Community & staff needs discussed at Library Planning Meeting

A small group gathered for the Bagley Public Library planning meeting for Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL) held on Thursday, July 20. 

The community members, including Commissioner Arlen Syverson who serves on the Regional Library Board, came to participate in the sharing of information to help shape the future  library programs and services. 

Liz Lynch, Regional Library Director from the Moorhead office was there to moderate the conversation and ask questions to assess the needs of the community. 

“We are in our planning process for 2017-2019. Besides Bagley, I've conducted meetings in Detroit Lakes, Mahnomen, Hawley, Breckenridge, and in August will go to Crookston. I wish more would attend these meetings for their own benefit.” 

“We want to know what are the community members needs and likes, and what are the staff needs. We are our own entity, and not run by the government. The library system is run out of Moorhead, and employees work for LARL. We receive local funding and also from the State of Minnesota.”

“Library usage at the Bagley branch is bucking national trends, and is going up and up,” she stated, giving credit to local librarian, Karen Edevold. “Checkouts are slowing down, but ebooks are through the roof. Way to go Karen! But don't worry – books aren't going away.”

“And the Gonvick Link is the most heavily used in our system!” 

Questions proposed, and some answers received:

What are the things you like about the Library here?

“Being able to request books! The staff is so willing to search for titles and make requests from other libraries.” 

Books can be requested to check out, and also for purchase. Ms. Lynch said the majority of items they purchase are because of customer requests.

“The reciprocal borrowing, allowing book returns at various branches.”

“This space is so much more user friendly than the downtown location was.” 

“The flexible hours of some days and evenings is helpful, and having a book drop.”

What are the challenges?

“Everything costs money. We have to realize it is an investment in the community in order to keep things going,” Mr. Syverson stated. “Kids can get on their bicycles and come out here.”

“Arlen is our 'Library Advocate!'” Ms. Lynch commented. 

“In Bagley it is a challenge to find activities outside of family or church. The Library fills a need for a community place to go.”

“People do everything on their phones these days,” Karen Edevold stated. “They come here to get internet access on their smart phones. Kids have challenges. Some are expected to email their homework to school, but not everyone has access. Many people don't have TV, cable, satelite, or internet – nothing.”

What sorts of activities and subjects would you like to see presented by the Library?

Karen Edevold said many people have enjoyed the Summer Recreation programs and bring their families. Often it may be grandma or an aunt that brings the kids. They make it a regular practice to visit the library. 

Now you can download the LARL Mobile App to get one-stop access to everything you love about the library, and quick access to eBooks and eAudiobooks. 

The librarian explained the “Fall Lineup” of activities coming to the Library this year. Ms. Lynch said if members of the community have suggestions they can tell Karen and she can pass it on. 

There is a high useage of videos and DVDs, and  read books on their computer now, Ms. Lynch said. Rotating of books is done on a regular basis so they do not get “stale”.

Phase 2 will be to send out surveys by email in September, which can also be picked up at the library.