Manchester residents surveyed on library needs in new expansion attempt
The Manchester task force preparing a proposal for “a 21st Century Library” is asking residents what services and spaces they want in a modern facility.
The survey is available at bit.ly/3pVFIJx. The panel is to present recommendations to the board of directors in September.
Formed late last year by the board of directors, the task force already has determined some spaces expected in modern libraries, including more parking and bathrooms, dedicated spaces for different developmental ages (infants to adults), a computer lab, private study rooms and a quiet reading area, all of which the current library lacks.
The survey asks respondents to check off boxes after the question, “I would use the library more often/easily if it had…” Choices include self checkout, local history/genealogy room, maker space with 3-D printer and other equipment, gaming table area and a snack/cafe area.
Voters stifled the call for a modern library in 2012 when they rejected a proposed $12.5 million upgrade to the Mary Cheney Library on Main Street. Directors last year decided to revive the effort and gather details on needs, costs and residents’ views and recommendations.
Library Director Doug McDonough has long decried the lack of space for both quiet study and community gatherings and for parents of young children just to park strollers and sit while their kids attend activities.
The library has been among the top four or five libraries in the state for adult and children’s circulation for years. In fiscal year 2018-19, the Manchester library loaned 288,396 books, e-books and magazines from its children’s collection, the most in the state, figures from the Connecticut State Library show.
But the heavily used Main Street facility has long fallen far short of the community’s needs, McDonough and others have said. The library board has found the problems that spurred the 2012 ballot initiative remained or had worsened.
Paper surveys can be submitted at the Mary Cheney Library and the Whiton Branch Library through the end of July. Both the paper and digital surveys are available in English, Spanish, and Bengali.
The effort to gather public input, titled “Our Library, Our Future,” also will have information tables at town events through the end of July. For more information, visit YourVoiceMattersManchesterCT.com/21st-century-libraries.
Jesse Leavenworth can be reached at jleavenworth@courant.com
