Adult focus group summary and possible actions

• How do the participants see us currently?
• Most viewed the library as a destination, that is they go out to go to the library rather than a library visit being a stop on the way somewhere else
• Participants view the library as an important source of community information and as a place to connect to other community members and share information and ideas
• The variety of uses discussed reflects the perception that the library offers a wide range of programs and services
• Participants noted that they value the following items
• The large number of hours the library is open, particularly nights and weekends (There was a variety of opinion about what times of day are most convenient for participants to attend library programs and events).
• The broad range of services
• The library as a center for children
• The informational flyers and handouts ≥around the library≤
• Low interest in ebooks and the concept of ≥virtual library.≤ Most participants emphasized the value of the library and its collections as a physical space and entities

• Issues and concerns
• How will library stay ahead of the curve in the future?
• Need for a new library facility to meet growth demands in the community
• Diversity of population
• Increase of elderly population and their needs
• Library should focus on what it does well, and not try to compete with Starbucks and Blockbuster
• Importance of the library collection representing all viewpoints and part of the community

• Where do opportunities lie for the Library to meet patron needs?
• What might we do in the short term?
• Change the telephone message for reserves Add the ability to make materials suggestions on the Web site
• Offer the ≥Whatπs New in Your Library?≤ online newsletter in a more graphically appealing format (perhaps send it out as a .pdf file?)
• Develop browsable lists of audiovisual materials in the online catalog
• Improve the publication of the Bookmobile schedule in the library and online
• Update materials in the nonfiction collection
• Look at the computer class schedule at Williamsburg Library and consider more classes there
• Increase promotion of library resources and services
• What changes might we consider over the next few years?
• Since the library is viewed as a center for community information, we have an opportunity to reinforce and expand that role by working in partnership with other organizations in the community to develop a community information database
• Developing a library presence at the Rec Centers ≠ this could include bookdrops, deposit collections, book lockers, information kiosks, etc. Staffed versus non-staffed?
• Improving teen areas at both libraries
• What are some long term possibilities?
• In planning for a third building include space for teens
• In planning a third building consider a cafÈ
• Foreign language collections
• Additional quiet space is unlikely at either library as they currently exist. We may be able to address this need in a third building.