As part of our welcoming effort, our director wants to set up cozy conversation corners where patrons can relax and kick off their shoes and chat with each other about favorite books and authors. We already have a coffee station in the large lobby. Should we add vending machines containing desserts and snacks? What about a soft drink machine? Heck, what if we added a bar???? Forget the books and magazines!

Some individuals, of course, are not comfortable asking for help; they're afraid to appear stupid. Therefore, librarians probably need to exercise judgment and acute powers of observation. If a patron appears to be confused or lost and is wandering about aimlessly (not purposefully browsing), that's the time to volunteer help.

As for being followed around, I have questioned library staff members and friends who frequent libraries. No one wants help unless he asks for it. If a library employee approaches him, it should be brief and only once.

So what constitutes a welcoming library? Perhaps its mere existence is sufficient?

In Bellaire City Library, the librarians do tell children who are running not to, and have sent children outside for misbehaving. They also tell people on cell phones to go outside.

What makes a friendly library? Lots and lots (and lots!) of books. Mostly old books that cannot be found in bookstores. Or brand-new books that I haven't decided about spending the money on yet. Magazines (Newsweek, Archaeology, that type). And some chairs. A good reference librarian, one who knows where to look things up, sitting under a great big sign: Reference. (Don't follow me around; if I can't find it, I'll ask. I have helped other patrons who have been trying to find something out, usually by pointing out the reference librarian, but in her absence, finding the right reference myself.)

Noise? Yes, there's a lot of it. An earlier director who helped design our "new" building (now 15 years old) insisted the Circulation desk (now the "Public Service Desk") be near the front door and separate from the main part of the library. Back then we didn't realize how forethinking she was. The louder patrons, children running around while their parents check out material, and the preteens jumping up and down inside the moving elevator can't be heard by patrons browsing in the library proper.

I agree with Mudge. I want capable and perceptive service people available when needed, not roving marketers. Vending machines? Only if you have a large and well-financed institution that can afford an eating and social area that is a great distance from the library proper. That’s going to take some maintenance. Food and books don’t mix in the first place, and too many people are pigs anywhere with food and drink. No eats, sody pop, or gerbil bottles should be allowed even near the library. Noisy, dirty vending machines, messy tables, sticky floors, garbage containers, and rowdy kids make a bad scene. You can bet it will get that way. While good fresh coffee is great, the odor of stale coffee around such places is terrible. (The smell of a clean library full of books is something special.) Depending on where you’re located, such an area in a public building may be a bum attractant.

I agree with Pogo. If your director wants to “market” the library, how about promoting it as being “retro,” featuring decorum, respect, peace, and QUIET? See that it builds a fine collection of worthwhile and useful books and microfilm, along with files of historical photographs and other documents. Lean heavily toward documentary and classic video; let them get Charles Bronson at the rental store. Try to get and maintain the best film readers and printers possible. Listen to and remember what serious patrons keep looking for. Keep the main areas artfully and neatly decorated, leaving the tackboards and scotch-taped posters for the childrens’ rooms or meeting rooms elsewhere. Make it a respectful and proud place, where young folks might learn to be respectful and proud.