Thomaston Public Library - Community Survey

It's our time to listen - and we want to hear your thoughts! Whether or not you currently use the Library, when we know about you and your interests, we can plan community programs and services for you.

The library is an integral part of the community, and we grow and change in response to its needs, so there are questions not only about the library but also about Thomaston and your life. Please use this survey to let us know what you think of the Thomaston Public Library today and what you would like it to become in the future. The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. All responses are kept confidential.

Question Title

* 1. In your opinion, how important is the Thomaston Public Library to...?

	Very Important	Somewhat Important	Not Very Important	Not Important At All
You and your family	You and your family Very Important	You and your family Somewhat Important	You and your family Not Very Important	You and your family Not Important At All
The community	The community Very Important	The community Somewhat Important	The community Not Very Important	The community Not Important At All

Question Title

* 2. Which services provided by the library are in your opinion the most important to serving the needs of the community as a whole? Please rank in order of importance (1 being most important, 6 being least)

Offering a community gathering place

Promoting an early love of reading

Providing access to recreational and informational materials (e.g. print and digital books, magazines, and databases)

Hosting events and programs

Providing access to technology for people who might not otherwise have access

Providing health and wellbeing resources such as yoga classes, nutrition classes or classes to promote mental health

Question Title

* 3. How much do you think Thomaston Public Library contributes to the following?

	A lot	Some	Not too much
Developing an early love of reading	Developing an early love of reading A lot	Developing an early love of reading Some	Developing an early love of reading Not too much
Promoting a sense of community	Promoting a sense of community A lot	Promoting a sense of community Some	Promoting a sense of community Not too much
Creating educational opportunity for people of all ages	Creating educational opportunity for people of all ages A lot	Creating educational opportunity for people of all ages Some	Creating educational opportunity for people of all ages Not too much
Providing a trusted, reliable place for people to learn about new technologies	Providing a trusted, reliable place for people to learn about new technologies A lot	Providing a trusted, reliable place for people to learn about new technologies Some	Providing a trusted, reliable place for people to learn about new technologies Not too much
Serving as a gathering place for addressing issues in town	Serving as a gathering place for addressing issues in town A lot	Serving as a gathering place for addressing issues in town Some	Serving as a gathering place for addressing issues in town Not too much
Providing a comfortable, welcoming place for people to spend time	Providing a comfortable, welcoming place for people to spend time A lot	Providing a comfortable, welcoming place for people to spend time Some	Providing a comfortable, welcoming place for people to spend time Not too much
Helping people find jobs or pursue job training	Helping people find jobs or pursue job training A lot	Helping people find jobs or pursue job training Some	Helping people find jobs or pursue job training Not too much
Helping people to find reliable, trustworthy information	Helping people to find reliable, trustworthy information A lot	Helping people to find reliable, trustworthy information Some	Helping people to find reliable, trustworthy information Not too much
Providing access to books, materials, and reading suggestions	Providing access to books, materials, and reading suggestions A lot	Providing access to books, materials, and reading suggestions Some	Providing access to books, materials, and reading suggestions Not too much
Offering cultural, educational, and/or craft programs	Offering cultural, educational, and/or craft programs A lot	Offering cultural, educational, and/or craft programs Some	Offering cultural, educational, and/or craft programs Not too much
Offering programs that foster a sense of health and wellbeing	Offering programs that foster a sense of health and wellbeing A lot	Offering programs that foster a sense of health and wellbeing Some	Offering programs that foster a sense of health and wellbeing Not too much

Question Title

* 4. How much do you think Thomaston Public Library contributes to how you handle the following things in your own life?

	A lot	Some	Not too much
Finding information that is trustworthy and reliable	Finding information that is trustworthy and reliable A lot	Finding information that is trustworthy and reliable Some	Finding information that is trustworthy and reliable Not too much
Coping with a busy world	Coping with a busy world A lot	Coping with a busy world Some	Coping with a busy world Not too much
Growing as a person	Growing as a person A lot	Growing as a person Some	Growing as a person Not too much
Learning new things	Learning new things A lot	Learning new things Some	Learning new things Not too much
Obtaining information that helps you with decisions you have to make	Obtaining information that helps you with decisions you have to make A lot	Obtaining information that helps you with decisions you have to make Some	Obtaining information that helps you with decisions you have to make Not too much
Socializing/meeting new people	Socializing/meeting new people A lot	Socializing/meeting new people Some	Socializing/meeting new people Not too much
Learning about other events happening in your community	Learning about other events happening in your community A lot	Learning about other events happening in your community Some	Learning about other events happening in your community Not too much

Question Title

* 5. Do you currently have a Thomaston Public Library card, have you had one in the past, or have you never had one?

I currently have a Thomaston Public Library card

I used to have a Thomaston Public Library card

I live in Thomaston, but I've never had a Thomaston Public Library card

I have a library card from a different town, but I use the Thomaston Public Library

Question Title

* 6. How have you used the Thomaston Public Library in the past 12 months? Please check all that apply

Visited the library in person

Downloaded or streamed digital materials (e.g. eBooks, audiobooks, music, movies)

Used as a meeting space (non-library hosted meeting/program)

Called the library for reference assistance

Attended a program

Borrowed print books or other library materials

Question Title

* 7. In the last 12 months, how many times did you go into the Thomaston Public Library?

At least once a week

Several times a month

At least once a month

Less than once a month

I only use the library's website

I only download digital materials

I have not used the library at all

I only use other libraries (list if applicable)

Question Title

* 8. Which of the changes below would encourage you to visit the library more often? Please choose all that apply.

More convenient library operating hours

Programs that are relevant to my (or my children's) life

Availability of transportation

Better availability of library materials

Feeling more welcome

No changes needed

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 9. How important are the following to you in your personal use of the library?

	Very Important	Somewhat Important	Not Important At All	N/A
Staff availability to assist in person or on the phone	Staff availability to assist in person or on the phone Very Important	Staff availability to assist in person or on the phone Somewhat Important	Staff availability to assist in person or on the phone Not Important At All	Staff availability to assist in person or on the phone N/A
Physical collections/materials (Books, movies, music, magazines, newspapers, etc.)	Physical collections/materials (Books, movies, music, magazines, newspapers, etc.) Very Important	Physical collections/materials (Books, movies, music, magazines, newspapers, etc.) Somewhat Important	Physical collections/materials (Books, movies, music, magazines, newspapers, etc.) Not Important At All	Physical collections/materials (Books, movies, music, magazines, newspapers, etc.) N/A
Friendly, knowledgeable staff	Friendly, knowledgeable staff Very Important	Friendly, knowledgeable staff Somewhat Important	Friendly, knowledgeable staff Not Important At All	Friendly, knowledgeable staff N/A
Programs and classes for all ages including informational, educational, recreational, and cultural events	Programs and classes for all ages including informational, educational, recreational, and cultural events Very Important	Programs and classes for all ages including informational, educational, recreational, and cultural events Somewhat Important	Programs and classes for all ages including informational, educational, recreational, and cultural events Not Important At All	Programs and classes for all ages including informational, educational, recreational, and cultural events N/A
Library technology & equipment - computers, wifi, hotspots, copier, fax or scanner	Library technology & equipment - computers, wifi, hotspots, copier, fax or scanner Very Important	Library technology & equipment - computers, wifi, hotspots, copier, fax or scanner Somewhat Important	Library technology & equipment - computers, wifi, hotspots, copier, fax or scanner Not Important At All	Library technology & equipment - computers, wifi, hotspots, copier, fax or scanner N/A
Availability of materials to download to digital devices (eBooks, audiobooks, movies)	Availability of materials to download to digital devices (eBooks, audiobooks, movies) Very Important	Availability of materials to download to digital devices (eBooks, audiobooks, movies) Somewhat Important	Availability of materials to download to digital devices (eBooks, audiobooks, movies) Not Important At All	Availability of materials to download to digital devices (eBooks, audiobooks, movies) N/A
Socialization/meeting people/playing opportunities for you and/or your child(ren)	Socialization/meeting people/playing opportunities for you and/or your child(ren) Very Important	Socialization/meeting people/playing opportunities for you and/or your child(ren) Somewhat Important	Socialization/meeting people/playing opportunities for you and/or your child(ren) Not Important At All	Socialization/meeting people/playing opportunities for you and/or your child(ren) N/A
Spaces that allow for quiet study	Spaces that allow for quiet study Very Important	Spaces that allow for quiet study Somewhat Important	Spaces that allow for quiet study Not Important At All	Spaces that allow for quiet study N/A
Comfortable spots for you to sit and spend time with friends	Comfortable spots for you to sit and spend time with friends Very Important	Comfortable spots for you to sit and spend time with friends Somewhat Important	Comfortable spots for you to sit and spend time with friends Not Important At All	Comfortable spots for you to sit and spend time with friends N/A
Meeting room availability	Meeting room availability Very Important	Meeting room availability Somewhat Important	Meeting room availability Not Important At All	Meeting room availability N/A

Question Title

* 10. Overall, how satisfied are you with the following at the library?

	Very Satisfied	Somewhat Satisfield	Not Satisfied At All	N/A
Staff availability to assist in person or on the phone	Staff availability to assist in person or on the phone Very Satisfied	Staff availability to assist in person or on the phone Somewhat Satisfield	Staff availability to assist in person or on the phone Not Satisfied At All	Staff availability to assist in person or on the phone N/A
Physical collections/materials (Books, movies, magazines, newspapers, etc.)	Physical collections/materials (Books, movies, magazines, newspapers, etc.) Very Satisfied	Physical collections/materials (Books, movies, magazines, newspapers, etc.) Somewhat Satisfield	Physical collections/materials (Books, movies, magazines, newspapers, etc.) Not Satisfied At All	Physical collections/materials (Books, movies, magazines, newspapers, etc.) N/A
Friendly, knowledgeable staff	Friendly, knowledgeable staff Very Satisfied	Friendly, knowledgeable staff Somewhat Satisfield	Friendly, knowledgeable staff Not Satisfied At All	Friendly, knowledgeable staff N/A
Programs and classes for all ages including informational, educational, recreational, and cultural events	Programs and classes for all ages including informational, educational, recreational, and cultural events Very Satisfied	Programs and classes for all ages including informational, educational, recreational, and cultural events Somewhat Satisfield	Programs and classes for all ages including informational, educational, recreational, and cultural events Not Satisfied At All	Programs and classes for all ages including informational, educational, recreational, and cultural events N/A
Library technology & equipment - computers, wifi, hotspots, copier, fax or scanner	Library technology & equipment - computers, wifi, hotspots, copier, fax or scanner Very Satisfied	Library technology & equipment - computers, wifi, hotspots, copier, fax or scanner Somewhat Satisfield	Library technology & equipment - computers, wifi, hotspots, copier, fax or scanner Not Satisfied At All	Library technology & equipment - computers, wifi, hotspots, copier, fax or scanner N/A
Availability of materials to download to digital devices (eBooks, audiobooks, movies)	Availability of materials to download to digital devices (eBooks, audiobooks, movies) Very Satisfied	Availability of materials to download to digital devices (eBooks, audiobooks, movies) Somewhat Satisfield	Availability of materials to download to digital devices (eBooks, audiobooks, movies) Not Satisfied At All	Availability of materials to download to digital devices (eBooks, audiobooks, movies) N/A
Socialization/meeting people/playing opportunities for you and/or your child(ren)	Socialization/meeting people/playing opportunities for you and/or your child(ren) Very Satisfied	Socialization/meeting people/playing opportunities for you and/or your child(ren) Somewhat Satisfield	Socialization/meeting people/playing opportunities for you and/or your child(ren) Not Satisfied At All	Socialization/meeting people/playing opportunities for you and/or your child(ren) N/A
Spaces that allow for quiet study	Spaces that allow for quiet study Very Satisfied	Spaces that allow for quiet study Somewhat Satisfield	Spaces that allow for quiet study Not Satisfied At All	Spaces that allow for quiet study N/A
Comfortable spots for you to sit and spend time with friends	Comfortable spots for you to sit and spend time with friends Very Satisfied	Comfortable spots for you to sit and spend time with friends Somewhat Satisfield	Comfortable spots for you to sit and spend time with friends Not Satisfied At All	Comfortable spots for you to sit and spend time with friends N/A
Meeting room availability	Meeting room availability Very Satisfied	Meeting room availability Somewhat Satisfield	Meeting room availability Not Satisfied At All	Meeting room availability N/A

Question Title

* 11. Which of the following roles best describes your interests? Please check all that apply.

Looking for access to art/crafting space, tools, and equipment

Looking to borrow books, attend author readings and book clubs, and/or receive reading recommendations

Looking for books, technology, and/or programs for my kids, grandkids, or others in my care

Looking for business services and/or networking opportunities

Looking for help with my literacy, language learning, or GED

Looking for homework help and/or for a place to study

Looking for homeschooling space and/or support

Looking for teen programs and/or a place to study and/or hang out

Looking for social services and/or basic needs assistance (such as housing, food, healthcare)

Looking for volunteer opportunities in the community

Looking to apply for jobs, for help with my resume, and/or to work remotely

Looking to share my creativity with the community

Seeking veteran and/or military service programs, classes, and/or resources

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 12. How do you usually find out about library news and events? Please check all that apply.

Social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc)

Library website

Library email newsletter

Library print program brochure

Newspaper

Posters, flyers in the Library

Library staff

Word of mouth from friends, relatives, etc.

Posters or flyers around town

Attend community events where library has a table or presents information

School announcements and/or in-person visits

I don't hear any library news

Other (please specify)

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* 13. What words best describe the Thomaston Public Library? Please feel free to also share any particular experiences you have had while using the Thomaston Public Library, positive or negative.

Question Title

* 1. In your opinion, how important is the Thomaston Public Library to...?

Question Title

* 2. Which services provided by the library are in your opinion the most important to serving the needs of the community as a whole? Please rank in order of importance (1 being most important, 6 being least)

Question Title

* 3. How much do you think Thomaston Public Library contributes to the following?

Question Title

* 4. How much do you think Thomaston Public Library contributes to how you handle the following things in your own life?

Question Title

* 5. Do you currently have a Thomaston Public Library card, have you had one in the past, or have you never had one?

Question Title

* 6. How have you used the Thomaston Public Library in the past 12 months? Please check all that apply

Question Title

* 7. In the last 12 months, how many times did you go into the Thomaston Public Library?

Question Title

* 8. Which of the changes below would encourage you to visit the library more often? Please choose all that apply.

Question Title

* 9. How important are the following to you in your personal use of the library?

Question Title

* 10. Overall, how satisfied are you with the following at the library?

Question Title

* 11. Which of the following roles best describes your interests? Please check all that apply.

Question Title

* 12. How do you usually find out about library news and events? Please check all that apply.

Question Title

* 13. What words best describe the Thomaston Public Library? Please feel free to also share any particular experiences you have had while using the Thomaston Public Library, positive or negative.

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* 14. What could the Thomaston Public Library do to make you or your family feel more welcome?