Find Us on Facebook Instead!

The library has decided to shift our future social media efforts to our most-used platform--Facebook.  We will no longer update the Library Connections Blog.  From now on, please visit https://www.facebook.com/sunprairiepubliclibraryas/  for updates on library activities and events and responses from Director, Svetha Hetzler, to your comments and questions.  Thank you to everyone that has followed our blog.  We look forward to your comments on our facebook page.

Answers to Your Comments
from, Svetha Hetzler, Library Director

July 15, 2016

The new shelving arrangement makes it difficult for me to reach my holds. What was wrong with the previous arrangement?

Thank you for your comment and question.  With our growing community and increased library use, we have had to add more shelving to accommodate our collection and patron holds.  Because of this, everything has shifted.  If you find it difficult to find or reach for items, please ask staff at the service desk for assistance.  We are here to help and love to assist our patrons!

I’d like faster wifi and touch screen computers.

The Sun Prairie Public Library gets internet service through the South Central Library System. It is typically quite reliable but there may be times when you may notice the system is slow.  Please let someone at our service desk know and we may be able to help reset and speed things up.  If the problem is system-wide, we’ll also be able to at least make a note of it so it can be remedied.

We are on five-year technology replacement plan as part of our budget process.  Touch screen computers are on the plan so stay tuned!

Please put a trash can or basket near the door of the ladies bathroom.

Thanks for your suggestion.  The hallway outside of the restroom is a high traffic area with patrons coming in and out of the library and the community room so we try and keep the area as clear as possible.  If you notice that the trash can in the restroom is getting full, feel free to let staff know so we can get it emptied and keep things tidy.

I love the programs, but I think you should do more teen programs.

I’m so glad to hear you love our programs!  More programs require more staff time and more materials which would put us over budget.  An increase in our budget would require City Council approval but we can certainly share your request with our Mayor and Alders.

Answers to Your Comments
from, Svetha Hetzler, Library Director

June 3, 2016

I noticed a copy of the Plan of Service 2015 - 2018 and picked that up recently.  Since the Mission is to "… serve the community as an activity center …", I really would hope that being open seven days a week year round would become part of the plan.  For some, Sunday may be the only day they can get to the library - due to work demands.  For others, it may be a time the family can make a trip to the library, together.  And for others, the ability to access a computer may be their lifeline - for a job search, to stay connected, whatever.

I really believe the time has come.  I LOVE the Sun Prairie Public Library (as do many others) and it would be great to have it available year round.  [I'm not advocating giving up standard holidays or anything, just mainly having the library open on Sundays throughout the year.]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your comments our Plan of Service and how to better serve our residents.  I agree with you.  The library serves the entire community as an activity center and a place for life-long learning.  It is also apparent that schedules and access among our residents varies greatly.

The library will be working on a strategic plan which will coincide with the city's financial management plan.  An increase in hours of operation is certainly something we will be considering.  Increasing service and service hours has a financial impact as more hours of business requires an increase in utilities, maintenance, and most importantly, staffing.  Most likely sometime in the late fall and early next year, the Strategic Planning Committee will be looking for input from residents through surveys, focus groups, and other formal and informal means.  Please look for the opportunity to participate – community input will be essential to our future plans!

Again, thank you for your support and interest.

Answers to Your Comments

Answers to Your Comments
from, Svetha Hetzler, Library Director

May 3, 2016

If possible, I think the receipts with due dates given at check-out should be optional. I always toss them out and it seems like a waste of paper.

Thank you for your suggestion.  This is something staff would also like to consider.  We currently have two self-check-out stations that need to be upgraded to be in compliance with newer hardware and software systems.  Once these are in place, we may be able to move forward with the optional receipt print out.

My idea was granted some time ago.  I’m still grateful for the 2^nd copy of the WI State Journal in the reading room.

I’m glad we were able to make a positive difference and enhance your library experience!  It’s great to see so many residents use our resources and space – thank you for your support!

Having use of the conference room is great.  In Room 1, the two Georgia O’Keefe prints are nice.  They might stand out more effectively with some complimentary color schemes around them.

I’m glad to know that you appreciate the various spaces in the library that all our residents are able to use.  The library is always looking at ways to update our space with more welcoming furnishings and aesthetics.  The discussion rooms are on the list of spaces to update and we will take note your great suggestions.

Love “the Buzz” – so interesting to read books by authors other than my “norm”.

We love connecting readers with books and I’m so glad that you have found that the library is a place to discover new authors and genres!  Feel free to share your favorites with us!

"Musical Imagery" Art Display and Concert

A special art exhibit of works created by Creekside School second graders, Vera Court Neighborhood Center students and Colonial Club art students in conjunction with the Sun Prairie Community Band concert “Musical Imagery” on Sunday, May 1 in the Community Room is on display throughout the library. Creekside School students were inspired by the music of An American in Paris by George Gershwin to create abstract drawings with black oil pastels.  Vera Court Neighborhood Center students listened to When the Spring Rain Begins to Fall by Randal D. Standridge, Agua’s Whelm by Cory McBride, Thunder & Lightning Polka by Johann Strauss, and Panormic by George Sweet.  Colonial Club students used a variety of techniques to create artwork inspired by the above musical pieces and La Fiesta Mexicana by Owen Reed.

Sun Prairie Community Band spring concert “Musical Imagery”

2 p.m. Sunday, May 1 in the Community Room

Sherry Jenkel, Conductor

Free Admission

Answers to Your Comments and Suggestions

From Svetha Hetzler, Library Director

March 2016

This library is loaded with creative ideas and great selection of books.  I came here to visit because it was rumored it was “interesting”.  I’m very impressed with everything!

Wow!  That is great to hear and I’m so glad the library has exceeded your expectations.  As the Library Director, I have observed and witnessed the exemplary work of the library staff which makes our library such a fantastic resource.  Their dedication, knowledge, and skill makes me very proud to be part of the organization!

Please put a table by the copier near the Renk Room.  That would be very helpful.

Thank you for your suggestion.  That’s a great idea and we will take a look at the space and see what we can fit.