Arbuthnot House Library Survey

The online Engage survey asked respondents what they would be likely to use the new library for, with a range of options offered, including borrowing books, studying, attending specific events, and scheduling meetings. It also asked what kind of events visitors would like to see in the new facility, to help plan an events and outreach programme, and what users might be willing to pay for some events, if additional materials or experiences were to be offered. There were 89 responses to the survey.

When asked what their top 3 uses for the library would be, 85% said “borrowing items”, 55% said “events such as Bookbug, Knit & Natter, or a local book group”, and 47% said “events such as author talks and knowledge exchange transfer”. The specific events which the largest number of respondents wanted to see running in the new library were: author talks and events; Bookbug sessions; and children’s craft sessions.

Respondents were asked what sort of price they might be willing to pay for events and activities where materials were provided or exclusive access given and 47% said they were willing to pay £2.00, 38% said they would pay £5.00 and 31% said they would pay £3.00.

Comments received included: suggestions for activities that could continue / be started at the new venue; concerns about the library moving due to access and parking issues; and requests for longer opening hours.

We asked, You said, We will

Work will take place to develop an events and outreach programme for the reopening, influenced by the information received from the survey. Space will be allocated within the new venue to allow a variety of uses by different groups at any one time, such as private study, reading, socialising or a specific event. An outside area will be included for reading and public events.