Nottawa Township Library's Answers to Some Survey Comments

 Again “thank you” to all who participated in our library survey! We received some very positive comments.  A full summary of the survey results are available at the library and on our

1.      One of concerns raised in the comment portion of our survey dealt with the limited parking.  We do have a parking area directly behind the library with a handicapped spot and another area adjacent to the Nottawa Township Hall. Both are available to our patrons.  These can be reached through the alleyway just west of the library.

2.      Another comment dealt with the cost of photocopying.  We currently charge 15¢ for a single sided copies and 25¢ for a double sided black & white copies.  Despite the rising cost of copy paper, we have not increased our charge for photocopying in the past 18 years.  We do charge 50¢ for color copies due to the high cost of the printer cartridges.

3.      A comment was made that the library should be open when the Centreville schools close.  The only time the library closes is when there are dangerous weather conditions present including snow, ice, and tornadoes.  The Library Board has made the policy to protect the staff as well as the library patrons. The library remains open when Centreville schools are closed for Christmas break, spring break, and summer vacation.

4.      We received several requests for authors, which we have purchased.  We would be happy to assist anyone needing help in finding an author in our library.  We do keep separate sections for mystery, science fiction, large print, and Christian fiction, which can cause confusion. We have greatly expanded our Christian fiction section in the past year with authors and some audios.  We are always happy to have suggestions for new titles and authors and can Interloan what we do not own.

5.      A few comments were made about our library hours.  The library does add Monday hours June through August while many libraries cut their hours in the summer.  The Library of Michigan, based upon population served, sets standards for hours of operation.  Our library’s legal service population is 6,265 and includes all of Nottawa Township, and portions of Florence, and Lockport Townships.  We also serve many people outside this  legal service area.  This population designates us as a Class II library and requires the library to be open to the public not less than 20 hours per week.  Our library is open to the public 35 hours per week September thru May and 43 hours per week in the summer.

6.      Several comments dealt with the limited space within our building.  One of the purposes of the survey was to get opinions on the location of the library.   Nottawa Township Library Board is trying very hard to use the resources at their disposal to create the best library possible.  Our current location has its limitations.  The Board will continue looking at options for future growth and development.