I really can't call Pocatello, Idaho a major urban library. Yes, it's one of the largest public libraries in Idaho, but then the whole STATE has a population of only about 1.4 million.

I learned the other day (and of COURSE dropped the information on the director of the U. library) that when the probation office deals with a juvenile sex offender who must use a library the person is sent to the University Library "because there would be fewer children there." They are not permitted to go to the public library.

According to the Idaho State Police website for such things there are about 20 convicted sex offenders (of all sorts) living within a few blocks of the public library here. These people are felons who served their time, and yes, some of them do have library cards.

Being a major urban area for Idaho, sitting on a major railroad link, and being at the intersection of two very busy Interstate highways, we can't avoid "transients." As I mentioned earlier, we have procedures to deal with them. And as Director I will see that they are used -- neither the staff nor the public should be hassled, harassed, or forced to deal with "problem patrons."