As a community centric organization, Suffolk Public Library focuses on an outward approach to gathering information to better serve the Suffolk community and meet community needs. The library, in partnership with Waller, Todd & Sadler Architects and Newman Architects, has launched a community survey and will offer two meetings for the public to attend and share input about a new Downtown Library. The survey and meetings are the next steps in the process after the inclusion of a new Library Square as part of the recently approved Downtown Master Plan.
The online survey is available at suffolkpubliclibrary.com/NewLibrary and paper copies will be available at all Suffolk Public Library locations. The survey covers topics including preferred format of library materials, types of library services used, ideas for future community events, space needs, and more. Survey results will be compiled and analyzed by the architects and included in a final report and presentation.
To get face time with the architects and to share ideas, the community is encouraged to attend one of the two public meetings taking place in July. On Wednesday, July 11th the meeting will be held in the City Hall Council Chamber, 442 West Washington Street, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday, July 12th the meeting will be held in the gymnasium at East Suffolk Recreation Center, 138 S. 6th Street, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Libraries in the modern age have become community gathering places. They are educational hubs with learning opportunities for all ages and go-to locations to explore local history. As an entrepreneurial incubator, the modern library attracts business-minded individuals with print and technological resources and state-of-the art meeting spaces. People can create, learn, play, explore, research, connect, design, and do more at libraries. While taking the survey and attending community meetings, people should imagine the many possibilities for a new library in downtown Suffolk.
To learn more about the Suffolk Public Library, visit www.suffolkpubliclibrary.com. Follow the library on Twitter @SufPubLib and check for updates on Facebook at Facebook.com/SuffolkPublicLibrary.