Contentment Regarding the Municipal Library
Lake City Public Library to Enhance Services for Teens and Adults
According to a study conducted between May and September 2024, a significant proportion of Lake City residents prefer printed books over e-books due to the largely unknown e-book offer. The study, which involved nearly 400 participants, both customers and non-customers of the public library, also highlighted the challenge of reaching the age group of 13 and above.
The study, however, revealed high satisfaction with the library staff's expertise, friendliness, helpfulness, and accessibility. The reasons given by non-customers for not using the public library were "preference for purchase over loan" and "opening hours do not fit".
The findings of the study suggest that the Lake City public library can improve services for the age group 13 and above by enhancing opportunities for social connection, skill development, and access to both physical and digital resources tailored to teens and adults.
Recommended improvements include hosting diverse, interest-based programs and clubs such as gaming, anime & manga, and book clubs. Providing volunteer opportunities targeted at older teens, offering dedicated spaces for socializing and studying, improving access to current events and civic resources, enhancing digital lending platforms and online resources, and engaging specialized youth services librarians are some of the key recommendations.
Iris Schulz, the director of SENTOBIB, drew four conclusions from the study: promote offers, offer workshops for adults, strengthen the Kaldenkirchen location, and extend opening hours. The survey results were presented to the Culture and Cities of Friendship Committee.
On a positive note, the city library team is pleased that children find the library "cozy" and "fun". The respondents of the Nettetal city library gave a thumbs-up for accessibility and sufficient bicycle parking spaces. The affordability of the membership fee also received positive feedback from the respondents. Nearly 15 percent of the respondents, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the opening hours of the public library.
- To cater to the preferences of a wider age group, the Lake City Public Library could consider incorporating a home-and-garden section, offering books and resources that might interest adults alongside the lifestyle section.
- Recognizing the need for education and self-development opportunities for teens and adults, the Lake City Public Library could introduce specialized workshops on diverse topics such as home improvement, gardening, and personal development to complement their existing services.
