Community Survey

Washington County has launched a major redesign project for its busiest library, R.H. Stafford Library in Woodbury, and we want your input!

A key goal of the redesign is to create flexible, inclusive spaces that welcome all community members. Designs will prioritize sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and accessibility. You can read more about project goals on our website.

Please take a moment to share how R.H. Stafford Library has impacted your life and how it can better serve your needs in the future. Your input will help shape the future of the library building and grounds. Thank you for participating.

1.Which Washington County Library branch do you use most often? Select all that apply.

Hardwood Creek Library (Forest Lake)

Lake Elmo Library

Park Grove Library (Cottage Grove – currently under construction)

R.H. Stafford Library (Woodbury)

Valley Library (Lakeland)

Wildwood Library (Mahtomedi)

Law Library (Stillwater – Washington County Government Center)

Hugo Library Lockers (Hugo City Hall)

Marine Library Lockers (Marine on St. Croix)

Newport Library Lockers (Newport City Hall)

Other (please specify)

2.How often do you visit R. H. Stafford Library? Select all that apply.

I do not visit the library

I use the library’s digital offerings

A few times a year

A few times a month

Weekly

More than once a week

3.What are the main activities/services that bring you and members of your household to the library? Select all that apply.

Check out materials (books, CDs, DVDs, magazines etc.)

Pick up reserved materials (books, CDs, DVDs, magazines etc.)

Drive-up book return

Find a place to work, study, research, meet, or read

Use the library's WIFI

Use the library’s equipment (e.g., computer, printer, copier)

Attend library programs (storytime, Let’s Make Stuff, book clubs, other classes or events)

Attend a meeting hosted by another group (non-library events)

Socialize with others (co-working, gaming, hanging out)

Play in the children’s area

Drop in while visiting Woodbury Central Park, Lookout Ridge, or other partners in the building.

Other (please specify)

4.What barriers prevent you from visiting the library, or fully participating in all it offers? Select the top 3.

I do not currently experience any barriers

I already have access to books, technology, and resources

I am not aware of what the library can offer me

I do not have enough time to visit the library

I have limited transportation options

Limited parking at the library is a deterrent

Hours of operation are inconvenient

The day/time of events don’t work with my schedule

I don’t feel safe or comfortable using the library (if yes, please tell us more below)

I don’t feel like I belong at the library (if yes, please tell us more below)

The building isn’t accessible to me or members of my household

I cannot understand signs or other information in the library

I have a hard time communicating with library staff members

Other (please specify)

5.What programs or services would bring you to the library? Select your top 3:

Materials / collections

Small flexible meeting rooms (2-4 people)

Large flexible meeting rooms (5-10 people)

Study rooms

Media production spaces (podcast booths, video studios, audio studios)

Co-working spaces / small business center

Creative Lab – access to 3D printers, sewing machines, creative software, photography equipment.

Dedicated teen space

Sensory spaces

Art / exhibit gallery

More spaces for quiet focus

Private space for video conferencing - Zoom and Teams calls

Children's Storytime / Play & Learn Area

Spaces to socialize with other members of the community

Dedicated book club meeting area

Expanded Children’s storytime / play and learn area

Other (please specify)

6.What elements would help make the library’s interior spaces more inviting to you? Select your top 3:

Sensory space

Access to views and daylight

Prayer room, a space for contemplation, meditation, or worship

Nothing, I find the library sufficient as-is

More space to get around (wider aisles, etc)

Better access to the restrooms

Better lighting

Wellness room, a space for mental restoration or physical health needs

Care and feeding room, a space designed for accommodating parents with children, caregivers, or individuals with disabilities

More quiet spaces, more acoustic separation

Other (write-in)

7.What elements would help make the library’s exterior spaces more inviting to you? Select your top 3:

More convenient walk-up book drops

More convenient drive-up book drop-off

Dedicated library entrance

Covered waiting area

Better directional signage

Better exterior lighting

Improved bicycle parking

Outdoor spaces for individual use

Outdoor spaces for small group use

Outdoor spaces for children’s programs

Community garden

More shade

Nothing, I find the library sufficient as-is

Other (please specify)

8.What library resources would you like to access when the library is closed?

Holds

Library materials and collections

Internet computers

Printers, copiers, or other technology

Meeting rooms

Study tables or quiet work areas

Children's books and toys

Areas to meet and socialize

Other (please specify)