Friends of the Chappaqua Library survey results are in!

May 14, 2010

334 Patrons responded to the Friends of the Chappaqua Library survey this spring.  Below are the results:

Please indicate what you use the library for: (Check all that apply)

Adult books 273
Children’s Books 142
DVD’s 120
Music CD’s 112
Audio Books 102
Internet access 97
Magazines 93
Reserve new material 93
Adult Programs 85
Public restrooms 84
Quiet study 78
Children’s Programs 77
Newspapers 68
Teen Books 57
Wireless access 46
Online databases 40
Meeting rooms 31
Teen Programs 24
Computer Instruction 17
Other 16
Learning Center material 15
Practice English class 1

 

Comments:

  * Adult discussion
  * Parking difficult after 3 pm
  * Parking lot – more space
  * Coffee machine
  * AARP tax help
  * Sit in the courtyard and view current art exhibit
  * Museum passes
  * To read and relax
  * Social
  * Travel books
  * Film programs
  * Bridge
  * Donating books
  * Tax help
  * More adult programs, books and DVDs please
  * I really like the way the children’s librarians knew about books & could make excellent suggestions based on your child’s interests
  * I think we have a fantastic library and library staff
  * I would like to see more use of the theater space for performances by local or regional theater and/or music groups, solo performances, cabaret shows, literary readings, etc.  There is so much talent around, even an open mike (sic) night with a coffee house type atmosphere
  * Financial resources, S&P, Value Line
  * Attends lectures and special concerts
  * Research
  * Children’s computer games.  Also use child size restroom.  Not many around
  * Art gallery; outdoor garden; quiet thinking and reading
  * CCW Board meetings
  * Financial resources, Valueline, etc.
  * Public Programs Gardening
  * Hang out
  * Interlibrary loan
  * Book sale
  * We’ve outgrown children’s – but used all a lot!

 

Rank which library resources you would like to see improved:

DVD’s 75
Adult Books 48
Adult Programs 31
Music CD’s 29
Audio Books 28
Children’s Programs 27
Children’s Books 16
Computer Instruction 15
Teen Programs 15
Online Databases 15
Magazines 13
Newspapers 7
Learning Center Material 1

 

Comments:

  * More British DVDs
  * More space for children activities
  * Kids movies are all scratched
  * More copies of new releases of DVDs, languages, more lectures
  * Adult workshops
  * More resource books and audiobooks (the good ones are often taken)
  * Parking
  * More small meeting rooms
  * No improvements needed
  * Excellent selection on hand
  * Making the quiet area really quiet and having a separate cell phone area
  * I think the new children’s librarians are not up to speed yet with different children’s books and I am not able to get very good suggestions.  Sometimes they don’t know what books we are talking about.
  * Adult recommended reading lists/staff picks/contemporary fiction picks
  * Would love to see a film series screenings at the library, for example a series of films in a genre/movement, featuring a particular director, films on a common theme, etc. led by an interested members of the community with discussion
  * Love it all – would like to see programs on landscapes and sustainability
  * Programs on grant writing/research
  * Teaching Company DVDs and CDs
  * Parking
  * Excellent selection in my opinion, I am happy as it is
  * It takes too long for new CD releases to be available at the library.  Should be within 1-2 weeks of release
  * Daily News should be added
  * More books geared toward teen boys - not science fiction or fantasy
  * Consumer reports – online database
  * MORE DVDs
  * More humerous (sic) foreign DVD’s please
  * You need more current DVD’s
  * Need more current movies and to be alphabetized
  * More audiobooks
  * All is very good of the resources I need/use
  * Sign up for children’s computer!  Many people do not sign on each computer
  * More current art books, sewing craft & gardening books
  * Would love to see more programs for pre-K kids on weekends for working parents: crafts, arts, stories, early reading skills, etc.
  * Perhaps more large print books.
  * Old reading lamps on desk were great for studying, only one works now.
  * They all seem to be quite adequate in my view
  * I don’t know how you can improve this, but the library’s open architecture allows a lot of noise from children.  Adults also talk a lot.  Are there areas where it’s OK by policy to talk in a normal voice at length within the confines of the main reading room and the stacks? If there are, I disagree with the policy. 
  * Children’s Dept. – already great but needs more space
  * More learning DVDs.  More fantastic kid’s programs
  * Great teen stuff already but more
  * I often have trouble with the printer
  * Place to do homework, wait for my parents to pick me up
  * Love those large print books. Would like to see more in childrens/teens!
  * DVDs – more international selection
  * Improve non-fiction
  * Things are already good but can be even better
  * Some DVDs too old to play
  * More computers
  * More downloadable books, more school/library cooperation
  * Online Business Databases
  * Furniture needs Upgrade!  We love the library
  * More space for the Children’s department
  * It’s awesome
  * Please get newer books for teens
  * More Teaching Company courses
  * An easier way to select - not so low on the shelves – maybe a list
  * I’ve yet to find anything lacking although scratched/unusable CD’s could be removed/replaced
  * More awareness and draw for high school boys
  * I’ve listened to so many of your audio books that I’m hoping you increase the supply!
  * Weekend hours for scrabble, etc.  Generally good selection, etc.
  * No improvements needed.
  * Actually think it’s pretty good now!  Oh, returns could be improved.
  * Need more copies of new, hot DVDs, more copies of bestsellers, more copies of DVDs on Express – so there are more new ones in the library without having to place holds.  Possibly shorter loan period for Express DVDs so the turnaround is faster.

 

Which of the Friends funded programs do you attend?

Menus in the Movies 26
Open Book Discussion 20
Book Lovers 16
Literature Workshop 13
Informal Writing Workshop 8

 

Comments:

  *  All sounds great - when are they given - please advertise more.
  * I went to one memoir class
  * BOOK SALE
  * Programs like John Sturgis’s program - not sure which box to check
  * Book sale
  * Lectures and concerts
  * Book sale

 

Would you be willing to make a monetary donation to fund service and/or physical improvements to the library?  Please indicate your most likely donation below:

Greater than $10,000 0
Greater than $5,000 0
Greater than $1,000 0
$251 to $1,000 6
$76 to $250 39
Up to $75 130
Other 31
Will not donate 61

 

Comments:

  * Wish I could
  * Can’t afford to donate but love the library
  * Donation will depend on what it is
  * Not sure
  * Yes, but don’t want to commit right now
  * Not sure what to donate - it will depend when donation is requested and what is available at that time.
  * Would depend on the project
  * Ossining is my library
  * Job hunting - sorry
  * At another time
  * Cannot donate
  * Donate to Pleasantville – more local
  * (yes) “Over due fines!!”
  * NO – Pay $100s in taxes every year
  * When I’m working again
  * I wish, but not much $ in my piggy right now
  * Have mother and husband laid off so funds are limited at the moment.
  * Other than tax support! Or in addition
  * Not sure, would depend on project

 

General Comments:

  * Not sure how it could be improved.
  * I love our library and use it frequently.
  * I love how easy it is to put books on hold.
  * The staff is always helpful and friendly
  * The library is doing an excellent job
  * Need to improve the books on hold (recorded message) and accuracy
  * I think the staff is great - always helpful and supportive
  * The DVD’s are often so scratched up that they are not watchable
  * Everything is great
  * No complaints though it would be nice if children’s DVD’s were checked when returned.  They’re often too scratched up to be used.
  * All seem fine
  * I love the library
  * I am from Armonk - we EMULATE you
  * For me the library is the best part of Chappaqua!  Muti(sp??) and friendly service
  * I’m happy with the library as is
  * Love the library
  * Have never had a problem.
  * Always had a wonderful experience.  Been using the library for over 25 years.
  * If thinks stayed the same I would be ok - great job keep it up
  * Very nice library
  * I feel that all the services and staff in the Westchester area are wonderful and [can’t read] people
  * For my purposes all current services are fine
  * The library is pretty resource and I rarely use the one where I live - it’s too hectic
  * People that work there could be friendlier
  * Our family loves our library
  * I love everything about our library including the helpful and courteous staff and the fact that the library has longer hours than most other libraries
  * Drop off box in the Millwood side of town
  * Z is great but needs more help/$
  * I think you do an excellent job
  * Like this library. Recently moved here
  * Library does a great job
  * I would like to take advantage of the computer training
  * We enjoy the children’s programs during school recess & summer
  * Excellent service is appreciated
  * All the things I use work well
  * All great
  * Having WLS available is fantastic
  * Use library all the time – no complains – particularly like the on-line reserves & requests for books from other Westchester libraries.  Thanks.
  * Everything is excellent
  * As my children have grown I tend to use the programming of library less, but think you do a terrific job.  Thank you.
  * Our library is in excellent condition
  * You do a great job
  * I think they are all excellent
  * You’re doing a great job!