Focus group discussions suggest changes at County’s six library branches
Administrator | Dec 16, 2024 | Comments 0
If you dropped in to any branch of the library this fall, you may have received a survey asking for your thoughts on library services, collections and programs.
This was one way the library board was seeking your advice on a new strategic plan setting the direction for the future.
Prince Edward County Libraries CEO Barbara Sweet has also arranged a series of focus groups to discuss individual branches. Although the strategic plan is still in the works, the libraries have already acted on some of the suggestions that emerged from the survey and focus groups.
At the focus group held at the Bloomfield branch, a request for evening hours came through loud and clear. Additionally, people asked for longer days – more hours per open day than the current three-hour windows. Starting in January, we’ll have new hours to include an evening and full days.
Tuesdays, the Bloomfield branch will be open from 2 to 7 p.m. On Thursdays, the branch will open 10 – 4 p.m., and on Saturdays, open from 10 to 2 p.m.
This will also be an opportunity for groups who need a space to meet in the evenings while we are open – although the branch doesn’t have a closed-door meeting room, there is a big table in the back of the library which can be used for meetings quite successfully.
More recently, a focus group was held at the Picton branch and the same issue of evening hours was raised. Plans are underway to expand hours at every branch, with more details to come.
We often remark that our best ideas come from our patrons – people ask us to offer something they’ve seen at another library, or something they would like learn about, and we always try to support these ideas when they come forward if we can.
The Friends of the Library at each branch help us tremendously in this way, by being open to ideas they hear in their day-to-day lives. You can find out more about these groups that support, advocate and volunteer for the library at peclibrary.org/friends
There are two focus groups sessions to come. One will be for the Milford branch, and the other will cover the Ameliasburgh and Consecon branches.
In the new year, we will asking for your help to share your thoughts about library service in your area. We will be looking for people who are not library users but would be, “if only…” as well as regular library users and anyone who has ideas and thoughts about the library. You can register by calling Ameliasburgh at (613) 968-9327, Consecon (613) 392-1106 or Miford (6130 476-4130.
Thanks to everyone who has already taken the time to share thoughts. We really do value all input and do our best to act on suggestions when we can.
Library branch holiday hours:
Tuesday, Dec. 24:
CLOSED: Ameliasburgh and Bloomfield
Open 10 am – 1 pm: Consecon, Milford, Picton and Wellington
Dec. 25, 26: All branches closed
Dec. 27,28: All branches open regular hours
Dec. 31:
CLOSED: Ameliasburgh, Bloomfield and Consecon
Open 10 am – 1 pm: Milford, Picton and Wellington
Jan. 1: All branches closed
Prince Edward County offers six library branches with programs and services for everyone. Visit peclibrary.org to find upcoming events, the latest new books, and more.
Ameliasburgh Branch Al Purdy Library
809 Whitney Road, Ameliasburgh, K0K 1A0
Phone: 613-968-9327
Fax: 613-961-7992
Email: ameliasburgh@peclibrary.org
Hours
Wednesday 10 AM-1 PM
Bloomfield Branch Library
300 Main Street, Box 9, Bloomfield, K0K 1G0
Phone: 613-393-3400
Fax: 613-393-1887
Email: bloomfield@peclibrary.org
Hours
Wednesday 10 AM-1 PM
Tuesday 2 – 7 p.m.
Thursday 10 – 4 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Consecon Branch Library
211 County Road 29, Consecon, K0K 1T0
Phone: 613-392-1106
Fax: 613-392-4461
Email: consecon@peclibrary.org
Hours
Wednesday 2-5 PM
Milford Branch Ann Farwell Library
3053 County Road 10, Milford, K0K 2P0
Phone: 613-476-4130
Fax: 613-476-6527
Email: milford@peclibrary.org
Hours
Wednesday 2-5 PM
Picton Branch Library
208 Main Street, Picton, K0K 2T0
Phone: 613-476-5962
Email: bsweet@peclibrary.org
Hours
Wednesday 10 AM-5 PM
Filed Under: Liz Zylstra • News from Everywhere Else
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