I am so sorry for anyone who has to interact with the Troy Police Department. Was calling the…read morenon-emergency line today to alert them that a car was stuck in the middle of the road with a bunch of young children in it. I was transferred four times and put on hold multiple times. The car was stuck just beyond a hill and many cars did not see it before they just got up to it and had to swerve on the grass. The woman I talked to was horribly rude and when I asked if I could final talk to someone who would listen, because this was kind of serious and many people were in danger, she snarkily said "ARE YOU OKAY!!??" in the rudest sarcastic voice. I believe if your job is to protect and serve and you are on the phone with someone who is simply trying to help out, you should at least be calm and KIND.

I have a horror story with the Troy Alabama Post Office. Tried mailing cards to my daughter using…read morean express mail envelope. It was filled out correctly but the clerk was all bent out of shape that I was paying more for using the express envelope rather than the flat rate one. She said it was $28 for the flat rate envelop and $37 for the Express one. I said I did not care how much it was but she kept going on about it so I went and got the flat rate envelope and an address slip, sat down and filled it out and got back in line. While in line there was a tape dispenser on the table and I used it to seal the envelope since they frequently tear open before reaching destination. This time the lady said in a loud rude voice that I used the wring tape (express instead of priority) and the address slip was also had the same issue. I told her that was the only tape available and there were non priority address slips available either but she would not listen. She could have easily covered the tape with the correct tape and. marked thru "express" on the slip but I guess their minds don't think that way. Instead I am told I would have to do it again. I looked at the line and decided I had enough. There is a UPS store across the street so I left the Post Office and went there. Walking in the UPS Store I felt like the entire atmosphere changed. Instead of a long line of frustrated customers being service by two slow moving grumpy postal workers I was greeted by an empty line and three smiling professional workers ready to help me. I explained what I just went thru and the were attentive and not once did they interrupt me or speak in a rode and condescending way. I wound up with a cost of $40.02 and the clerk dug two pennies out of a drawer, making it an even $40. Its scheduled to be delivered in 3 days and I have much more confidence it will be delivered and on time than I would have with the post office. That makes the additional $12 worth every penny! In fact I will never use the post office again.

Library cards are way too expensive, wouldn't take my apt. lease as a valid address even though it…read moreis proof I live here. I was reading a book and an old lady came up and said I had to check it out to keep reading. I was very disappointed, libraries are supposed to be a warm welcoming environment and this one just isn't. 1/5 stars, not spending the $$ to get a card, would rather buy.

Returned today. Pros: Young lady (believe her name was Mickalea, or something similar) was very…read morefriendly and courteous. Did not see the old grouch this trip (thank goodness!). Con: the Friends of The Library was closed as usual, though their sign on the door said open (as usual). A couple of women came in after I arrived, and were a bit perturbed when they too saw that the Friends shop was closed again, and also left empty handed and unhappy. C'mon folks, if you cannot staff it due to lack of volunteers for it, then either advertise in The Troy Messenger for volunteers; add a paid staff member to work there on certain days; or just permanently close the shop.