Nobody likes a back seat driver. “Watch out! Turn left — no, right — no, left! Don’t forget to signal! Wow! You took that corner on two wheels! Could you park any further from the curb?”
And yet, backseat drivers are exactly what the library’s looking for.
When it comes to finding out how our patrons like to travel in our world, and getting pointers about direction, speed, and destination, you could say the library is an exception. We DO want back seat drivers, and with legroom, to boot. Now that we have our shiny new used vehicle (our great renovated space) we’re ready to hit the road.
When navigating the future, it’s great to get help at the wheel. And now our future is taking us places we haven’t been before, except on a day trip here and there.
With positive referendum returns on areas F and South H, we now have to consider how best to deliver services further afield. Our membership has increased by almost 50 per cent since these new areas came on board. And for all those coming through our doors, from Nelson and the surrounding area, we want to know what you want, the better to keep you happily in the passenger seat.
Enter the library’s survey, online at nelsonlibrary.ca until May 20. This is where you get to hop in and tell us where to.
First we want to know what you think of our new wheels. Survey questions ask for your assessment of the newly renovated public library facility. Too noisy? Too quiet? Need more books on car repair? Or do you love our digital car repair database? What about our seats? Comfy? Are there enough staff people directing traffic?
We want to know how you use the library when you take us out for a spin. Do you take out books or download? Read The Globe and Mail? Access our wireless network? Bring the kids to storytime or come to a poetry reading? Teen film night? Use the archives or microfilm? Check your items out yourself, or come to the smiling librarians at the desk?
And if we want to tune-up our ride, then we need your assessment: how well are we meeting the needs of wee ones, teens, seniors, people in various economic or cultural sectors, rural residents? Where do you think we should focus? And what would you like to see in the library?
Of course, backseat driving is more than just pointing the way or commenting on parallel parking (for the record, the Library has become a master at tight spaces over the years). So there are plenty of opportunities to add comments and ideas. We know you’ve been around the block a few times, and may have a suggestion or two when it comes to our route, and our stops along the way.
Of course, it’s the journey as much as the destination. Because a good library never really arrives, but constantly maps new territory. And for every kilometer, we need you — making sure we’ve got our eyes on the road, our hands on the wheel, and a good, clear road map to the best future possible.
Anne DeGrace’s column is featured in the Star twice a month