Mission, Vision and Values

One of the goals identified in the Library’s 2018-2021 strategic plan was to “Undertake a baseline program and service review to provide benchmarks and best practices.”

The Library has been increasing program offerings and trying to provide the best collection services but wanted to receive feedback from the community to see what services the community want to see at the Library.

The goal of the Review was to engage the community in a conversation about the Library’s core services and to understand community and member themes. 

The three themes the Review focused on were:

1. Programming – is there enough programming for the right target markets, why are people coming or not coming to the programs.
2. Collections - where are the collection gaps, what do people want more of, is the Library serving the community effectively; and
3. Competition - where else are people spending their time and why aren’t they coming to the Library

Below is an initial overview of the data gathered from the 2020 Library Services Review survey responses.

Based on your experiences with the Peterborough Public Library, please rate your overall impression.

• Poor - 1.5%
• Fair - 5.7%
• Good - 41.2%
• Excellent - 51.6%

Comments from those dissatisfied with the library:

• Too loud

• Poor layout

• Influx of people sleeping in library chairs and windows
• Need to improve collection of books

If the library could change one thing to attract you as a member, what would it be?

• Free memberships for residents of Peterborough County or a partnership with the County

• Improve online registration, specifically after hours

• Improve parking options

If a branch was closer to you, why would you not use the library more? (i.e.: What can we change so you would use the library more?)

• Improve hours

• Improve communication of Library services

• Do not use the Library

• No need for improvement

Operating hours

Library operating hours at the time of the survey were:

• Monday to Thursday 10am to 8pm
• Friday and Saturday 10am to 5pm
• Sunday 2pm to 5pm

Responses showed a need for longer hours and to be open on long weekends and Statutory Holidays such as Family Day and Canada Day.

In thinking about the future of the Peterborough Public Library, which of these services would you support or not support?

Provided with the opportunity to explain why they would or would not support the new service points suggested, 274 respondents left comments which have been summarized below.

• The primary concern raised in exploring additional services points were cost related; the possible detrimental effect it would have on existing services as well as on the taxpayer and the community. Those who were not in favour also felt strongly that more locations were unnecessary given that they use online services and the main branch was recently renovated.

• Supportive or encouraging of new branches in the North and West ends of the city where there has been notable growth.

• Respondents noted that any decision with respect to additional branches should be based on a more formal/official study and be sustainable to maintain long term. These decisions should also be driven by solid research around demographic, potential use, and expected growth patterns.

• For those respondents in favour of exploring additional and alternative service points, the consensus is that anything that adds to availability of library services is welcome. It was also commented that Peterborough is underserved by its current 2 branch model and that additional service points would benefit the community and those outside the downtown core where development is on the rise.

• If a new library is needed, it should be combined with a school or arena or pool, or in an existing facility.

How may times have you visited the DelaFosse Branch in the last year?

• Not at all – 70.2%
• 1 to 2 times – 12.5%
• 3 to 5 times – 5.8%
• 6 to 10 times – 3.3%
• 11 to 20 times – 2.3
• More than 20 times – 5%
• Don’t recall – 1%

70% of survey respondents have not been to the DelaFosse branch in the past year, with only 5% visiting more than 20 times.

Respondents also provided feedback about the lack of accessibility of the DelaFosse branch.

How may times in the past year have you visited the Main Library on Aylmer Street North?

• Not at all - 4%
• 1 to 2 times - 7.5%
• 3 to 5 times - 10.2%
• 6 to 10 times - 16.7%
• 11 to 20 times - 24.4 %
• More than 20 - 36%
• Don’t recall - 1.2%

Programming

Respondents provided feedback with respect to the current programming offered:

• Offer programs in the evenings and on weekends;

• Offer programs that are a partnership with other organizations in the City; and

• Offer programs based on technology, internet safety, financial literacy, writing resumes and job searching, crafts, author visits, guest speakers and information events, literacy events and tutoring, lecture series, book clubs, health and wellness seminars, gardening, and homeschooling support.