Maxwell library shares community survey results

Months ago, Maxwell Memorial Library began the early stages of compiling their 2021 – 2023 strategic plan.

Together, the director and board of trustees sent out a survey to the community, hoping to get thoughts on the future of not only the library, but where Camillus was heading. The results of this survey will be used to shape the library’s strategic plan.

“We received 51 responses. We learned that people love living in the community, and enjoy how close it is to everything, how family-oriented, and how it still has a friendly, small town feel. Many felt the community was growing, with more retail offerings, more houses and apartments, and more diversity of residence, along with some extra noise,” the library shared in a press release.

When asked what role the library should play in the community, people emphasized the library should make sure it keep pace with our offerings to a changing community, and be a place for that community to gather.

“Many people mentioned loving our programs, but also stressing a need to collaborate more with schools and local businesses,” the press release said. “There were many suggestions for who to collaborate with (local Office of the Aging, scouts, Erie Canal, Historical Society, Fairmount Library, and Parks and Recreation, to name a few), but people also mentioned our space was a concern because we are small. Being a source of education, inspiration and education to people of all ages was echoed throughout responses, as was continuing to provide books, internet access, and other free materials.”

According to the library, there were many great suggestions for programs and the library hopes to implement these ideas in 2021.

“We are actively planning beer/wine tasting programs, coding programs for children and teens, computer classes, and classes on using the Libby app (to download ebooks and audiobooks from the library collection). There were also requests for more book clubs, yoga and meditation classes, landscaping, home improvement, and speakers from diverse backgrounds. Some of these requests have already been met (see our new Maxwell Reads book group, and our Food for Fines program). We are really looking forward to implementing your suggestions, and if you’d like to help us provide a program, we’d love to hear from you,” the press release said.

The library also asked residents what services provided were most important to them, and resoundingly the answer was the ability to borrow books, DVDs and other library materials.

Honorable mentions go to access to free wi-fi, research assistance, and the borrowing of ebooks and audiobooks through Libby and Hoopla.

“Maxwell will continue to offer its robust collection of items, while making sure we provide the latest offerings. We are also proud to say you ranked our customer service and library staff as excellent,” the press release said.

The survey also asked residents what they would change about the library.

“Quite a few people mentioned having a small parking lot (we agree!). There were also suggestions of a larger community room, or a larger library/new facility. We would like to take this opportunity to raise awareness of improvements already done. Both our heating and air conditioning units have been upgraded in the last few months, and we now have UV light air scrubbers to improve the indoor quality. New books and other library materials are purchased monthly (usually one month ahead of publication to ensure we have the most recent items), and we love to hear your suggestions. We also purchase multiple copies to keep up with demand. New furniture was purchased a few years ago, when the inside renovation was performed, and our shelving is now on wheels to give us flexible spaces. The library also has an active Friends of the Library group of volunteers, who are always looking for new members,” the press release said.

Maxwell Memorial Library is located at 14 Genesee St. in the Village of Camillus.

Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Sundays. For more information on this and other library news, call 315-672-3661, visit online at maxwellmemoriallibrary.org, or follow the library @maxmemlib on social media.