Background

In early 2025, the Board of Trustees of the Center Moriches Free Public Library began a series of discussions to develop a comprehensive Community Survey. To the best of the library’s institutional knowledge, this marked the first time a community-wide survey had been conducted. The final version of the survey that was to be distributed was approved at the Board’s March 25, 2025 meeting.

Survey Launch & Promotion

The survey was released to the public on April 23, 2025. It was open to individuals of all ages, and there were no restrictions regarding library membership—participants did not need to have a library card or be regular library users to complete the survey.

To maximize awareness and engagement, the survey was promoted through various platforms:

• An announcement in the May/June library newsletter
• A banner on the library’s homepage
• Weekly email blasts to current cardholders that provided an email through Sierra
• An article in the local newspaper, the June edition of The Tide of Moriches and Manorville
• Posts on social media platforms; Facebook and Instragram
• Prominent signage displayed throughout the library

Library staff also made in-person announcements at various programs and events.

The survey was made available in several formats to ensure accessibility: print (both standard and large print) and an online version.

Community Information

According to the 2023 census, the Center Moriches Free Public Library serves a population of 8,155. In addition, the library extends service to several neighboring communities not currently within a chartered library district. These include East Moriches, Eastport-South Manor, and Remsenburg-Speonk. Residents of these districts vote annually on whether to contract library services through the Suffolk Cooperative Library System, allowing them access to a library of their choice for a contract year beginning July 1 through June 30.

Library Cardholders

As of June 30, 2025 the total amount of patrons that had active, non-expired library cards was 12,810.

Survey Participation

The survey closed on June 30, 2025, with a total of 284 responses collected. 45 people completed the survey using paper and the remaining patrons submitted it online.

A significant majority of respondents reported having a library card. Since this survey was anonymous, it is undetermined whether or not individuals had an active or expired card.

Respondents came from a variety of school districts, with Center Moriches and Eastport-South Manor tied as the most represented, each with 105 participants. East Moriches followed with 57, while Other/Unsure accounted for 15, and Speonk-Remsenburg had just 1 response. Strong engagement is seen from the Center Moriches and Eastport-South Manor communities.

Center Moriches (105), East Moriches (57), Speonk-Remsenburg (1), Eastport-South Manor (105), Other/Unsure (15)

Survey Results

Library Frequency Insights

Responses on how often a patron visits the library reveal a strong pattern of visits across the community. When visualized as a bell curve, the data shows a clear central tendency, with the vast majority of the respondents visiting the library on a weekly to monthly basis. However, more than 75% of patrons are using the library at least once a month .

Key Observations:

• The peak of the curve centers around “Few times a month” (80 responses), “Once a week” (76), and “2–3 times a week” (64). These categories represent the most common library usage patterns, suggesting that the library is a regular part of many people’s routines.
• Daily users are relatively few, with only 9 respondents (3%) reporting such frequent visits.
• On the lower end of the curve, “Never” (1 response) and “Few times a year” (14) indicate minimal engagement, possibly due to lack of awareness, accessibility issues, or preference for digital resources.
• Interestingly, 11 respondents (3.7%) reported that they mostly use online resources, highlighting the growing importance of digital access and virtual services offered by our library.

Few Times a Month (80), Once a Week (76), 2-3 Times a Week (64), Once a Month (29), Few Times a Year (14), Only Use Online Resources (11), Daily (9), Never (1)

Library Purpose and Space Usage

Survey participants were asked to select a primary reason they use the library. Leisure / Programs / Socialization (116 responses) and Checking Out Items (115 responses)—these two categories are nearly tied—were the top responses, indicating that the library serves a major hub for socialization and a resource center for borrowing materials. A smaller but still meaningful portion of users visit the library for Study / Educational purposes (14 responses), while others use it for Computer / Wi-Fi / Copier Services (9 responses) and Work Related Use (8 responses). Work Related Use can be seen since the rise of telecommuting and working-from-home since the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, 22 respondents selected “Other,” suggesting a variety of additional uses that didn’t fit into the above categories.

Leisure / Programs / Socialization (116 responses), Checking Out Items (115 responses), Study / Educational purposes (14 responses), Computer / Wi-Fi / Copier Services (9 responses), Work Related Use (8)

The statistics from the Purpose section reflect the responses for how the library spaces are used. Patrons were able to select multiple responses to indicate all areas of the Library they utilize. The chart highlights that the Adult Area is by far the most frequented, followed by the Children’s Area, while the Teen Area and Computer Room are the least popular.

Adult Area (36%), Children’s Area (25%), Lounge Area (14%), Meeting / Study / Community Rooms (13%), Computer Room (6%),Teen Area (6%)

Communication

Respondents were allowed to select multiple answers where they hear about library events and information.

• Library Newsletter was the most frequently cited source. Over 15,000 copies are delivered to local households on a bi-monthly basis.
• Library Website followed with 159 mentions, showing strong digital engagement.
• Social Media (Facebook, Instagram) was selected by 63 respondents, reflecting moderate reach through online platforms.
• Signs or Flyers in the Library (58), Library Staff (50), and Word of Mouth (49) were also notable, emphasizing the importance of in-person and community-based communication.
• Traditional and passive channels like the Local Newspaper (13), Internet Search (9), Other (3), and Don’t Know/Not Applicable (2) were less commonly cited.

This data suggests that direct communication from the library—via newsletters, websites, and staff—is most effective, while social and community-based methods also play a meaningful role.

Library Website (159), Social Media (63), Signs or Flyers (58), Library Staff (50), Word of Mouth (49), Local Newspapers (13), Internet Search (9), Other (3), Don’t Know / Not Applicable (2)

User Resources

Library patrons were asked to indicate which services and amenities they use. Respondents were able to select as many options as were applicable.

The most frequently used service was Checking Out Items, with 213 responses, highlighting its central role in library engagement. This was followed by Museum Passes/Discounts (165), the Café (150), and the Seed Library (118), showing strong interest in both cultural and community-based offerings.

Checking Out Items: 213,Museum Passes / Discount: 165,Café: 150,Seed Library: 118,Online Resources (Libby, Hoopla, etc): 108,Thrift Shelves: 96,Programming: 83,Passports: 78,Library of Things Collection: 72,Plastic Recycling: 67,Free Wifi: 64,Glass Recycling: 63,Notary: 60,Artist Alley: 51,Wifi Hotspots: 22,Outside Locker Pickup: 8,Social Work Intern: 7,Cleanly Corner: 6,Homebound Delivery: 2,Curbside Delivery: 1

User Technological Services

Patrons were able to select all responses that were applicable to them. There are various technological services and amenities offered in the Computer Room however 135 out the 285 respondents indicated that they do not take advantage of the services.

Among those who do, Printing Services (19%) and Making Copies (18.4%) are the most frequently used, highlighting their importance. Faxing (11.6%) and Public Computers (9%) show moderate usage, while Scanning (6.1%) is the least utilized.

Service Satisfaction

The results of service satisfaction reflect a largely positive perception of the library with customer service, safety and cleanliness. Of note, areas of improvement were the parking lot, which was still under construction.  Patrons also expressed that there was not adequate seating. Additional feedback showed that patrons disagreed that there was a variety of programs that interest them.  Respondents provided insight regarding programs later on in the survey.

Feedback Summary

Service Suggestions

Makerspace / Technology

1. Makerspace / 3-D printing
2. A propagation station! Leave a cutting, take a cutting
3. More places to charge electronic devices
4. Sensory kits and take-home kits for adults and seniors

Programs – Children’s

1. More children’s classes and variety, especially on weekends and evenings and for the 12-month – 2 year old age group
2. Late afternoon toddler activities
3. More reading programs beyond 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
4. Bring back Homeschool Hangout
5. Educational and craft programs during school-day hours
6. Programs that accommodate multi-age homeschool families

Programs – Teens

1. More mature teen programming
2. Community service options for teens, including grab-and-go formats

Programs – Adults

1. Varied adult programs (e.g., line dancing, Zumba, arts, civics, authors)
2. Informational sessions on benefits (e.g., Medicaid, Veterans Affairs)
3. Increase in afternoon, evening and weekend adult programming
4. Programs geared toward 20s–40s demographic to socialize
5. More social programs for older adults (bingo, mahjong, knitting cell phone skills)
6. Suggest intergenerational programming (elderly meeting youth)
7. Yoga and wellness classes in evenings or non-traditional locations (e.g., beach)
8. Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, sound healing, aromatherapy, and art therapy
9. Virtual and hybrid options for wellness programs
10. Community garden and sustainability workshops
11. Collaborations with local organizations to educate the public and career fairs
12. Offer more take-home crafts (adults/teens)
13. Enable out-of-district users to register for programs

Related Program Feedback

1. Registration fills up too quickly; need more spots or sessions
2. Spread out online program registration
3. Consider mailing the newsletter earlier to allow timely registration
4. Provide advance notice and materials for craft pickups
5. Ensure Zoom classes have recorded videos sent to participants
6. Avoid cliquish dynamics in classes; ensure equal participation
7. Reinstate ability to view program registration/waitlist status

Events & Trips

1. More museum passes (local and NYC-based)
2. Discounted access to restaurants and theaters
3. Additional bus trips

Book Collection / Materials

1. More bestsellers and popular titles with shorter wait times
2. Increase in large print, Asian DVDs, vinyl records
3. Increase book selection, especially large print and non-bestsellers
4. Add sheet music for piano and violin
5. Expand Fiction and improve shelf clarity
6. Maintain book displays near checkout area
7. More museum passes, such as the Aquarium, and restore Harbes

Digital Services / Access

1. Streamlined login for digital services (e.g., Libby)
2. Expand e-audio/ebook collections
3. Offer digital library cards and easier card renewal online
4. Improvements to catalog/search functionality

Library Improvements
Staff & Service Feedback

1. Staff are friendly, helpful, and professional
2. Patrons appreciate the positive changes and improvements
3. Recognition of long-term patronage and growth of the library
4. Year-round book donations
5. Concerns about staff attitude and phone usage
6. Some patrons feel followed or judged; mention of a security guards being overbearing
7. Concerns about homeless individuals in bathrooms affecting safety

Children’s Department Expansion

1. Expand/enlarge the children’s department/area and create outdoor play area
2. Add a STEAM room for children

Adult Department

1. Add quiet/soundproof booths or designate quiet areas — More study space and private rooms needed
2. Create more cozy and collaborative seating areas
3. Noise has increased since the café opened—hard to study or join Zoom calls
4. Clear and fair room booking policies

Café Feedback

1. Trash overflow and bins unsightly from café use
2. Prices are high; added noise and crowding concern

Parking Lot

1. Parking lot lines are confusing; need better marking
2. Not enough parking spots, especially for seniors and parents with young kids
3. Additional parking lot not helpful due to spaces reserved for café, veterans, and handicap
4. Suggestion to use back lot for events like recycling

Library Hours & Scheduling

1. Expand overall hours, including weekends and mornings

Cleanliness & Facilities

1. Improve overall cleanliness—especially bathrooms and café seating area
2. Lounge area needs more high-top chairs
3. Fix broken ceiling tiles and adjust temperature in community rooms

General Comments

1. Staff are welcoming, kind, and helpful
2. The library has a strong positive community impact
3. Many patrons expressed appreciation for the programs, staff, and overall service