What you have told us
Here you can search through numerous patron comments and the corresponding AADL replies. Search by the type of comment, in general by what the comment is regarding, or by a particular issue.
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Filter Patron Comments
Type: branch expansion comments
Regarding: - NONE SELECTED -
Patron Comment: How do I request books for the library pick-up option?
AADL Reply: Hello, If you currently have items that you have had waiting for you since we closed in March, we will contact you when your items are ready for pickup and give you the choice of location for pickup and times/dates. You may also place a hold now on any item in the catalog, but it will be awhile before those holds can be filled. We need to get through the backlog first. Thanks for asking, and if this does not answer your question, just let me know. Sincerely, Josie
Date Received: 2020-07-03
Type: other
Regarding: - NONE SELECTED -
Patron Comment: Dear Librarian, I wish to inform you that I have returned all books checked out in my name. I returned them yesterday (Jul 2, 2020) in the drop-box on the side wall of the main entrance. I enjoyed being part of your library culture. I came to Ann Arbor from India in January 2020 on an academic assignment at the University of Michigan and now I will be going back to my country next week. I thank you for maintaining the library so well. I enjoyed being part of cultural programmes during the black history month. I also read many books of your library to understand the American history/society better. Due to the lockdown there was no more opportunity to use it anymore, but I have no regrets. Thank you and warm wishes, Mandira S
AADL Reply: Thank you very much, and we will miss you! We wish you safe travels. Sincerely, Josie
Date Received: 2020-07-02
Type: programs and events
Regarding: - NONE SELECTED -
Patron Comment: Was today's 1619 Zoom meeting/talk recorded? Is it viewable? Thanks Sophie
AADL Reply: Thanks for your interest in AADL events and the recent discussion of the 1619 Project, one of our events in our Black Lives Matter discussion series. This series seeks to encourage and support community members in their exploration of and engagement with works that provide insight on anti-Black racism. To help facilitate more comfortable conversations, these community zoom discussions are not being filmed. We are holding discussions on multiple evenings, however, and will have another discussion of the 1619 Project on Tuesday, July 7 at 6:00 pm. Information about that upcoming discussion may be found here: https://aadl.org/node/571730. Here, also, is a link to the 1619 Project: https://aadl.org/sites/default/files/2020-02/full_issue_of_the_1619_project.pdf Thanks for your interest and I hope that you will be able to attend the upcoming session. Tim Grimes Events Manager Ann Arbor District Library 343 South Fifth Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48104 grimest@aadl.org
Date Received: 2020-06-26
Type: complaint
Regarding: - NONE SELECTED -
Patron Comment: I'm disturbed that you've launched a "Black Lives Matter" initiative at the AADL. I have no problem with a program that explores racism or police brutality, but by tying it specifically to "Black Lives Matter", you've associated yourself with an organization with deep Marxist roots and a desire to dismantle the nuclear family. I'm not happy that my tax dollars are going to fund such an undertaking.
AADL Reply: Thank you for taking the time to let us know how you feel about the Library's decision to use its resources to speak out against racism in support of Black Lives Matter. I am sorry that you are not pleased with this decision. Sincerely, Josie Parker Director
Date Received: 2020-06-25
Type: complaint
Regarding: - NONE SELECTED -
Patron Comment: Many people consider the book you are promoting in promoting the ideas of Black Lives Matter "White Fragility" to be Racist, that is anti-White Racist. I do not think Racism of any kind should be promoted and endorsed by the Public Library in any way as something to believe and live. However since I believe in Free Speech and understanding Racism in its many forms, I say a lot of people should critically read this book to see the social poison it contains.
AADL Reply: Thank you for sharing your point of view. Josie
Date Received: 2020-06-25
Type: branch expansion comments
Regarding: - NONE SELECTED -
Patron Comment: I recently returned a bunch of Blu-Ray video. However, the Gold Rush is not checked back in. It's the Criterion 1942 release w/ sound. I see one on the Downtown Shelves. Please double-check to see if it's the same one I checked out. Thanks. L
AADL Reply: Hi L, Sorry to be a bit slow on the return. We are holding items 72 hours before checking them in. If this Blu Ray is still showing up on your card after 3 days, let us know. Hopefully, it is resolved for you by now. Josie
Date Received: 2020-06-25
Type: programs and events
Regarding: - NONE SELECTED -
Patron Comment: I would like to thank the AADL for hosting the Black Lives Matter book discussion series, and particularly Sherlonya for being willing to take on the emotional labor of moderating the White Fragility discussion. I appreciated hearing participants' individual perspectives and am glad that the Library is inviting and actively encouraging the community to explore antiracism. Thank you for providing this space.
AADL Reply: Thank you so much for your message. We are so happy that you value the Black Lives Matter book discussion series. I will be sure to share your comments with Sherlonya. Again, thank you and we hope that you are able attend more sessions in the series. Tim Grimes Events Manager Ann Arbor District Library 343 South Fifth Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48104 grimest@aadl.org
Date Received: 2020-06-23
Type: complaint
Regarding: - NONE SELECTED -
Patron Comment: I must protest in the most vigorous terms that the Public Library is publicly supporting the radical viewpoint that America and Americans are systematically (systemicly) Racist. That is patently false and the charge is a partisan political matter which the Library has no business taking. Sincerely a long time patron of the Ann Arbor Public Library
AADL Reply: Your protest has been received and the Library Board is aware of your position. Sincerely, Josie Parker
Date Received: 2020-06-18
Type: complaint
Regarding: - NONE SELECTED -
Patron Comment: ALL LIVES MATTER.!!! All jobs are essential.
AADL Reply: Dear B, Thanks so much for sharing your views. We appreciate hearing from you. Sincerely, Josie
Date Received: 2020-06-17
Type: compliment
Regarding: - NONE SELECTED -
Patron Comment: Please let Lucy know that the fizzy sidewalk chalk craft was deemed "the best craft ever!" by my 5 year old grandson when we did it today. Thanks for all the work all the staff has been doing to keep us sane while the library's been closed.
AADL Reply: Thanks so very much for your comment. We will pass this comment on to the staff member in charge of the event and, again, are so very pleased that you enjoyed it. Tim Grimes Events Manager Ann Arbor District Library 343 South Fifth Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48104 734-327-4265 grimest@aadl.org