Waltham Forest Libraries – Summary of your suggestsons

(ideas that would make the library better for you)

During October 2007 a Children’s Survey was carried out in 10 libraries and has obtained the views of 1,946 children and young people. We would like to share some of the key results with you.

Below are our responses to the most frequently occurring comments made in the survey

You said..

There should be a greater choice of books and more new books. Many of you indicated the type of books where you feel the choice is not wide enough.

Our response..

We have noted your comments and we shall act on them when choosing stock for individual libraries.

Do you know that there is no charge to reserve a book which is in stock in Waltham Forest Libraries, or which we would buy in response to your request? We hope this will make it easier for you to read more of the books you enjoy. Please ask the staff for more information.

You said..

There should be a wider choice of videos and DVDs including more up to date ones. Some of you indicated particular types of DVDs which you would like us to buy.

Our response…

Videos are no longer available to buy so we can only provide new titles on DVD. There are DVD collections in all libraries and we buy new titles regularly. We try to provide a wide range of titles from what is available from our suppliers. We have noted your requests for particular titles and will try to supply these (e.g. a selection of TV based titles). We are happy to receive your suggestions for titles at any time.

You said..

Buy more children’s story CDs.

Our response..

We will include children’s story CDs in our future purchases.

You said..

Improve the range and choice of books for babies, children learning to read, independent readers and teenage readers.

Our response..

We are buying more for all these groups of readers, including more materials for under 5s and 5 – 11 years old. Any book not in stock can be requested (reserved) and we will probably buy it. Ask a member of staff.

You said..

You want more Manga graphic novels.

Our response..

We do buy these and welcome suggestions for particular titles. We need to look at them carefully and pick out which are suitable for you to borrow.

You said..

Libraries can be too noisy – quiet areas needed to read and study

Our response..

Libraries certainly aren’t the very quiet places they used to be. We are trying to make them more relaxed and friendly for everyone, including families and children. Some children’s activities are noisy because hearing and repeating rhymes and songs are good ways for children to develop language skills.

Staff will be happy to tell you when the library is likely to be quieter – for example, times when there are no story times or class visits. We will try to improve the layout of libraries to include quieter areas. This may be difficult in smaller libraries but we will try and include this in future library improvements

You said..

Need longer sessions on computers. More, better and faster computers.

Our response..

This might be possible at some libraries outside busy hours. However, if we allowed more than one hour as a general rule, fewer people would be able to use the computers at busy times.

We aim to continually improve our ICT facilities to ensure we offer the best service possible and all PCs have been upgraded.

You said..

Longer library opening hours

Our response..

As part of our ongoing commitment to customer service, we will continue to review our opening hours to ensure where possible they reflect customer need within available resources.

Finally….

We value the opinion of all customers and welcome your comments and suggestions at any time. If you have a comment please ask our staff for one of our comments forms and let us know what you think.

We would like to thank you once again for taking part in our survey. By doing so you enable us to continually improve our services to the highest possible standard.

Full list of your comments from the Survey

Books, DVDs/ Videos

  • More books
  • Wider selection of books for 10 – 15 years olds
  • More books for younger children
  • More talking books
  • More books for teenagers.
  • More educational / KS 3 books
  • More dual language books
  • More DVDs and Videos
  • More non-fiction books
  • Not enough Jacqueline Wilson books
  • More comics and Manga
  • More new books
  • Would like many more books
  • More grown up books
  • Greater choice of picture books

Opening hours

  • Open longer
  • Sunday Opening

Events / activities

  • More under 5’s activities and events
  • Storytime/ poetry/ author or reading events for under and over 5’s
  • Homework club / homework help
  • Advertise the library activities more prominently
  • Computer club
  • Reading for older children

ICT

  • More computers
  • More computers for teenagers
  • Faster computers
  • Not enough computers for children
  • Make more websites available

Miscellaneous

  • Keep noise down
  • Toys
  • Toy area for kids
  • Chill out zone
  • Toilet facilities
  • Comfortable chairs