Libraries asking young people for their views – Warwick district
Young people are being asked for their views on Warwickshire Libraries’ service in a survey taking place at all five libraries in the district this week (W/C 10 September).
All under 16 year olds will be asked to complete questionnaires aimed at ensuring that libraries’ staff are all well informed on how they are viewed by their younger users.
The Children’s Public Library User Service threw up some important points when last conducted in 2004.
Young people in Leamington Library identified the need for more books and activities for teenagers, a bigger children’s area and bounce and rhyme for toddlers. As a consequence, work experience students were challenged to improve a service to teenagers by choosing stock, the Children’s Library was rearranged to maximise use of space and toddler sessions were introduced.
In Kenilworth Library, views were that the library needed to be more modern with added seating and that the library should be open six days. A subsequent refurbishment made many of the adaptations suggested in the survey, including baby changing andf defined areas and the library was opened for six days a week.
Lillington’s young people suggested colouring competitions and more tapes. Both recommendations were acted upon with more colouring sheets made available and some revision money being spent on spoken word tapes.
Warwick Library’s young users looked for more space to sit and more drawing paper. Again, both recommendations were acted upon.
Whitnash young people asked libraries to look at a homework corner which staff investigated.
Ayub Khan, head of libraries strategy, said: “We are determined to provide the best possible service for our current young users.
“We recognise that they are also our future adult customers. It is critical that they have a means of sharing their views with us to help us shape the future of the service.”