Here, we will share a weekly update addressing Mayor Brown’s questions, which are probably your questions, too. (And, if you’re still puzzled, be sure to comment directly on this post or ask us here. We want to be on the same page.) Answers to questions 1 & 2 regarding location can be found here.
Question 3: What demographic(s) of our community does the library uniquely serve? Are others able to serve these particular groups of people?
Library Board’s Answer: The mission of the Grand Forks Public Library (GFPL) is to connect the community, enrich the mind and inspire the imagination. To be truly successful in accomplishing this mission, all demographic categories within the city of Grand Forks must be impacted. At GFPL, we strive to provide “something for everyone.”
According to our most recent library user survey, most patrons came to the Grand Forks Public Library to (1) check out books, (2) check out DVDs and (3) use the computers. The complete breakdown of reasons people go to our library (click chart to expand):
Slightly more females (58%) than males (42%) used the GFPL. The breakdown by age is as follows:
November 2010 scientific research conducted by DMD Consulting verified that users of the Grand Forks Public Library are dispersed evenly across the community. People who live on the north side of town use the library the same amount as those living on the far south side. East and west of Washington also have very similar usage numbers.
The research results also revealed there is widespread support for building a new library. Regardless of whether or not they actually used the library, 74.2% of a random sample of Grand Forks residents was in favor of a new library. This holds true across wards as well. From the highest support (Ward 3 at 75.6%) to the lowest support (Ward 6 at 64.2%), the majority of people are in favor of a new library. The support holds true regardless of income level.
Usage of the Grand Forks Public Library continues to increase, both in checkout of materials and in usage of computers. This data is consistent with the findings of several national studies. A January 2010 Harris Interactive Poll provides compelling evidence that a decade-long trend of increasing library use is continuing – and even accelerating – during these difficult economic times. According to the study, two-thirds (65%) of Americans indicated they have used their public library in the past year. Eighty percent (80%) of those ages 18-24, 70% ages 25-34 and 73% ages 35-44 have used their library in the past year.
When asked about services used at the public library in the past year, 77% of Harris Poll respondents reported taking out books (print, e-books, or audio books), which is the number one use. Second was consulting a librarian (67%), followed by connecting to the internet (41%) and checking email (25%).
These materials, services and library events are not offered in quite the same way anywhere else in our community. The Grand Forks Public Library serves the entire population without regard to status; young and old, rich and poor, north end and south end residents – all receive unique niche services, free of charge, from the helpful and caring staff at our public library.
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