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| 2003 Library Building Questionnaire Results |  |
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We hear you!
We sent approximately 2,900 questionnaires to Burlington area residents in the month of December 2003, as an insert in the City's Winter Newsletter.
Total mailed: 2,900 (includes every household within Burlington City Limits plus everyone served by City Sewer and/or Garbage service.
Total returned: 115
Response rate: 4%
Here's a summary of the findings:
Most respondents want a library building that's of adequate size to meet the current and future needs of the community—and it must be designed to function well as a library. They'd also like a wide variety of building amenities—ranging from good lighting and comfortable seating (top choices) to quiet study rooms, a computer lab and a children's storytime area.
While many people selected numerous amenities for a "dream library", several took time to comment that certain details should be considered "extras"—the focus should be on what's necessary first. "Let's not get fancy," noted one survey, "but produce something ample, functional and pleasing to look at."
Maintaining a Downtown Burlington location also ranked high. Fewer respondents specified a location within walking distance from home, not surprising since the majority said they go to the library by car.
Over 85% of the respondents had used the library within the past year. 80% cited "check out library materials" as their top reason to use the library, while many access reference materials and read current newspapers or magazines.
The questionnaire was mailed with the City Newsletter to every household within Burlington City Limits, plus everyone served by City Garbage and/or City Sewer service, for a total of approximately 2,900. The response rate was 4%, or 115 completed questionnaires. "Considering it's common for direct mail advertising to deliver a 1 – 2% response rate, we're pleased that so many people took the time to tell us what they'd like to see in a library building for Burlington," said Library Director Christine Perkins.
While a few respondents didn't see a need for a library at all, the overwhelming response was positive. "The Library is critical to the community," said one person. "A library is a community gathering place, especially in a town the size of Burlington," commented another. Many provided detailed comments like "use Earth-Friendly construction" and "make sure there's a beautiful and public-friendly exterior."
City residents are encouraged to get involved in the planning process now—before any decisions have been made. "Our goal is to make sure Burlington has the kind of library it wants and deserves, something that fits in to the community and works well for its citizens," said Perkins. Burlington Public Library outgrew its space in 1993 and now houses 37,000 items in a building meant for 20,000.
Here are the tallies for each question:
1) Have you ever used the Burlington Public Library?
| Never | 2 | | Ever | 12 | | In the past year | 30 | | In the past month | 23 | | In the past week | 45 | | No response | 1 |
2) How do you usually get to the Burlington Public Library?
| By car | 97 | | By bus | 1 | | By bicycle, skateboard, etc. | 1 | | By foot | 22 | | No response | 1 |
* Some respondents selected more than one choice.
3) How close do you live to the Burlington Public Library?
| Half mile or less (half block) | 31 | | More than half a mile away but within City Limits | 42 | | Outside City Limits | 41 | | No response | 1 |
4) What features are the most important factors?
| Location within walking distance from home | 10 | | Location in Downtown Burlington | 39 | | Location near other City services | 16 | | Adequate size to meet current and future needs of our community | 89 | | Architectural design consistent with the rest of Burlington | 9 | | Architectural design different than the rest of Burlington | 4 | | Building designed to function well as a library | 86 | | Offer the amenities I want | 45 | | High quality of construction | 25 | | Low cost | 23 |
* Some respondents selected more than 3 choices.
5) What do you use the library for?
| Check out library materials | 91 | | Access reference materials | 75 | | Check e-mail | 11 | | Use the Internet beyond e-mail | 20 | | Meet friends/tutors | 8 | | Homeschool | 5 | | Read current newspapers or magazines | 39 | | Attend storytimes | 17 | | Attend Friends' meetings | 7 | | Study or do homework | 21 | | Use the library website | 9 | | Other | 12 | | No response | 1 |
* Respondents selected multiple choices.
6) Which amenities would you most like to see in your "Dream Library"?
| Computer lab | 57 | | Large public meeting rooms | 40 | | Quiet study rooms | 59 | | Children's storytime area | 56 | | Public art / gallery space | 21 | | Lots of windows | 43 | | Audio-visual stations | 37 | | Ample parking | 77 | | Good lighting | 90 | | Family restrooms | 34 | | Restrooms within library | 59 | | Coffee shop | 25 | | Friends of the Library Book Store | 41 | | Fireplace | 20 | | Reading garden | 22 | | Comfortable seating | 87 | | Special collection rooms | 41 | | Outdoor children's play structure | 13 | | Teen area | 13 | | Other | 32 |
* Respondents selected multiple choices.
End of survey.
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