Yardley-Makefield Branch, Bucks County Free Library — Attraction in Lower Makefield Township

I have enjoyed this library for the past 2.5 years, particularly because of the small play area for small children. However, the customer service has gotten significantly worse ever since they put in the automated check-out machines. You would think that the customer service would improve because the librarians have more time to work with you, but it doesn't seem to be the case. Today was the second time I've been scolded at this library for "renewing late items". I'm not even sure why the scolding was necessary. Shouldn't they be happy that I let them know that I'd like to continue keeping this book? And if they didn't want people doing that, why don't they just program their machines not to let this happen?

Also, the Bucks County Library system needs to work harder on procurement of their books. My 5 year old lost a book worth $3.99 full retail price (printed on the back cover of the book itself) and so I purchased one to replace it. When I brought it to this branch, the customer service person told me that they can't simply replace the book in the system with the one I had purchased. In fact, she said it would cost $12.99 for them to replace it because that's how much they paid for the original. I'm sorry, but that is almost 4x the price someone can get it off of amazon or B&N. No wonder these county libraries are always trying to raise money. Maybe they should try harder to utilize the funds they already have from our taxpayer dollars.

And when someone comes in to admit they are at fault and already purchased you a replacement, you should take it and...

Can we please enclose children's areas in libraries again? Most of the 5 star reviews here are people who want somewhere for their children to play. These parents are also the ones who use the designated quiet study rooms to noisily eat their lunch and talk on the phone. I gave up after two trips. Do not go here if you want to have a place to concentrate and read or study because the kids area is half the library and there's no enforcement of no-eating and no-noisiness. Libraries are meant to be quiet spaces for study and reading and I don't know when they became one of the many places intended to cater to parents who won't take kids to parks or the many child-centered spaces and restaurants in the area. I love children but please can parents give us book lovers and students back coffee shops and libraries. We no longer have anywhere else to go and we don't all have huge houses with rooms all to ourselves. Or at the very least put the kids area behind a wall with a closed door and...

Stopped here to plug away for some work projects. Due to Kristie DeMallie's interaction with me, I have a terrible experience. I believe this library needs to redefine their values and mission statement on their strategic plan as I did not feel inclusive of this very public library. In fact, I don't think anyone of color is welcomed here with the interaction I faced. I would detail it but I'm afraid corrective measures will not be taken and also I don't want a library, a place where people come to acquire wealth of knowledge should be devalued due to leadership flaws. I will absolutely never be...