Bellingham Public Library is conducting a user survey throughout the month of February to find out which library collections and services are most important to Bellingham residents.
The survey is available online through February 28, 2009 via the library website.
Paper versions of the survey may be completed at any Bellingham Public Library location, including the Central Library, Barkley Branch, Fairhaven Branch and Whatcom Community College Connection.
Citywide budget issues have already resulted in a 20% spending freeze to the library's 2009 materials budget, and further reductions may become necessary. Library administrators want to know which services are essential to the public, and which could be reduced.
"With fewer dollars to purchase new materials, we want to make sure we’re buying the things people really want," explained Beth Farley, head of the library's Information & Reader’s Services.
Also on the table: operating hours and programming. Survey questions ask if there are hours that people could live without – weekday mornings, for example, or Sundays.
Initial response to the survey has been tremendous, with nearly 1,000 surveys distributed in the first few days. One library user was overheard commenting, "I am so glad you asked."
Results from the survey will be posted on the library website after February 28, as soon as they have all been tallied.
Posted: Feb 13, 2009
