Feedback Sought For Community Survey In Westport

WESTPORT, CT — The Westport Library has opened a community survey aimed at gathering public input on its services, programs and overall impact. The anonymous survey is available to both residents and non-residents, including those who have never visited the library.

The survey, which takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, is open through May 31. Participants can access it online at go.westportlibrary.org/survey or via a kiosk located in the Library’s main-level Hub.

Library officials say the feedback will help shape a new strategic plan, currently in development and scheduled to be released later this year.

“We’re always listening to community input,” said Bill Harmer, executive director of the Westport Library. “This survey provides valuable insights that will help guide our decision-making and ensure we continue to serve as a vital resource to the town.”

Tory Donahue, the Library’s chief impact officer, emphasized the role of the survey in shaping long-term planning.
“The 2025 community survey is a month-long opportunity to participate in shaping the future of The Westport Library,” Donahue said. “We are committed to engaging the community in meaningful ways to inform our work.”

Survey respondents will be entered into a drawing for several prizes, including Apple AirPods, Amazon gift cards, drinks from the Library café, and for teen participants, a group pizza delivery to the Library during AP exam study sessions.

For more information on the survey and prizes, please visit The Westport Library website or read about it below:

Where can I go to take the survey?

It is available at go.westportlibrary.org/survey. You can also fill out the survey on the computer kiosk set up in the Hub on the Library’s main level.

How long does it take?

The survey takes less than 10 minutes.

Is it anonymous?

Yes. The survey can be completed entirely anonymously. You have the option to add your email both to enter the sweepstakes for prizes or to be contacted for follow-up focus groups, but this information will not be associated with your responses.

What is the survey asking about?

The survey is looking for information about how to focus the Library’s efforts on what is most needed, most wanted, and most likely to engage our community in a way that is welcoming, innovative, and responsive.

To find this information, the survey asks questions about how you are using the Library (or not), what features are a priority for you, and what topics interest you most. Because of our commitment to lifelong learning, the survey also asks your opinions about our role in the community relative to schools. Finally, it asks questions about you and your relationship with and to the Library.

Who will see my answers?

All of the data will be examined collectively and not on the basis of individual responses. Westport Library Chief Impact Officer Tory Donohue will analyze the data and share the results with a strategic planning committee made up of staff and trustees. The strategic plan that emerges from this will be shared with the community.

How will the Library manage the data?

All of our work is done with respect to our Privacy Policy and our Data Collection and Usage statement.

How can I win one of the prizes?

When you take the survey, enter your email when asked if you want to be eligible for a prize. This will be how you are contacted if your name is randomly chosen for a prize.