Friends of the Weller Public Library discuss survey results

WAITSBURG—The Friends of the Weller Public Library met on July 28 at 7 p.m, to discuss the results of a recent community survey. Over 20 community members were in attendance.

The overall goal stated by the Friends of the Weller Public Library is to create a space that is bright and vibrant and accessible to all. The community survey, which closed July 21, was available online, on social media, at the library, and sent to library patrons via email and text message.

There were 111 respondents to the survey The majority of responders, 86%, were residents of Waitsburg, with just over 13 % of responses gathered from individuals who live elsewhere. Nearly 50% said that they had not utilized library services within the past two years.

Many of the responses came from Facebook. Stephanie Cole, a new member of the Friends of the Library, presented the survey results. She said that there may have been some confusion regarding the facebook page that could have hindered responses. Facebook had automatically created a page for the Weller Public Library based on tagged photos and check-in actions from visitors. The survey was posted on a second Friends of the Weller Public Library page created, owned, and run by members of the organization. Cole said she thinks people may have gotten the pages confused and were unable to find the survey.

While less than 4% of responses showed that people were interested in moving the library, 45% of responses indicated that people are open-minded about moving the space from its current building at 212 Main.

More than 52% of responses showed an interest in joining the Walla Walla County Rural Library District. If the Weller Public Library were to join the rural district, it would require a tax of $0.46 per $1,000. The tax on a $250,000 residence would cost roughly $125, according to the survey. More than 34% of responses were a ‘maybe,’ stating that the individual would need more information before deciding, but only 13.5% said no. Joining the rural district would grow library services, book selection, and programs.

The survey provided participants a chance to give input about changes to the library, many of which focused on making the library more accessible to all. Accessibility was a major point. Karen Huwe shared that the rear entrance to the library is currently blocked off by city pipes and other materials that are being stored and have been there for ‘a long time.’ She suggested that Friends of the Library pursue getting the pipes removed, regardless of the ability to turn the back entrance into an ADA-accessible area, as it poses a safety hazard.

“There is only one entrance,” Huwe said. “If there were a fire in the front of the building, people would be trapped. You cannot access that back door.”

Waitsburg residents Katie Knighton and Naomi Long were selected to lead fundraising efforts. During discussions about library funds, it was suggested that a line-item report be requested from the City of Waitsburg. Details about upcoming fundraising efforts will be available later.

The Friends of the Weller Public Library will meet again on August 11, at 7 p.m. Meetings have been held at the Waitsburg Town Hall, 121 Main Street.