Phoenicia Library Survey 2015 Information
Now that the library has a beautiful new building on Main Street, we want to figure out how best
to use it. We are doing a town wide survey and we need your help.
Across the country, libraries roles are changing and expanding. Libraries are increasingly
offering a whole host of programs for all ages, moving into a more central role as community
gathering place.
Phoenicia Library’s planning for the future boils down to one thing: what people want. This
past July, the library held small focus groups made up of community members to ask about the
strengths and the weaknesses of the library.
Now, we want everyone’s opinion. These are the kinds of questions you will find on the survey:
What do you like at the library ?
What is missing at the library ?
How do you use the library ?
Who can take the survey ? Full time residents, part time residents, library users or not. Please
take the survey only once, but have everyone in your house take it, including school-aged
children. See below for how to get extra copies or how to take the survey online. Our goal is to
have everyone in town give input into what they want Phoenicia Library to be.
I don’t use the library, should I take your survey ? If you don't use the library much or at all,
we especially want to hear from you.
How do I get a survey ? We are mailing to all the residents of Shandaken. There is an
unstamped return envelope. Paper copies are available at the library. An online survey is
available at WEB address. In addition, Phoenicia Library volunteers will attend meetings and
public events to hand out surveys.
How long will it take to fill out the survey ? 3 minutes and 5 seconds
Incentives ? To make this fun, we're adding some prizes. The first 25 people who complete a
survey and bring it to the library will get a limited edition "Wild About Reading" Phoenicia
Library mug. One week we'll run a "Cookie for your Thoughts" and give out home-made
cookies. If you take the survey online, we'll take your word for it. Come in and get your prize.
Saturday, October 10 @ 10am – 12pm Meet Felicia the Bear who will be handing out surveys
and balloons at the library.
When is it due? November 1st.
Is the survey anonymous ? Yes, the survey is entirely anonymous.
What will happen with the results of the survey ? We’ll take results and write it into a plan
for the future, to set goals and priorities for the next five years. If, based on the survey, people
want us to change, re-prioritize, we will do it. The results of the survey will be put online.
Libraries are central to a town -- they energize it, offer free educational and fun
programs, increase property values, inspire people to move here, generate a sense of
community. A library is our shared resource, whether we personally use it or never set
foot inside.
Please play a part in the future of the Phoenicia Library
Thank you for your help !
The Phoenicia Library Staff and Board