Apache Junction Public Library

This ends up really being a critique of our crumbling society more than a negative review of the library. As other reviewers have noted, it's a loud space. From staff to 'patrons' (I'll get back to that later), to kids who have parents unwilling or unable to keep them in check, the library is a veritable cacophony of noise. Also, as other reviewers have noted, I had positive interactions with staff and others that, unfortunately, reinforced stereotypes of crusty, impatient librarians. The library space is physically impressive. Great work there. I came in to do some recording and needed a private and QUIET space to work. Those spaces are reserved for 'patrons,' I was told. Ok, but there's the letter of the policy and then there's the spirit. There was space, if only temporary, to be had. Particularly frustrating was the fact that sometimes those study/meeting/conference rooms were occupied by sleeping 'patrons.' My brow was knitted as soon as I walked into the library and noticed a the security guard. Hmmm. Then I realized why this was indeed an important presence to have. I visited the library three times, and on each occasion the same half dozen displaced people were there. One guy regularly had his shirt off. It's sad that in our current state too often the only place for itinerant people to be warm, safe, and have computer access is the public library. My complaint is that I had, ya know, actual work to do, but because I'm not an Arizona resident, the process of procuring a quiet working space was more difficult than it should have been. In the end, I was able to sneak into a space with or without permission. To conclude, the AJPL is a lovely facility. Sadly, it is victim to the ills of our country: noise, a certain lack of civility, wound-tight rule followers, and a security guard of all things! The AJPL ends up being a reluctant receptacle for those in need who might be better served by other institutions and assistance. To be fair, I've been in public libraries across the country in my travels, and in terms of what might be termed the decay of 'old-school' decorum, the AJPL is not alone.

This ends up really being a critique of our crumbling society more than a negative review of the library. As other reviewers have noted, it's a loud space. From staff to 'patrons' (I'll get back to that later), to kids who have parents unwilling or unable to keep them in check, the library is a veritable cacophony of noise. Also, as other reviewers have noted, I had positive interactions with staff and others that, unfortunately, reinforced stereotypes of crusty, impatient librarians. The library space is physically impressive. Great work there. I came in to do some recording and needed a private and QUIET space to work. Those spaces are reserved for 'patrons,' I was told. Ok, but there's the letter of the policy and then there's the spirit. There was space, if only temporary, to be had. Particularly frustrating was the fact that sometimes those study/meeting/conference rooms were occupied by sleeping 'patrons.' My brow was knitted as soon as I walked into the library and noticed a the security guard. Hmmm. Then I realized why this was indeed an important presence to have. I visited the library three times, and on each occasion the same half dozen displaced people were there. One guy regularly had his shirt off. It's sad that in our current state too often the only place for itinerant people to be warm, safe, and have computer access is the public library. My complaint is that I had, ya know, actual work to do, but because I'm not an Arizona resident, the process of procuring a quiet working space was more difficult than it should have been. In the end, I was able to sneak into a space with or without permission. To conclude, the AJPL is a lovely facility. Sadly, it is victim to the ills of our country: noise, a certain lack of civility, wound-tight rule followers, and a security guard of all things! The AJPL ends up being a reluctant receptacle for those in need who might be better served by other institutions and assistance. To be fair, I've been in public libraries across the country in my travels, and in terms of what might be termed the decay of 'old-school' decorum, the AJPL is not alone.