Resident urges Farmers Branch library to fix "terrible" periodical collection, questions book-ordering process

Pat Anderson, a Farmers Branch resident, told the library board during public comment that "the periodical collection is terrible" and that efforts to request magazines and books have not resulted in acquisitions.

Anderson said she has lived in Farmers Branch since 1962 and described multiple unsuccessful attempts to get magazines and books ordered, saying staff told her some titles were "not being published anymore" or were "too expensive." She added that since January she has tried to order "about 10 or 12 books," and that three of the books she requested are still on hold and that popular titles have long waiting lists.

The library acknowledged the concern but did not engage in a back-and-forth during public comment. A board member reminded speakers that public comment is limited to three minutes and that staff are "legally not allowed to respond" during the public-comment period. Board members said they would "look into" the matter for future meetings and encouraged Anderson to follow up.

Anderson also said she had contacted the mayor, who, she said, suggested patrons use retailers if library purchasing was restricted. Anderson urged the board to address collection funding in upcoming budget discussions so popular materials can be acquired more quickly.

The board did not take formal action on the request during the meeting. The director later described the library'9s reconsideration and procurement procedure (discussed in a separate agenda item) and said staff would review reconsideration requests and notify the board of decisions.