From the Suggestion Box: Computer Use with Children

“My opinion is if like an adult is using a computer and they have just one card and the child wants to go downstairs they can still use the computer. That’s my opinion.”

I’m a little unclear on the situation, but I think the issue is the child being allowed to use a computer at the same time as an adult caregiver when they have only one library card between them. There are several factors at play here. The most important is the age of the child.

If the child is under 8 years old, the caregiver needs to be with the child at all times. While the Library is generally perceived as a safe place, it is still a public building where caregivers are expected to monitor the children in their care. In this case, the adult cannot be on a computer on the upper level while the child goes to the lower level. However, any adult accompanied by a child is welcome to use the computers on the lower level.

If the child is under 11 years old, the caregiver must be with the child in order for the child to use a computer. Again, this can be best accommodated at the computers on the lower level.

For access to a second computer, ask a staff member for a guest pass to sign in.

From the Suggestion Box: Headphones

The suggestion box submission: “Headphones should be cheaper $1.75”

The Library sells headphones as a convenience to our computer users. You are welcome to bring your own. The headphones are purchased in bulk for the best possible price and sold at cost, rounded for convenience in making change. The current charge is $2.00 because the Library pays $1.96 each for the headphones.

Building & Expansion Planning Web Page

The newest addition to the Plainfield Library's web site is up! Take a look at the Building & Expansion Planning page on the Library's web site. On the Library's home page, you'll find it at the top of the Quick Links box on the left side of the screen. This will be your one-stop source for expansion planning information throughout the process. As documents and information becomes available, it will be posted there. Sign up for a special email newsletter exclusively on expansion planning. Take a survey and provide your feedback.

There isn't much posted yet, as the process is just beginning!

Original Library Room is a Misnomer

The “Original Library Room” isn’t an entirely accurate name for the southwest section of the current building, which was once the entire Library.

The first library building for the Village of Plainfield was actually a 750 square foot frame structure near the corner of Lockport Street and Illinois Street, where the Heritage Professional Center (formerly First Midwest Bank) now stands. That Library opened its doors in 1926.

What is now referred to as the “Original Library” was built in 1941 with the remaining funds from the two bequests that established a tax-supported Library for the Village of Plainfield.

The Plainfield Township Library also operated a library facility prior to merging with the Village Library to form the current library district. That 900 square foot facility opened in 1981, located in Grande Prairie Elementary School.

The current building expanded the 1941 facility from 2,700 square feet on two levels to 27,160 square feet on three levels. The expansion project began in 1990 and opened to the public in 1991. Staff began referring to the older section of the building as the “original library” and the name stuck.