2026 Community Survey Results

Plainfield Area Public Library

The Survey

As part of our strategic planning process, the Library invited community members to share their thoughts and ideas through a short survey.

The survey was comprised of 17 questions.

We shared the survey through our website, social media channels, in the building as well as in our weekly email newsletter.

660 COMMUNITY MEMBERS FILLED OUT THE SURVEY

representing 0.8% of the 2023 IMLS service area population of 79,063.

A snapshot of our community

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How do you use the library?

Library users were asked what is the main reason they use the library, either in-person or online. Checking out physical materials ranked the highest. Downloading digital materials, programming and study space are also important to our users.

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How often do you use the Library?

Library users were asked how often they visit us here at the Library, with the majority stopping in monthly.

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How often do you use the Library's digital resources?

Library users were asked how often they use our digital resources (eBooks, eAudio, streaming, TV/movies, online databases).

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Satisfaction

Library users were asked about their overall satisfaction with Library services as well as their level of satisfaction in fifteen categories.

Overall Satisfaction

Overall Library users were very happy with the Library!

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Library Facilities

(cleanliness, open space, meeting/study rooms)

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Customer Service

Convenience of Library Services

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Selection of the Library's Physical Collection

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Selection of eBooks and digital audiobooks

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Library Programs for Adults

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Library Programs for Children

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Library Programs for Tweens/Teens

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What Library Users Like About Us

Community Members were invited to respond to an open-ended question about what they are most satisfied with in regards to the library. Below are five standout responses.

The Library always makes me feel welcome and cheerfully helps me out anytime I need help. I love the children's section for reading options for my grandson. All in all, a wonderful resource.

My young kids go to the Library often and have a great time there and as an adult, I enjoy the adult oriented events and services.

The staff is always helpful whether I can't find an item I am looking for or I have tech questions.

I love the GoGo Gadgets program. I have used multiple gadgets and I feel this is a great program for our community. Many of the items are things that would be expensive to purchase for something that would be used once.

Convenience- I primarily use the library for physical books, and I love that I can have holds put in the lockers, where I can access them when the Library is closed. I appreciate the new pick-up window and drive-up book return.

Next Steps

Using the survey results as well as input from staff and the Board of Trustees, a new strategic plan for 2026-2029, with a new mission and vision statement, will be released this summer. Library Leadership Teams will develop an action plan supporting the strategic goals of the new plan.