When Do You Want Libraries to be Open? Take The Seattle Public Library’s New Survey about Library Hours and Services
release date: October 18, 2021
What hours would you like your neighborhood library to be open? How did your use of libraries change during the pandemic? What’s important to you and your community about Library services?
A new survey launched by The Seattle Public Library invites community members to weigh in on these questions by Nov. 8, 2021.
The survey, which takes about 10 minutes to complete and is available in eight languages, can be accessed online at www.spl.org/LevySurvey or in print format at all Library locations. The Library Levy Priority Survey focuses on the use of funds supported by the levy that Seattle voters overwhelmingly passed in 2019.
A key levy priority – in addition to expanding collections, ending overdue fines and improving technology and maintenance – was to expand Library hours. That priority was delayed by the pandemic-related, systemwide Library closures and citywide budget cuts. Now that all Library locations have reopened and the mayor’s proposed budget fully restores our General Fund support, the Library is planning ahead for how to add those hours in 2022 and beyond.
“As the Library prepares to continue expanding hours, we are inviting patrons and community members to share when and how they would like to use their libraries,” said Interim Chief Librarian Tom Fay. “This survey will help us understand how to prioritize the use of these funds and to best support the diverse needs and interests of patrons across Seattle.”
HOW TO TAKE THE LIBRARY LEVY PRIORITY SURVEY
The Library Levy Priority survey is available in Amharic, Chinese, English, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya, and Vietnamese.
You can take the survey online by going to www.spl.org/LevySurvey and finding the survey in your language. You can also take the survey at any Library location either by using Library computers and catalog terminals or by asking a staff member for a printed copy.
The survey will be open until Nov. 8, 2021.
If you have questions or need assistance, call 206-386-4636 or contact www.spl.org/Ask. Staff are also available to help you at any Library location.
MORE INFORMATION
The Library believes that the power of knowledge improves people's lives. We promote literacy and a love of reading as we bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community.
To learn more about the Library’s work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, read our 2020 Impact Report.
Visit the Library's Road to Reopening page for more information on current Library services.
Contact the Library’s Ask Us service by phone at 206-386-4636 or by email or chat at www.spl.org/Ask. Staff are ready to answer questions and direct you to helpful resources and information.