Results of the Snapshot Survey for the Oliver Wolcott Library
The Connecticut State Library, the Connecticut Library Association, and the Connecticut Library Consortium asked public libraries across the state to participate in a voluntary survey asking patrons to tell us how important your library is to your community.
The survey took place from February 10 – February 18, 2010. At the Oliver Wolcott Library, almost 150 people responded.
The surveys contained a comment section as well as a section where patrons were to check off what services applied to them. The survey was created by the sponsors and was used by all participating libraries.
Below you will find the results of the service questions followed by the comments.
SERVICES RESPONSE
Respondents said the services that apply to them when using the Library are:
Check out an item 91%
Attend a program 42%
Research 32%
Use a computer 30%
Quiet study place 28%
Get a library card 17%
Attend a meeting 13%
Other 13%
Job Help 7%
Of those respondents who commented on “other”, the two most common responses referred to the hours and access to newspapers and periodicals.
"OWL is an amazing place with a complete collection, effective
technology and a positive, helpful staff. It's programs, especially
children's literacy are critical to the town's well being." -Bob P.
"I would feel trapped, lost, sad, poorer without OWL. I always have
a book and a CD out." -Seton O.
"The large print books are a source of my entertainment. Thank you!
Always get books at my request." -Emily T.
"The library along with our town's public schools are the two most
important institutions in our community, and our Country, because it
provides everyone an opportunity to learn and get information! All
services are very helpful to library patrons." - Irma L.
"Since retiring, have used the library for books about 3-4 or more a
month." - William H.
"All of the above." - Patricia T.
"Books are awesome!" - Cameron B.
"It's one of my favorite places to be." - Ann H.
"It's a great place to learn on all levels. Great place to bring my
children. Love the staff, love to read." - Kristen O.
"My daughter loves to come to story time. Now that she is
learning to read, she enjoys picking out her books."
- Julie M.
"It's very wonderful for my children." - Erica J.
"Essential part of community." - Mary C.
"Library Hour is fantastic for my children." - Kathy J.
"Great way to be involved in the community." - Amanda V.
"Litchfield Library has a great program and facility for children. It's
very important to us!" - Carole L.
"Inter library loan is invaluable." - A.R.
"You have a great array of materials that I like and need." - Ellen D.
"It's a quiet place to study/read. The librarians are always helpful and
friendly. The library offers many programs, exhibits, etc., in our
small community. I can walk to our library." - Jeanette L.
"Love it, information city! Awesome." - Jessica D.
"It is an amazing resource. Teaching our children the importance of
books, literature and community." - Nilda L.
"Service from staff, valuable. Open extension for learning at your own
speed. Given option (no banned books). Freedom of learning from
past into the furture." - Monica T.
"Excellent source for research, relaxing reading music, DVD
entertainment and news. The staff is A+!" - Elizabeth J.
"A quiet place to go, interesting books." - Hilary C.
"Coming to the library for books, music, DVDs and programs
is a very important part of our lives." - Anna H.
"My daughter loves new books!" - Sarah C.
"The library and especially Litchfield Library is one of the
best places to visit in Connecticut." - Gabrielle A.
"It is a vital part of this community. I love the collection,
the atmosphere, and Sunday hours!" - Jane S.
"I love to read." - Susan T.
Wonderful Public resources of great books." - John M.
"Audio books are life-enhancing on my 2-hour commute.
Excellent staff and resources!" - Dana D.
"It's quiet sanctuary away from my sister, dog and general
life. I have to come to Litchfield to get some of the better
selection, but a library is a library." - Ella F.
"We are home schooling! We can't buy all the books we
want or need!" - Anonymous
"So wonderful for my child." - Marci S.
"I could not afford the books that I need each year. I like
that there is such a wonderful selection of books, to
check out." - Marion C.
"Get reading material." Gordon H.
"Community center and information." - Greg S.
"We love the children's programs." Shannon G.
"It is the most importnat resource, on many interest levels
for our community. It provides amazing opportunities to learn,
participate in, communicate in, and check out a wide variety
of excellent books, CDs, etc. Could not live with out it."
- Susan P.
"Love to take the kids to story time." - Kim L.
"It's a good place for children to learn and interact."
- Shirley H.
"I love this library. The staff are helpful and very pleasant.
The building is warm and inviting. I love coming here!
- Ruthellen G.
"Educational for my kids, great kids programs, books/DVDs,
research when I need it." - Michelle S.
"Educational for my kids, great kids programs,
books/DVDs, research when I need it." - Carol D.
"I continue to work and rely on books on CD to
entertain/educate me during my driving time."
- Jessica B.
"It provides a quiet place to study and read. The library
is a comfortable place to be." - Kayla C.
"Great for me. Great for visiting grandchildren." - Lee R.
"Resources for the children." - Adam S.
"It gives my children a love of reading. The story hours
help get the little ones ready for kindergarten."
- Jennifer Y.
"I drove long hours for work and love to read, so I use
the audio section, and it is a life saver." - Cindy F.
"Great children's programs, great selection. Can't
afford buying books right now. We get movies,
books, and audio books. We're here many times a
week and love it." - Amey W.
"The library story time is invaluable! My 18 month old
loves the stories, songs and activities, and it gives
him an outlet for his energy, plus an opportunity
to socialize with other kids, while learning.
- Stephanie J.
"The library offers us a place to socialize our toddler, and
to find new materials to read with him everyweek." - Sue S.
"Breath of programs, Accessibility, Programs for all ages,
Friendly atmosphere." - Janet H.
"The library provides many invaluable resources." - Kelli L.
"Thatcher really enjoys the children's library, and story time.
We like geting out of the house and meeting other people.
Mrs. Shaia is a wonderful librarian." - Lacey and Thatcher T.
"Because it has a nice lady, Audra who helps me. All the staff helps
me. Reading keeps me alive. I am 94." - Jeanette W.
"Introduces my daughter to other kids, and to the importance of
reading and books." - Rowan and Britan K.
"Available books/tapes. Place to meet/read, Showings-meeting
place." - Nancy M.
"The Children's programs are extremely beneficial for my child's
development." - Cecilla C.
"This library has the books, I need to read. There is also, a social
aspect to the library as you age." - Thomas B.
"It is a place to research and bring children, to interact with other
children, and participate in programs." - Helaine S.
"We have used OWL for many years and for many reasons. We
like books, DVDs, and research help. The library is always a
wonderful, quiet place with good and helpful people at the front
desk. We need our Litchfield Library!" - Susan F.
"Why not! Good place. Everyone is so beautiful - especially Audra."
- Marilyn D.
"I love books, and people who read, discuss, and recommend new
discoveries, Librarians and their assistants are so helpful. Libraries
help create community." - Wendy M.
"Very important part of the community." - Anonymous
"It''s free and everyone is friendly and helpful!" - Jesse H.
"A place to: explore knowledge...to see what's new in books...to find
solace from the world...to be around nice people." - Frank J.
"The library makes it possible to keep current with books, both fiction
and non-fiction, and also with periodicals, many of which it would be
prohibitive to subscribe to. My son uses it as a place with internet
access, as well as for research." - Arlene B.
"The library is important to me, because it is a great place to do
homework and concentrate." - Benjamin A.
"My library makes it possible - finding books near and far, introducing
me to books and films otherwise would not have discovered, and
sharing your own book and cultural passions through discussion.
You are all so great about book recommendations. Using library
books is a great way to "go green". The foreign film selection is
wonderful. Each librarian offers different insights, and shores
different passions about books, music, culture. Norm makes sense
out of computers for me. Sarai shares my love of all that is
Springsteen. The special events including art exhibits and talks are
wonderful. There is no problem, no search, that Audra can't solve.
You have a relaxed atmosphere, and it is especially noticable with
kids. Thank you!" - Holly S,
"Great resource in community. Something kids should not live
without!!!" - Paula D.
"This particular library is an unique in terms of the helpful,
knowledgeable, and affable staff, and as a resource of valuable
information, novels, DVDs, cultural events and other factors too
numerous to count, including the fact that is is open, and accessible
many days of the week." - Shelly F.
"It's a quiet place to study for school -no distractions." - Shannon
"Gives me access to reading and media that I could not afford; also
no-cost computers use, when needed on occasion. So important
in the life of our community, especially seniors, and young people
the latter desperately needs an alternative, to constant tv, video
games, and social networking." - Alfred V.
"It is a quiet place with a fantastic atmospherre, great people,
fabulous inter library loan, and a wide variety of books. It encourages
people of all ages, to come through it's doors, and enhance their
minds." - Michelle M.
"One time or another, I use the library for all of the above. OWL makes
a difference. Thank you!" - Susan C.
"Best collection of DVDs around!" -Peter A.
"I can order books, CDs, DVDs, from other libraries. Rsearch at the
Oliver Wolcott Library, Litchfield." - Tom P.
"To allow myself and my children the opportunity, to learn and read,
about any topic of interest. The library is the most important resource,
we as taxpayers, have available." - Nancy M.
"Lots of resources, meeting place for kids, lots of information."
- Cynthia F.
"Information source." - William D.
"For all it has to offer, at the right price - FREE! Presently, our biggest
usage is the children's story hour. It inspires my child to be
passionate about books. Each week he can't wait to select and take
out new books. I don't know what we would do without it." - Patti S.
"Center of our community, for news, reading material." - Dave M.
"As an avid reader the library, is an invaluable resource. The author
program has been a welcome addition." - Dorren T.
"I can not imagine the magnitude, or loss if we did not, have libraries."
- Judy F.
"The best place in town!" - Sarah S.
"It is part of the community, integral to all of it's residents. I am able to
obtain any type of material I choose to read." - Janice M.
"I read a lot and could not possible afford all the books, magazines,
and newspapers, I enjoy." - Martha O.
"Art shows/culture. Place to meet friends." - Mike M.
"I read a lo! Service is great, always willing to get requested materials!
Staff is so helpful!" - Chris A.
"Quiet time, books for reading group, your blogs and realted reading,
always feeing welcome, meeting new people at events." - May W.
"Community." - Ferrucci T.
"It is wonderful to spend time, come with my children. Staff are always
friendly." - Luci J.
"The library offers programs for children, which is very important. For
adults, the library offers programs, and books, and it is a place to
study, and concentrate." - Valentin D.
"Overall, I find all my reading and DVDs. It's wonderful!" - Downey S.
"It has books and computers and DVDs." - Keetin W.
"I love the library! They are extremely well stocked, helpful, and
resourceful! I use the library to keep my children reading!! I often
place items on hold, and they come in quickly!" - Eileen M.
"Valuable resource for young to old." - Margaret N.
"Center for information, community spirit, community meeting place,
exhibits, programs." - Bette W.
"Reading, computer access, newspaper research." - Joy F.
"A comfortable, welcoming place to read, browse, etc. The houses are
perfect and convenient." - Susanne A.
"I see my friends here! Also, I love to read, I f I had to buy books, my
house would be unlivable." - Suzy N.
"It is my very own place in town." - Aslinn M.
"Because I enjoy reading, and come here for good books."
- Melaine S.
"Because it is the HEART of the community." - Ellen K.
"I can find new title/authors. The fact that I can borrow books from any
Connecticut library are very helpful. The library is my favorite place."
- Jay M.
"The library is important to me, because it is a good place to do
research, or work on studies. I have met many people here, the
librarians help me out." - James
"Libraries are the heart of the community." - Anonymous
"Newspapers, and daily publications." - Zeus G.
"The library has great staff, books, movies, and music." - D. C.
"Resource for information, books, music and community."
- Nicholas C.
"Amazing access to books and DVDs for our kids! It is the best
"recycling" of goods." - Elise B.
"I enjoy reading, and like to check out books. I also enjoy DVDs and
CDs. They have good programs." - Janet H.
"My kids love to come to the library." - Pete T.
"Book reading/quiet place to study." - Jean E.
"Unlimited access of information, that helps me learn about, and
better understand the world we live in." - Robert B.
"Story time for toddlers." - Sharon T.
"My children love to read and come to the library." - Carissa S.
"Attended a book talk, reserched a trip to Germany." - Gene H.
"The library is important to me because it is a helpful thing to m, its
quiet, I can get a lot of my things, that I need to get done. I like to
read, and also taking out books. Also, the staff is great!" - Lindsay
"Research, quiet place to read." - Suzanne K.
"It is full of information, and I love to read." - Megan M.
"Great resource - I'm at the library, at least once a week. Great
informative programs too!" - Molly L.
"Librarians are lifelines to literature, the arts and research of every
kind! They are hubs for their communities. They are essential for
anyone, who cannot afford to purchase, every book they would like to
read. They are an essential element of a democratic society."
- Kristine D.
"I need to use the library to support my reading habit. The staff always
has excellent suggestions, and I am grateful that new books, of
interest seem to be there when I request them. I also, rely on the
library for DVDs. I use the computers." - Elizabeth P.
"I love the OWL library for my children! They have a loving wonderful
staff with great programs. It is a social place and very helpful to have
a meeting there." - Karen H.
