Holley will survey community about best ways to promote library programs

HOLLEY – The Community Free Library is planning an upcoming survey to find out how people in their circulation area get information.

Library Board President Barb Kerns last week advised the Holley Village Board of the survey. Kerns explained to trustees that the library officials want to use tax money efficiently and the survey will help them to do that.

“Sometimes we have programming with more people than we can cope with, sometimes no one shows up,” she said. “We want to have programming people want and will attend.”

Kerns said those who complete and return the surveys will be entered into a drawing to receive a $50 Walmart gift card.

The survey will be conducted during the month of November with a Dec. 5 deadline to return surveys, Kerns said. She explained that the library is placing surveys and return boxes in local restaurants and community newsletters and asked the board if surveys could be placed in the next village mailing.

Village Attorney John Sansone recommended that the survey not be placed in a village mailing because the village has never included flyers from non-profits in mailings in the past, and that doing so would set a “dangerous precedent.”

Trustees offered advice and assistance regarding having the survey placed in local publications, placing e-surveys via social media and passing along surveys to the Office for the Aging.

Kerns thanked board members for their suggestions and said she would return to share information garnered from the survey. She noted the local library provides a fantastic source of information for residents.

“Local taxpayers have always provided support and we feel sad when they don’t know about something,” she said.

Kerns added that a second survey is planned in January regarding the perception of library programs and services.

In other business last week, board members unanimously passed a resolution approving the lease of space at the Police Department to the Holley Joint Fire District. Under the agreement, the Holley Joint Fire District will lease office space and two bays at the Police Department on Thomas Street.

The lease has been approved by both the Village Board and the Fire District and the resolution passed Tuesday gives the Board of Trustees’ consent to enter into a lease for the space and authorizes Mayor John Kenney, Jr. to sign the lease.