Library always quiet
I normally enjoy Rochelle delaCruz’s “Rainy Side View,” but I was disappointed in her characterization of our remarkable Hilo Public Library in the May 4 paper.
I am a devoted library fan and am usually at the library at least once a week, checking out books, doing research or donating some items. I do not recall ever experiencing any of the noise or confusion described in that column.
The services are fast and friendly at all times, and other patrons around have always been remarkably quiet.
Even if there are gatherings in the children’s room or in the space next to the garden, I have never heard intrusive noise at any time, even when some kind of craft project or similar activity is going on.
There is always a guard discreetly posted near the front desk, and the working spaces in various parts of the building do not make any noise that I’ve noted.
I think we should be thankful that we have such resources in our community, with up-to-date computer access and rapid communication for obtaining books from other collections.
I miss the friendly greetings from all of the personnel and hope they will be permitted to return to duty soon, with LOUD APPLAUSE and MAHALOS for their wonderful dedication to the East Hawaii community!
Nan Sumner-Mack
Hilo
No-return policies
We are apparently supporting some local businesses by giving them free use of our money.
How?
One way is to shop at Office Max and attempt to return an item. They have decided not to accept returns until some undetermined time in the future, and if you purchased using a credit card, you are likely paying interest on money they control and will not return to you under the guise of protecting against COVID-19.
Their reasoning?
The item has been out of the store.
Pointing out that all items they sell originally came from out of the store, many probably from China, perhaps even from China’s pandemic center, does not change things. Nor is there a change if you volunteer to sanitize the unopened (in my case) box in their presence.
How long will this go on?
Nebulous response. They say the governor extended activity restrictions for another 30 days, and they will not accept returned goods at least until that time, and perhaps months or years thereafter, depending upon the state of the pandemic.
How will a revocation of current restrictions make returned products safer?
No response from Office Max.
This practice does not seem to be limited to Office Max. A contractor acquaintance tells me he had a similar situation with a retailer from whom he purchases supplies.
I think we should support our businesses, local and national. But I do not understand why we should give them interest-free money while we might be paying for the use of that money. And some of us are certainly inconvenienced by repeated unsuccessful attempts to have that money returned.
Stephen Gross
Hilo
