Survey Seeks Comments From Library Nonusers

By Nancy K. Crevier

The C.H. Booth Library is looking for opinions about the library from an unlikely source: the people who do not use it.

As part of a study for long-range planning at the library, made possible through a $9,000 grant awarded in 2006 by the Connecticut State Library, consultants Kevin McCarthy, director of Perrot Library in Old Greenwich and Christine Bradley, Connecticut Library Consortium executive director, have created a survey for local residents. To date, more than 300 surveys have been returned, a return rate that Mr McCarthy said at a meeting January 9 is very good.

“The survey gives a quick snapshot of how residents feel about the library,” said Mr McCarthy, and he was especially pleased to receive responses from a large percentage of newer Newtown residents. “The survey has told us that [Newtown library users] come because they love to read. It gives an indication of satisfaction with the library today and how it could change,” he said.

Peter Marshall, a library trustee and member of the Long-Range Planning Committee, pointed out, though, that right now the survey is, “Preaching to the choir. Most of the responses have come from people who come into the library, who are using it.” What is needed, he said, is input from those people who do not use the library on a regular basis, or perhaps not at all.

Mr McCarthy agreed that it is critical to hear from nonusers in order to formulate a plan that will suit the needs of all of Newtown’s residents now and into the future.

“Libraries are changing,” said Mr Marshall. “Info technology is changing. It may well be that we have things here that people are not aware of. For instance, we have a great reference library and librarian. We would like to hear from people who don’t like the library, and why.”

The long-range planning began last April with a meeting of 14 residents selected randomly through input from the C.H. Booth Board of Directors. At that meeting, Mr McCarthy and Ms Bradley gathered input focused on community vision and needs and identifying opportunities that could move the town forward or that could block progress. A later meeting expanded upon those ideas and how they affect the library, as well as how the library will be utilized five, ten, or more years from now. A focus group made up of working parents, older adults, and teenagers met with the consultants this fall, said Mr McCarthy.

“What we are hearing is that the library is viewed as a place for all age groups, a gathering place with no expectations, no costs attached,” said Mr McCarthy, “and where else is available for ages from infancy and beyond?”

But because the long-range planning committee wants to consider what is important to all of the people who live in the community, it is important that the survey reach beyond the doors of the library or the library web page, where the survey has been made available. “We want to know how can the library meet the needs of all of the residents,” stressed Mr McCarthy. “The opinions of those people who don’t come into the library really count. We are looking for new suggestions and input as to what would interest [nonusers] in using the library.”

The seven-question survey, which is totally anonymous, can be picked up at the main desk of the C.H. Booth Library; or call the library at 426-3141 to request that one be mailed. It is asked that the surveys be filled out and returned before February 1.

“We welcome additional comments, as well,” added Mr McCarthy.