Of 72 people who responded to a survey this summer, 99 percent gave the Dolores Library an "Excellent" or "Good" rating. A total of 78 percent said the library was "Very Important" to them and their families; 20 percent said the library was "Important" to them and their families.
Residents of the library district were asked to complete and drop off the two-page survey at the library, online or at several locations in town during May and June.
"The library is an essential part of any thriving community," said one survey respondent. "It is as important as the post office, bank or grocery store."
Another respondent said, "We treasure our library - it keeps us connected and provides entertainment, information and services. There is always something good to do at the library."
Residents were asked to rate 10 library services. Survey respondents gave the highest ratings to the library facility; customer service; the inter-library loan program; and the library's online services (such as the website and online catalog). Residents were also asked to rate how important various library services were. The top four were: borrowing books, DVDs and other materials; internet access; the inter-library loan program; and online services.
"The results of this survey will be used by the board and staff as we plan for the library's future," said Rysta Williford, president of the Dolores Library Board. "The Board discussed the survey's results at its August meeting and we were very pleased with the positive responses and the valuable suggestions that library patrons made."
When asked how library services and programs could be improved, a number of residents asked for more classes - computer classes, craft classes, technology classes, social media classes, and yoga/mediation classes. They also asked for movie nights, more programs for adults, acoustic music concerts, and animal and nature programs.
"Patrons will begin to see changes in the library's programming and services over the next year, as we begin to implement some of their suggestions," said Williford. "We appreciate the time that people spent answering the survey's questions and providing us with valuable feedback."