Sapphire Coast News

Users of the Bermagui Library were surveyed recently about their opinion of services at the Library.

Bega Valley shire Council’s cultural services co-ordinator, Penny Amberg, said 123 completed surveys were received as part of the review for the recent trial evening openings at Bermagui Library.

“The twilight opening at Bermagui, organised by the Bega Library Friends of the Library group in partnership with Bega Library Services provided, an excellent opportunity to canvas the views of users about their opinions of library services in Bermagui,” she said.

Who responded:
52% were female;
36% male with nearly;
84% being over 30 years of age.

What they said:
22% expressed interest in evening openings 5pm to 7pm;
13% preferred later opening all year around;
12% preferred late opening in summer months;
61% preferred Saturday morning opening, with 32% preferring 9am to noon and 29% preferred 10am to 1pm;
35% requested Wednesday opening (the library is currently closed on Wednesdays) or that the Library be open every weekday.

“The majority of respondents wanted more fiction, non-fiction books and DVDs. The availability of computers at the library for members’ use was also seen as very important,” Ms Amberg said.  

“New technology such as E-books was not seen as important for the library.

“As with the recent Merimbula Library survey, the service of staff was rated as one of the best things about the library.

“A significant number of people also commented positively about the airiness and layout of the building.

“This is very reassuring as the library has only been open about two years, so it is great to see the community appreciating the new design.”

Ms Amberg said the survey results would be considered in light of an organization-wide review of library services in the Shire.

“We appreciate library users taking the trouble to complete the survey as it provides valuable feed back,” she said.

“Council thanks the Friends of the Library volunteers who made the twilight events possible and great fun and in particular Jenny Brookes who co-ordinated their efforts.“

The winner of the I-Pod Shuffle draw for survey respondents was Beverley Craig from Bermagui.

Ms Amberg said users were always welcome to recommend books and material that should be purchased for the library.