Aurora library launches survey

The future of Aurora Public Library's downtown facility is uncertain.

But leaders want your input to help them figure it out.

Officials believe the main building at 1 E. Benton St. may not be adequately serving their growing needs.

They're conducting a random telephone survey this month and next to see what patrons think of building a new downtown library.

Each survey, which is being conducted by the Public Opinion Lab at Northern Illinois University, will take about 15 minutes to complete. Spanish translators are available.

Leaders hope to collect responses from at least 500 residents.

"We hope to be able to use this in planning for future growth," main library coordinator Sandra Pointon said. "We're looking at it to help guide us long-range."

It's the first time in recent history the library has undertaken this kind of survey, she said.

Patrons also will be asked about their satisfaction levels with current services, collections and branch facilities.

They will be asked what kind of amenities they would want in a new main library.

"Do you feel a larger computer lab is important? Do you feel a coffee shop is important? What about large meeting spaces?" Pointon said.

The downtown facility was built in 1901 and has had extensive renovations, with the last one in 1969.

As the city has grown, the library has become cramped. There is virtually no space for programming or meeting rooms, leaders say.

A consultant is doing a study to determine if the current site is adequate, as well as possible locations and costs for a new facility.

Preliminary results from that study are expected to be presented to the library board at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at the main branch.

Officials still are in the early stages of the process and no decisions have been made, Pointon said.