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Library impressed with public input

“The next step is to fine tune strategic goals based on the feedback as it pertains to the identified themes.”
Library Open House wApril21pic1 2016
Submitted photo

The North Bay Public Library held an information open house recently to release the results of a community wide survey. 

“The response to the survey was overwhelming”, said Ravil Veli, Library CEO.  “We received more than 800 surveys both online and in print.  This number definitely exceeded our expectations.”

The public open house was held to reveal survey findings which clearly identified four distinct themes covering programming/services, collections, communications and space.

“The public, staff and stakeholders were all invited to provide input.” said Veli.  “We have been very impressed with the responses and the comments.”

The two hour open house was very well attended and a broad cross section of the community was welcomed to see survey responses. People in attendance were able to speak with members of the Library Board, the CEO and library managers about the library and what they envision their library to be. Many had questions about the future and many shared stories of the place and importance of the library in their lives.

“The next step is to fine tune strategic goals based on the feedback as it pertains to the identified themes.” said Veli.  “The Strategic Planning committee will now set to work looking at short, medium and long term goals.” 

Public libraries continue to evolve and survey results identified attributes people most admire about the North Bay Public Library which continue to be programs/services and collections.  The North Bay Public Library continues to enhance print and electronic materials and continues to provide programming and services based on community needs and within the available budget. 

“Of course we have to be conscious of our budget and respectful of the public nature of our funding, so any decisions the board makes are always made with this in mind.” said Veli. “This same prudent approach will be used when developing the strategic plan.” 

The Library board now moves on to phase two of the planning process and will continue to work on developing a road map for the future now that the community, staff and stakeholders have provided survey responses.