Main Library FAQ

900 Library Plaza

• New main library is 367,000 square feet.
• How many computers are available to the public? 71 workstations are available to the general public; CHI has 28 for children 5th grade (12 years old & younger); YA has 16 for kids in grades 6-12; GEN has 39 for people researching their family history.
• Most E Resources databases may be accessed from outside the library by patrons (requires their library card number) except for
  • Ancestry.com
  • Heritage Quest
  • New England Ancestors
  • Morningstar Library Edition
  • D&B Million Dollar Business Database
  • RDS Business Reference Suite
  • World Geography

• Business, Science & Technology department displays a collection called "Public Notices" which also includes Air Permits. If these materials are brought to General Reference desk, please direct the courier to BST reference desk.

• People interested in looking at the theater because they are considering scheduling an event need to contact Josette Jordan--she will set up an appointment with them. Except for scheduled performances, the theater is not accessible to the general public.

*Library Plaza Meeting Rooms A, B & C Equipment (as of 8/31/07)

• Screen (approx. 6 x 8’)

• LCD Projector, ceiling-mounted

• Podium

• Microphones (1-podium mic; 1-lavalier, and 1-wireless)

• VCR

• DVD Player

• Each security desk has a wheelchair available for public use. These wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis--they cannot be reserved.

• When the drive-up drop box gets jammed, its computer gets an error message that must be cleared. Patrons attempting to return at the drive-up drop hear the message "Please wait, the book return will open in a moment"--and it never opens. Checkin/STO staff can clear the error and get it running again. The checkin extensions you need to call to report this problem are 2350 or 2351. You can also use WiFi extensions 3271 (Keri), 3272 (Lori) and 3273 (Jane).  Occasionally people jam too many items in at once and they need to be physically removed from the top of the drop. 

• The underground parking garage clearance is 8'6".

• The nearest pay phones are in the parking lot of the BP station at Fairfield and Jefferson, and the parking lot of the Salvation Army store on Fairfield between Washington and Jefferson. There is also one at Cindy's Diner at the corner of Wayne and Harrison. The nearest indoor pay phones seem to be at the Hilton Hotel. None in the new Grand Wayne addition - you have to go all the way to hotel registration desk near Calhoun St.

Questions and Answers

Q. Where are the free (weekly) magazines that used to be in the first floor lobby?

A. Free copies of Senior Life, Ink, and WhatzUp, are in the Great Hall.

Q. Where can I get keys for my office or furniture?

A. John Hidy has the keys. To contact him call his cell (call the operator for the number).

Q. How do we book study and meeting rooms?

A. Josette Jordan ext. 1274 is handling the scheduling of the meeting rooms. Each department will handle the scheduling of their study rooms. 

Q. Where should school buses drop students?

A. The Ewing Street side of the building.

Q. Can people walk around the library with drinks?

A. Patrons can walk around the library with drinks -- they cannot take drinks into Genealogy, computer areas, or the theater.