It's time to visit the library

Douglas Libraries are turning the page on the stuffy “quiet please” stereotype and are asking for your help to better shape their future.

As the silent anchors of the community, libraries are a vital part of our social infrastructure, often as the ‘third space’ (first being home, second being work/school) - they are safe and welcoming plus a free community environment.

In striving to deliver the best possible offering for everyone, Douglas Libraries have released a survey for community feedback and suggestions for improvement on library services.

Complete the survey here

Douglas Libraries Team Leader, Amy Inglis, is looking forward to receiving community feedback.

“We are focused on delivering excellent service to our community, and to deliver the best service, it’s really important we understand exactly what people want,” she said.

Douglas Libraries give so much and expect very little as the library is free to join and use.

“Any Queensland resident can sign up to the library online and use our digital resources, which include Lynda.com courses, Ancestry, newspapers and magazines, eBooks, audiobooks, music streaming, and more.”

Throughout our life phases, library habits tend to ebb and flow, with this survey Douglas Libraries would like to change to be a place to visit at any age or lifestyle.

Amy Inglis said libraries are a place for everyone - kids can come to join in Storytime sessions, craft, Lego, special holiday programs including escape rooms, and a reptile visit from Wildlife Habitat.

“Adults can join in for special presenters, movie screenings, book chats, tech help classes, and other programs and events.

“Everyone can use the Wi-Fi or PCs to work, study or stream videos, play games on our touch-screen hub, reserve books/DVDs from any Rural Library Queensland to borrow.

“Community groups can reserve our meeting room, and our partnership with the new Douglas Shire U3A is proving to be hugely popular, with many classes available including Mahjong and creative writing,” she said.

With more events, activities, and initiatives in place, people who visit libraries are doing so much more than just borrowing books, movies, or music, but come instead to bump into neighbours, hear a free lecture, take advantage of the computers, or to just sit with a laptop or a book.

“I love the thriving community hubs that libraries are, and all the wonderful connections that we can make to bring communities together.

“Something as simple as a home library service can greatly improve the lives of some of our most vulnerable community members. Few things make me happier than seeing a buzzing library event, full of laughter and life. Watching the smiles on the kid’s faces as they complete an art project is wonderful.

“I am working to expand our services further, and feedback from the survey will greatly assist us in learning community wants and needs to facilitate this,” said Amy.

All Douglas residents are being encouraged to get involved. The survey takes a few minutes to complete, and your feedback is important.

All respondents of the survey will go into the draw to win one of two $50 dining vouchers to Grant Street Kitchen Port Douglas or Temptations Cafe in Mossman. The survey closes at 5:00pm on Friday 28 May 2021.

Take part in the survey here.