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The Winchester Public Library would love to hear from you: what you like about the library, any changes you’d like to see, whether you prefer physical media or online resources, if your children visit the library, what kinds of events you’d like to see.
The library is in the midst of strategic planning and Director Nicole Langley said your input is both vital and very much appreciated.
The last strategic plan, Langley said, was done before the pandemic and was finally approved in 2021. When she came on in 2022, the library had addressed most of the goals from that plan in some way. Now, it’s time to do a new one.
The library is running a community survey to hear directly from residents, including teens.
“The survey is one piece,” she said. “It’s a way to get at least some feedback.”
The next stage will include focus groups for both adults and teens, and the survey includes a place for people to indicate the kinds of focus groups in which they’d like to participate.
Langley said the library wants to reach as many people as possible, including those who don’t necessarily go to the library frequently.
3 ways to take the survey
Paper and pen: Print copies are available at the circulation desk at the library.
QR code: Scan the QR code in the flyer embedded in this story. You will be asked your age, and then you will be directed to either the teen survey or the adult survey.
Website: Both versions of the survey are available on the library’s website, www.winpublib.org.
How the sausage is made
There are many steps in the creation of a strategic plan. The library started the process last summer, Langley said.
“We did hire a consultant that has worked with other non-profits and, specifically, libraries,” she said.
In the fall, she said, they sought input from stakeholders about what the library is doing well and what might be done differently.
The Strategic Planning Advisory Committee, which includes community partners, library trustees, and some staff, is helping with other community visioning.
The question, Langley said, is, “What kind of community do we want to see in Winchester?”
“I love going through this process,” she said.
It’s a chance to look at what they’re doing, she said, while not being bogged down in the day-to-day business of running the library.
The goal, she said, is to have the plan done by late spring.
The library has had some upgrades, Langley said, including to the phone, WIFI, and security systems.
“We had focused on technology improvements over the last few years,” she said.
Now, some work needs to be done on the building itself, including to the windows and the roof. The building was constructed in the 1930s, and it still has some of the original windows. That work, however, is a subject for another day.
In the meantime, the survey is still open. It will be closing sometime in mid-February, she said.
Langley said she is thankful people are taking the time to do the survey and offer their input.
“The town of Winchester has always been supportive of the library,” she said.
Wendall Waters has over 35 years of experience in publishing. She is a former reporter/editor and covered environmental issues for Wicked Local and Gannett Media. She is one of the co-founders of Gotta Know Medford.
