In August 2026, following the passage of our millages, we distributed a survey through our website, e-newsletter, and social media channels. We heard from 212 patrons who shared their thoughts about the Ferndale Area District Library, along with updates on the frequency of visits and card usage. Thank you to everyone who participated. Your feedback shows that the library is an important part of many people’s lives here in Ferndale.
Remember that you can always reach us via email or phone if you have any questions about our services, library cards, or our physical and digital resources. You can also fill out a Suggestion form at our Circulation Desk.
Thank you again. Now let’s look at the numbers.
68.4% visit the library at least once a month.
77.4% use their library card at least once a month, including through digital services such as Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy.
92.5% associated a positive word with the library.
When asked for the first word that came to mind when thinking about the library, the most common responses focused on:
- Community and belonging: welcoming, comfortable, safe, friendly, and fun
- Books, resources, and services: books, access, helpful, convenient, and free
- The library’s importance: essential, necessary, valuable, and foundational
Many respondents described the library as a welcoming community space—not just a place to borrow books. People also value the library’s digital resources, programs, technology, study space, and assistance.
Here’s a word cloud showing the frequency of word associations. 
Notably, we did receive responses expressing concerns about the cost of library operations and property taxes. We heard those concerns, too. Overall, the survey showed that people who use the library, whether in person or online, tend to have especially positive impressions of it.
We are also taking into consideration that this survey reached patrons who were online, and that a print survey distributed to a larger sample of patrons will likely return results unique to the responses represented here—we intend to administer that survey in early 2027. Stay tuned.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your feedback.
Your responses help us understand how the library serves the community and how we can continue to improve.