Survey on adult summer reading program

ROSEBURG – Roseburg Public Library Director Kris Wiley would like to get input from adult readers to help make this year’s Summer Reading Program for Adults the best yet.

Wiley is asking library patrons and others to take a brief survey as she finalizes details for the summer reading program, which is sponsored by the Friends of the Roseburg Public Library to encourage reading for enjoyment. The survey can be found on the library’s website at www.roseburgpubliclibrary.org. People also can fill out a hardcopy survey at the main desk of the library at 1409 NE Diamond Lake Blvd. in Roseburg.

The deadline to complete the survey is 2 p.m. March 26. The survey is open to all adults. Survey respondents who have an adult library card at Roseburg Public Library will be entered into a random drawing for a $25 gift card. In addition, all adults who share a nonresident household card are eligible to enter.

Wiley is interested to know what type of reading program would be most popular. In the past, library staff created bingo cards, read books from around the world and used themes such as “Read a book set in the Pacific Northwest.” Those continue to be options, although Wiley asks survey respondents to consider reading books set in the 50 states or writing a short review of every book read during the program. The last option replicates the library’s youth program and Wiley said that option is extra fun because respondents indicate the specific prize drawing they wish to enter.

The survey also asks what types of prizes people prefer. Mostly, the library has offered gift cards, although donations such as a Fitbit and electronic reader have been used as prizes. Do you like gift cards? What about electronics such as Bluetooth earbuds? Are you interested in smaller trinket prizes such as office supplies, which would be distributed throughout the summer?

If the library continues to offer gift cards, which stores would you patronize? With this question, think of everything from big box stores and local independent businesses to online vendors.

All of these questions include an “other” option for respondents to be creative. This is an opportunity to share ideas that have worked at other libraries or bookstores, or prizes Wiley has not considered.

Finally, there is space to share additional thoughts about the Summer Reading Program for Adults. If you have an idea that will draw lots of readers to participate, this is your chance to make a difference.