Thanks, Patch Readers!

It’s likely that readers of this column recall that Sherwood Regional Library hosted a meeting for Mount Vernon community members on May 1. Our topic: Explore how Sherwood library staff can use our resources more visibly and effectively. To broaden the range of responses, we also provided a link to an online survey. This allowed those who couldn’t attend and those who don’t usually come into the library building to participate as well.

I’m delighted to report our meeting was extremely useful. During the summer, our staff will be contacting a few of the local apartment complexes, recreational facilities and educational services discussed. A  follow–up meeting is scheduled September 25 to share our progress and continue to solicit your ideas.

Here are a few highlights from the survey:

1. The top three reasons to visit Sherwood? Borrow or return materials, shop the book sale and shop the Farmers’ Market.

2. Free downloadable ebooks were the most important technology resource for our respondents.

3. The three types of online library resources available for home use that sparked the most interest: Consumer information, genealogy and current newspapers.

4. Eighty-seven percent of those responding came to the library more than once a month!

Thanks to all who participated. If you have further questions, please send me a note at Denise.Morgan@fairfaxcounty.gov  or call 703-718-8208.