Library Survey Summary

In May 2006 a multi-page, written survey was mailed to all registered voters in the Town of Mendon. Of the approximately 6,100 surveys mailed, 1,589 completed surveys were returned. This represented a 26% response rate to the survey. Crux Research, the independent research firm that tabulated the results, indicated this was a “strong” response to a mail survey, especially one of this length. A 10% response rate would make the data statistically valid. Several households received multiple survey forms because more than one registered voter lived at that address.

Thanks to the donated services and volunteer resources provided by many individuals, this survey only cost $3,437 to design, develop, distribute and tabulate. A survey of this magnitude would have cost between $12,000 to $17,000. John and Sue Geraci of Crux Research generously donated their professional services, the Friends of the Mendon Public Library donated $756, and the remaining $2,681 came from operating budgets for the Town of Mendon and the library.

Several conclusions about the community’s opinion on a new library can be made from the survey results. These findings are listed in Library Survey Highlights. Detailed survey results are also available where each of the 34 survey questions is listed with a breakdown of its corresponding response percentages. In many cases, respondents wrote additional opinions on their survey form. A summary of these written comments is included, with no reference to the individuals who shared them. In addition, any references to specific individuals in the comments have been removed.

The July 10, 2006 Presentation to Mendon Town Board includes information on the feasibility of combining a public library with school libraries, two new options for a library location, and recommended next steps.

Photo left to right: Shari Stottler, President of Library Board of Trustees; Robin Douglas, Library Summer Reading Coordinator; Laurie Guenther, Library Director; David Richardson, Vice President and Branch Manager of the Honeoye Falls M&T Bank.

M & T Bank
Supports Mendon Library
Summer Program

The Mendon Library Board of Trustees, staff, and patrons wish to thank the M&T Charitable Foundation for generously supporting the 2006 Summer Reading Program, Books: A Treasure!  The foundation’s gift of $2000 has enabled the library to offer a quality program that encourages area children and their families to read, Read, READ all summer long.  

It’s not too late to register for the Summer Reading Program at the library, 15 Monroe Street , Honeoye Falls , or by calling 624-6067.  Reading logs for children and CD trackers for teens are available as well as many awesome programs, contests, and prizes!  Visit www.mendonlibrary.org for details and a calendar of events.

Join us at the Mendon Library for a summer full of fun with books!

Preliminary Library Survey Results

The Mendon Public Library Exploration Committee was thrilled with the 25% response rate to their recent mail survey. The Committee was striving for a minimum 10% response rate so the data would be statistically valid. The research firm that is tabulating and analyzing the survey results said a 25% response rate is a strong response. Approximately 6,100 surveys were mailed to all Town of Mendon residents in May.

Tabulation of the survey data will be completed by the end of June. Preliminary results indicate that two-thirds of the respondents support building a new library. More than 90% of the respondents feel they have had ample opportunity to provide input on a new library. Additionally, three-fourths of respondents said they could support the community’s choice for a library location, even if it wasn’t their first choice.

The Library Exploration Committee plans to share the survey findings with Town Board members in July and communicate survey results to the community by the end of July. Anyone who wishes to provide additional comments on a new library can use the form at mendonlibrary.org.

Thank you to all who returned a survey!  Your input is invaluable as we move forward together in the library planning process.

What:  Written survey mailed to all registered voters of the Town of Mendon

Why:  To determine degree of support for a library and three proposed locations

When:Receive first two weeks of May

• If you don’t receive one by May 10, and wish us to mail you one, call the library at 624-6067.

Return NO LATER THAN  MAY 26 - Your response is very important. We need a minimum of 600 completed surveys for statistically valid results.

Where: Return by one of the following methods:

• Mail to the library in envelope provided or
• Use one of 5 drop box locations:

• Mendon Public Library ( 15 Monroe St. , Honeoye Falls )
• Mendon Town Hall ( 16 West Main St. , Honeoye Falls )
• Honeoye Falls Village Offices ( 5 East St. , Honeoye Falls )
• Pittsford Federal Credit Union ( 1321 Pittsford-Mendon Rd. , Mendon)
• Canandaigua National Bank (Mendon Meadows Mall, Mendon)

MENDON LIBRARY NEEDS YOUR SURVEY!

The Mendon Library Board of Trustees urgently needs your input!  If you are a registered voter within the Town of Mendon , you will receive a Mendon Library Survey by mail during the first two weeks of May.  Town of Mendon residents 18 years and older who are not registered voters may call 624-6067 or visit the library to request a survey.  It is vitally important that you take a few minutes to complete and return the survey by May 26^th.

The purpose of the survey is to provide community members the opportunity to voice their opinions regarding the future of our library.  A minimum of 600 completed surveys is required for the results to be statistically valid.  A business reply envelope will be included for your convenience, however, you can help the library save postage by using one of five drop-box locations: Mendon Public Library (15 Monroe St., Honeoye Falls), Mendon Town Hall (16 West Main St., Honeoye Falls), Honeoye Falls Village Offices (5 East St., Honeoye Falls), Pittsford Federal Credit Union (1321 Pittsford-Mendon Rd., Mendon), and Canandaigua National Bank (Mendon Meadows Mall, Mendon).

Some of the topics covered in the survey include: satisfaction with the current library, level of support for building a new library, likes and dislikes of three specific locations, and the need for considering other locations.  Results of the survey will be tabulated by an independent research company and shared with the community via the library website, at the library, and disseminated to local media.  In addition to the written survey, there will be a questionnaire available at the library website (www.mendonlibrary.org) providing opportunity for open-ended comments and suggestions related to the project.   Printed copies of the on-line questionnaire will be available at the library. 

The importance of your input at this time cannot be overstated as the need to gain a clear sense of direction from the broader Mendon community has never been greater.  Thank you for completing and returning the survey and for remaining involved in the process of improving a vital asset of your community, the Mendon Public Library.