Public Meeting for the Ferndale Public Library - November 2006

Community Discussion Report

TOPIC: Role of the Library as an Institution in the Community

We need a bigger and better library for Ferndale

How does or should the library be integrated within the overall public  services of the City?

• the Ferndale Library as the Community Living Room
• the library should provide a community and cultural center
• it should provide a business education, computer, and reproduction center
• it should provide free meeting rooms for community events

What library services (books, seating, etc.) need improving?

• electronic resources and meeting rooms open beyond traditional library hours
• additional training and classes educating the public about library and computer
• use, especially for seniors
• more computers for improved access to information
• offer a business needs space providing computers, forms, and copy center
• provide archive and preservation of cultural and historic documents
• attractive setting with campus atmosphere
• additional seating
• provide listening and learning lab
• additional security
• provide social area and quiet area

How should the library be serviced with regard to public and private  transportation, parking and accessibility?

• needs to be easily accessible for pedestrians, near bike paths and on bus route
• needs more parking
• needs better traffic flow with more than one exit
• How should the library serve and be complimentary to public  education including home schooling?
• should be a safe harbor
• offer computer and database classes
• offer adult education classes and community enrichment
• coordinate with WCC, WWU, and distance learning
• provide more teaching space as well as study space

Vision for the Future of Library Services in Ferndale

What is your personal view of the future for Ferndale?

• well planned growth
• family oriented
• large student population
• better access
• hope for economic viability
• better access
• hope for economic viability
• needs a theme – brand such as “pioneer”
• better roads
• a separate and sustainable community with services, commercial outlets and a libraryhomey atmosphere with trees, sidewalks and a library with street appeal
• “green” (repeated several times)
• walkable with trails and sidewalks
• “Cheers” neighborhoods where you know your neighbors
• cultural center with thriving arts-both visual and performing plus places for work and play
• central coffee shop for lingering (repeated)
• better retail
• pedestrian friendly
• improved access both with roads and for pedestrians
• riverfront park with trails and recreational opportunities
• re-route the train!
• enter on an elegant bridge; find lovely buildings and exit on another elegant bridge
• a sense of cohesiveness for organizations and services
• pool
• one stop shopping; central services and library

How do library services fit in your view of the city’s future?

• very important
• provide access to city info and other Ferndale resources
• should be located on accessible trails, bus routes, cars, pedestrians and bikes
• gathering place where there are quiet spaces to contemplate
• convenience and flexibility
• historical look, fits into community
• integrate with community services “one stop shopping”
• What are your priorities for library services—including books, media,
• magazines, newspapers, and community meeting and study spaces?
• more is better
• must grow parallel to the city growth
• be flexible and changeable
• have a kids’ zone (not day care)
• need more books
• historical collection
• improve technology; offer online classes and distance education
• be multi-purpose for information services, art related to history

What are your priorities for library services—including books,  media, magazines, newspapers, and community meeting and study spaces?

• better selection and collection
• variety of spaces by use
• better parking
• drive by book pick-up and drop off
• WiFi
• different e strokes for different e folks
• encourage an appreciation of culture and knowledge
• teach library 101
• offer business services and be an incubator of services for small business
• be welcoming--hugs not handshakes
• provide literacy services
  
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