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Library task force begins work [UPDATED]
Published 9:39am Friday, March 9, 2012 Updated 11:40am Friday, March 9, 2012Did you know that, on average, a visitor walks through the Fergus Falls Public Library’s entry doors approximately each minute we’re open?
Or that, on average, 85 physical items are checked out from the library each hour? Or that 2,329 digital titles were checked-out from the library in 2011, keeping in mind that we began offering ebooks in mid-April of last year.
And all of this doesn’t even begin to touch on the large number of babies, children and adults who attended the over 375 library-sponsored programs offered last year. This library is a busy place.
It is because of this high level of use and the natural evolution of library services, resources and programming related to technological change that the library administration and Fergus Falls City Council recently launched the library renewal project and the library task force.
This week, I am excited to announce that the library task force, consisting of 10 community members invested in shaping the future of the Fergus Falls Public Library, officially began their work on Saturday, March 3.
I am so happy to be working with these individuals to create an even-better, forward-looking, community-driven public library for the citizens of Fergus Falls and the surrounding area.
The purpose of the library task force is to educate and engage the community in a discussion about library services, resources, infrastructure, and current and future needs using a community survey, focus groups and staff interviews.
The task force will use the collected community input to create a written library needs assessment that will identify valued library services and resources and determine future needs.
This needs assessment will be shared with the community. Library staff and the Fergus Falls Public Library board will address needs identified in the Assessment where possible with current resources and within the current library building.
If the task force findings indicate the need, next steps for the library renewal project could include proceeding with planning for a renovation, expansion, and/or new building project.
Essentially, the library renewal project is in response to technological change and identified current and future community programming, resource and service needs.
Our goal is to preserve valued traditional library services while also meeting future needs.
The library administration and task force members believe one of the best ways we can accomplish this goal is by asking you what you value about the library.
Look for opportunities to provide that input this summer.
In the meantime, you can follow the task force’s progress on the library’s website, www.fergusfalls.lib.mn.us; choose the “Library Renewal Project” link from the menu bar.
Erin Smith is the director of the Fergus Falls Public Library.
