Submitted by Genie Dethloff.
Change is welcome at the Killingworth Library, which is striving to meet the needs of the community. A community survey was distributed in November 2019 asking Killingworth Library users to give us their opinions about library services. Over 260 people responded with thoughtful, constructive suggestions. The survey was done as part of a wide-ranging strategic planning process begun last April by the KLA Board of Directors. This stage of the process followed in-depth discussions with staff, volunteers and board members using a technique to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). Further community input obtained through key informant interviews and focus groups will lead to the development of a strategic plan to guide in the growth and development of the library.
Immediate Concerns Tackled
- One message came across loud and clear – the Killingworth Library needed to adjust its hours to better serve the needs of the community. As of Jan. 3, 2020, this issue was tackled. The library is now open until at least 6:00 p.m. every weekday and continues to have its extended evening hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We also open one hour earlier on Mon., Wed., and Fri.
- , Wed., Fri. 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- and Thurs. 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Patrons also mentioned that they would like us to offer more daytime programming. We have jumped right in with a series of periodic Sunday afternoon programs beginning on Feb. 2. Details on this afternoon series on the fight for women’s right to vote, during this centennial celebration year are on our website, www.killingworthlibrary.org.
- Many patrons noted that more programming is needed to draw in tweens and teens. In addition to our ongoing Readers and Eaters series we are launching a tween Anime film series. Anime is a popular style of Japanese comic book and cartoon animation. The series starts Friday, Feb. 7, 2020 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., with pizza and beverages provided. Also new is our Dungeons and Dragons program, on the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., as well as an introduction to the new Board game, Wingspan, which has a multigenerational appeal.
- Survey respondents also suggested improvements to access to print and electronic downloadable materials. These improvements were already in the works and we’ve modified our website to clarify patron access to browse collections. Our new memberships to Bibliomation has improved the access and timeliness to interlibrary loan immensely for print materials. We also now have Libby/Overdrive, Bookflix, and Hoopla for electronic material access. One immediate challenge is to get the word out, so our patrons know how to use these new resources. Fortunately, in addition to our library staff, our young tech experts from the Haddam-Killingworth Leos club (junior Lions Club affiliated members) are stepping up to help, with the first Tech Time session set for Jan. 27, 2020 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
- We also noted that patrons find the library to be a little too noisy. While acknowledging and celebrating that we are a friendly community gathering spot and have never been a “shush” library, this issue can be annoying. We are trying to be more sensitive to this issue as well as looking into noise-baffling options and possibly longer-term solutions.
We just wanted to let you know what we’ve been up to since we asked for your input. We appreciate your support of our library.
From the Strategic Planning Committee on behalf of the Killingworth Library Association Board of Directors
