Madera County Library reports survey: patrons ask for more hours, programs and teen spaces

Library Director Krista Riggs presented results from a three‑month community survey conducted June 9–Sept. 5. The countywide summary in the agenda packet showed broad use of the county library system and specific requests from respondents for more hours, more in‑person programs and improved teen spaces.

Key findings staff highlighted: nearly 70 percent of respondents reported visiting the library daily, weekly or monthly; borrowing physical materials remains the single most common use; 85 percent said current hours meet their needs at least some of the time; 90 percent said current services meet their needs at least some of the time. Among respondents who use the library infrequently or not at all, 46 percent cited operating hours as a barrier and roughly 28 percent said they used digital resources instead.

Riggs told the board the library plans to seek creative solutions for expanded hours within budget and staffing constraints, pursue grants and sponsorships for programs such as music and art events, and solicit additional community input as the county’s strategic plan for the library system is updated in December.

Supervisors praised library staff and encouraged more outreach to infrequent users. Riggs said reciprocal borrowing through the regional consortium remains strong and that a new generation of online survey tools produced a summary analysis she found largely consistent with staff assessments.

No action was required; the presentation was informational and staff said they will return to the board with strategic‑plan related requests as needed.