Background
In 2014, the library set out to create the Long Range Plan that would guide the library through the next decade of library services.  To find out what should be in the plan, we sent out surveys to local businesses, created online forms, and generally asked everywhere we could for input on how our community viewed existing library services and where they thought we should go from here.  

The full survey as it appeared in print as well as the compiled responses can be found in the Long Range Plan in pages 23-28.

The Survey
The Community Survey consisted of 9 questions:

  1. Do you live within the city limits of West Branch
  2. In which county do you live
  3. On average, about how many times do you visit the library in one month
  4. Please check the three times during the week you would be most likely to visit the library, regardless of current operating hours (morning, afternoon, and evening options were offered for each of the 7 days)
  5. Are there any factors that either prevent you from visiting the library as frequently as you would like or make visiting the library uncomfortable for you
  6. Please answer both:
    1. How valuable are the following Library services to you 
    2. What is your opinion on the current status of these service
      The following segments were given:
    • Knowledgable Staff
    • Lending Materials
    • Reference services
    • Internet Service
    • Computer Software Applications
    • Children's Programs
    • Adult Programs
    • Study Space
    • Meeting Space

  • Are there any services or Programs you would like to see offered at the library that are not offered now.  
  • What is your opinion on the current status of the library's facilities
    The following segments were given:
    • Furnishings, paint, carpeting
    • Environmental controls
    • Arrangement of materials
    • Children's Area
    • Computers
    • Landscaping
    • Parking
    • Other


    Results
    The library had 76 residents respond to the community survey.  Many of the responses to the survey reflected on the variety of interests and the inability of the library building to adequately provide for them.  Some people commented on the difference in the interests of the children who visit the library afterschool to use it as a gathering space in contrast to those who wish to use the library to read quietly.  Some people commented that more space is needed to house expanding program attendance and others wanted more meeting spaces.  Others still wanted more space to allow for more books.

    Libraries, in practice, endeavor to be all of these things - gathering space, meeting rooms, programming rooms, quiet reading areas, and bookshelves.  So the library looked to plan for these interests by creating the Long Range Plan later that year.