A few days prior to the start of the Springfield Public Library’s closure on Mondays due to substantial budget cuts, a group of volunteers from the Friends of the Springfield Public Library decided to be at the doors shortly before noon to greet patrons who were unaware of the closure.

During that first Monday, July 6, we greeted 35 patrons and explained the budget situation and listened to their surprised comments. Seeing the turnout, we decided our efforts were helpful, so we decided to continue through the month of July from noon to 1:30 p.m. at both doors.

Over the month, we connected with over 100 adults, some with children (though children were not part of our overall count). We listened, explained and helped patrons as best we could, always offering apologies. Here is what we heard and learned:

All visitors had no idea of the closure and were totally surprised. Most of them did not notice and could not grasp the meaning of the “New Hours” door sign, which in reality means reduced days.

Why was the library closed? Was it only for “summer hours”? All expressed disappointment, and many were angry.

Overall, the interactions fell into three groups: mothers with children rapidly rethinking their day; patrons needing our internet and printers, like one individual needing to prepare and send an employment application in a timely manner; and patrons wanting to browse our shelves for another reading experience. All of this is a big loss to our community and our valued Main Street.

Our takeaway from this was that the city had failed to communicate the change effectively and failed to provide the level of service the library is known for.

However, it was a prime opportunity to hand out the recently released Library Patron Survey, eagerly accepted by most visitors, on paper at the library front desk, or best if done online here. 

We encourage everyone to fill the survey out by Saturday, Aug. 15. It takes about 10 minutes, and we would value your assessment of this hardworking library.

Friends of the Springfield Public Library:
Sue Mandeville
Marjorie Pries
Heather Huerta
Veronica Nunez
James Lauinger