Community responds to library survey

MILLBROOK — Millbrook Library’s new director, Courtney Tsahalis, asked residents and library patrons to answer some questions via a recent survey, to discover what services people wanted, thought they needed, or thought their local library should provide. Tsahalis then tabulated and shared the results, which she said were very interesting. 

“People are happy we’re open [having been shut down for COVID-19] and a majority of people would like us to keep providing the current level of service,” she said.   

Many libraries are the hub of their communities, and having been recently closed for a period of time made patrons aware of just how important they are. Tsahalis went on to report that people complained that they are tired of online meetings, spending too much time in front of the computer screen.

“We are brainstorming new, creative programs to engage our community both online and offline, in ways that keep everyone safe and healthy,” she said. “We are also looking at new ways to assist our schools and homeschooled children as the next school year begins.”

Some of the highlights of the survey included that 27% of the respondents have used curbside pickup services. Also, 17.8% of the respondents found out the library reopened on July 6 through email; 16.7% had learned it reopened through social media; the remainder learned through word of mouth;  but 19% of patrons did not know it had reopened.

Those surveyed said they would like the following future online services: ancestry research, resume tutorials, consumer reports, new book lists, and systematic and frequent orientation to online services.

Some of the programs respondents said they are most interested in the library offering include: 46%, gardening; 43%, cooking; 36%, book discussions; 32%, educational programs; 29%, art programs; 19%, finances; and 11%, trivia. Other suggestions included arts and crafts, local history, computer skills and social justice discussions. People like programs held on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 41% said they preferred evening programs while 34% said afternoons are OK and 16% said morning sessions are preferable.

Patrons said that 60% of their children would be most interested in science and arts and crafts; 53% would like games; 35% prefer story time; and 32% would like exercise programs. Most agree Saturday evenings work best for children.

When asked about online programs, some responded that  they like online speakers but find they are not interactive enough, that work interferes or that they don’t want to spend that much time on a computer.

Respondents also said they want the library to be open for browsing, and they would like tutorials and demonstrations on how to access and use current programs. They also appreciate help with technology.

Tsahalis said she received many positive comments from patrons, such from those who are “grateful for our library and our wonderful staff,” and who feel, “the staff has done a wonderful job under difficult circumstances.”

For more information, go to www.millbrooklibraryny.org or call 845-677-3611.