Barossa Libraries in step with community needs

Our libraries have introduced a range of new services and programs in response to changing community behaviours and demand for flexible library services.

The changes come in response to a comprehensive community survey to identify how people use the library and what services they want.

Almost 200 people responded to the survey, representing a wide range of demographics and cohorts, including seniors, adults and children.

In response, the library has introduced a number of changes to align with community preferences, including:

• A new twice-weekly toddler aged program called ‘Playtime’

• Intergenerational events to strengthen connection between parents/carers and their children

• Dedicated workshops focused on wellbeing and health

• Alternative time slots for programs including evenings and weekends

• A balanced approach to self-service and customer support

The survey data revealed children’s programs remain popular across a range of special interest areas, especially during school holidays.

Adults indicated a preference for art and craft programs, cooking and gardening, and health and wellbeing.

Almost half of respondents said they would like the library to open late on one weeknight, with a preferred closing time of 8pm or 9pm.

Social media remains the primary source of information about library events, complemented by the library’s monthly newsletter and fliers.

Mayor Bim Lange said there were many positive takeaways from the survey.

“It’s great to see our libraries adapting to changing community needs so we can continue to provide a service that’s contemporary, flexible and meets people at different stages of their lives.”

More than 90 per cent of people who completed the survey were library members, and two thirds had visited a library branch in the month preceding the survey.