraries handle patron requests to use the phone.  Although we have a pay-phone available in the library, many patrons do not have money to use the phone.  Many times the requests come from children and teenagers wanting to get a ride or let a parent know where they are, but sometimes it seems as though it is a purely social call.  Lately, this has become an issue.  Some nights there are a dozen requests.  Also, the conversations are at times  loud and confrontational.  Is it unreasonable to charge a fee of 10 cents or so to encourage the young patrons to make arrangements prior to coming to the library? Or, should we continue to acquiesce all requests to use to use the phone on the grounds that it may be the only way for the patron to contact a safe ride home? 

Isa Small



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