Wokingham

A recent survey to find out what residents in the Wokingham district want from their libraries has been met with a big response. Nearly 2,000 responses were received during the one-week survey by Wokingham District Council’s cultural services and development team.

The survey, entitled ‘Adult PLUS’ (Public Library User Survey), was conducted in early October. Visitors to Wokingham district libraries were asked to rate their satisfaction with facilities and services, including books, DVDs, IT facilities, staff helpfulness and opening hours.

Over 2,200 questionnaires were issued to library visitors and 1,920 (87%) responded, expressing their opinions. Wokingham, Woodley and Lower Earley libraries exceeded their target of getting 75% of questionnaires completed, while the smaller libraries achieved an 84% response rate.

The survey data is now being analysed, including nearly 700 customer comments. The results are due to be completed in January and will be communicated to library users across the district. The service will develop an action plan based on the results of the survey, for consideration by the council.

Cllr Dianne King, executive member for community development, said: “Such an enthusiastic response is very encouraging. It is good to know that libraries in the Wokingham district are highly valued and I am pleased local residents are as keen as this to express their views. It really does help when planning future services. I would like to thank everybody who took part.”

Chris Hamilton, corporate head of cultural services and development, said: “We have over 85,000 registered members across nine libraries in the district and receive over 10,000 visits per week from library users borrowing books and audiovisual materials such as DVDs, using free internet and IT facilities, and attending events such as ‘baby bounce and rhyme’ and family history advice sessions. That’s equivalent to over 55% of the local population, so it is important we know the views of service users. We are confident that this survey will give us the information we need when planning for the future.”

Wokingham District Council