We would like to thank the many members of the community who responded to our library survey last summer. We were pleased to see such a high response rate with representation from each of our service areas: the City of Bath and the towns of Arrowsic, Georgetown, West Bath, and Woolwich. The information you reported and the dreams you shared help us Build Our Future with reimagined spaces and expanded services to meet your aspirations for the Patten Free Library.
What you value:
Collections: You consider the library’s physical collections of books, audiobooks, DVDs, and magazines essential. Many respondents expressed the desire for larger collections with an increase in new and current items. Among digital collections, respondents ranked the importance of CloudLibrary and Newspaper Archive high. We will continue to expand our library holdings, including our unusual things to borrow (our “Library of Things”), and strengthen our collections with the confidence that they are at the core of our library services.
Space: You love the historic majesty of our building, but would like to see it supplemented with more modern comforts such as air conditioning and cozy work and reading spaces throughout. Many of you ranked energy efficiency as an essential goal for a public space and we are pleased to lead by example with our current energy reduction and infrastructure improvement project. The project’s roof replacement, conversions to heat pumps and LED lighting, and mounted solar array reflect the Library’s commitment to environmental sustainability and prudent stewardship. We heard those of you feeling overheated loud and clear: our entire HVAC system is being updated, which will include air conditioning by summer 2025!
Services: The timing of our survey coincided with an unanticipated disruption in the statewide delivery of Interlibrary Loan materials, and boy, did we hear it! Over 70% of you ranked interlibrary borrowing as essential. Our partnership with library consortia such as Minerva, MaineCat, and Out of State borrowing helps expand access and shorten wait times for library items, and you sure missed it when it was gone! Thankfully, this disruption was only temporary, and interlibrary loan services are back and going strong. You also rated access to technology as another essential service. We devote considerable staff time and expertise to provide current technology that works for you. We also offer technology training in small group or individual settings in our effort to improve access and build digital literacy.
Programming: You overwhelmingly indicated that you love our programming, but you want more! More hybrid programming, more programs for diverse age groups (including teens and children), more evening and weekend offerings. We received many specific suggestions for programs we already offer, so we realize we need to do a better job of getting the word out! Programs such as Repair Café, author talks, History Room lectures, book-a-librarian, crafts, music, and book clubs are all things that you are looking for that can be found here at PFL. We are currently expanding our teen programming and working on finding new and better ways of advertising all library programs so they are easier to discover.
Fundraising and Development: Patten Free Library thrives because of the generosity and advocacy of its community. Many of you already support the library through donations, bottle returns, book sales, and by voting for town financial support. We also heard from those who were surprised to learn that PFL is only partially funded by our municipalities, and that we rely heavily on our non-profit status to raise the balance of our operating funds. This awareness has inspired several of you to consider future gifts! Many appreciate the role of the Friends of the Library and suggested that adjusting meeting times could encourage broader participation from working patrons and parents. There is strong enthusiasm for sustainable giving options, including monthly donations, to ensure that PFL remains a vibrant and accessible resource for generations to come. As we work toward a more sustainable future, we are actively engaging in discussions around major gifts and expanded fundraising efforts to help bring to life the projects and improvements highlighted in this survey.
Barriers: In asking about impediments to library use, we wanted to identify barriers that obstruct our delivery of services or limit access to the building. Many of you mentioned parking, hours of operation, transportation and the time demands of modern life. While we can’t do anything to slow life down, or expand the municipal city owned parking lot, we can and will reevaluate our current operating hours. We will also be expanding services to include convenient options for self-checkout and self-serve hold pickups. Time is precious – we appreciate yours!
Many of you indicated you would be interested in supporting the library by giving a donation, assisting with a fundraiser, volunteering, or joining a focus group or listening session. We will be reaching out in the coming months to those of you who provided your information along with the survey, and we thank you for your interest! If we do not have your information, or you have additional questions, please reach out to Library Director, Lesley Dolinger, (207) 443-5141 x 1015, or by email.
Thank you all for taking the time to complete our Community Survey. We appreciate you sharing your likes, dislikes, hopes, and dreams for the Patten Free Library.
Patten Free Library Staff
