Central Coast Council is working to distribute and complete a customer satisfaction survey about Central Coast library membership services currently available for readers and visitors. The survey results will help inform a five-year strategic plan that will ensure our libraries are agile and adapt to the changing needs of our very diverse community.  

Council’s libraries are calling on our community to complete the online survey which opens today and is accessible on Council’s Your Voice Our Coast community engagement platform. This data as well as information from a range of other stakeholders will be used to develop a future vision with accompanying goals and objectives for the library service. 

Council’s Director Community and Recreational Services, Melanie Smith said Council was engaging now so that Council’s strategic plan includes customer values and can deliver the level of library service the community would like to see into the future.

“Our priority is to focus on what matters most to people on the Central Coast when it comes to their library services,” Ms Smith said. 
“Rather than asking library users to fit in by understanding how we work, we want to understand how they work.

“We want to reach young people, culturally diverse audiences, indigenous communities, and people who are not yet aware of what our libraries can offer them.
“In 2023 Council is operating ten branches across the Central Coast with over 558,000 visitors each year, and readers borrowing 1,200,000 items per year.

“Council’s library services today extend beyond the physical branches and include a mobile library service, stopping at over twenty locations across the Coast each fortnight, as well as a home library selection and delivery service for residents who are housebound due to illness, disability or limited mobility. 

“There is also an extensive range of free online resources and services, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital news stand, homework help, music streaming and more available 24/7 via Council’s website.”

Council’s Administrator Rik Hart said Council continually reviews library services and facilities to meet the changing needs of community, including how people want to visit, borrow items, use the spaces and enjoy their library experience.

“A key factor in the success of our libraries has been their evolution into community centres with public internet access, technology classes, meeting rooms, and a range of programs and events for all ages,” Mr Hart said.

“Innovative programs like Library@yourtime are also being rolled out across our branches so library members can enjoy services at times that suit their lifestyles.  This could be commuters on their way to or from work, or students and families wishing to utilise the space and library services on weekends outside of usual operating hours.

“Council is also preparing for future library spaces with the development of the new Gosford Regional Library.  

“The new Regional Library will be the first of its kind for the Central Coast and will offer an iconic building in the heart of the Gosford central business district. To be designed over four spacious levels, it will be a truly a modern facility offering much more than essential books and literacy.”

Mr Hart said consultation with the community for the library survey will begin with a short online survey where participants can provide initial feedback, express their ideas, and share their experiences and interests in future services. 

“It is important to understand what our community like about our libraries and what more we can offer to improve their services.

“I strongly encourage the community to complete the short survey and register their interest in collaborating with Council to work towards building an inclusive library service for everyone.”

To complete the survey, search ‘Libraries’ at yourvoiceourcoast.com/libraries