Most libraries, including ours, try to be efficient in performing various services. When you have questions, we try to get you answers as quickly as we can. When you borrow items, we try to check them out to you as soon as possible so you don't have to wait. And when you return items, we try to check them back in quickly so they're off your account.
Please bear in mind, however, that putting items into a return dropbox does not mean they are checked in. For items to be checked in, they need to be collected from the dropbox by a library staff member, brought to the desk, and scanned into our computer system.
When items are placed in the dropbox at the desk, they are checked in almost immediately because we are working at the desk and scan them as they come in. The dropbox outside and the one by the children's room, though, get emptied once a day, after enough items accumulate.
So often we see library patrons return a bunch of books to the children's dropbox across the way from us, then come straight to the desk to ask if all the items they just returned have been checked in. Unfortunately, as much as we may wish, we cannot instantly check in items that are in a dropbox across the room. We also cannot check in items that are in a dropbox outside.
If you would like to have your books immediately checked in and off your account, we'd be more than happy to do so. Just bring your library items up to the desk. Don't be scared--we library staff members aren't scary and we don't bite...honest! We'll scan your returns right in front of you.
Should you prefer to use the dropboxes other than the one at the desk, then please give us time to collect and check in those items. We will definitely get to them, and we thank you for your patience.
Yours truly patiently waiting for patrons at the perch.
