The Results Are In: The Library’s Community Needs Assessment

Nothing is more exciting for your local nerdy librarians than cold, hard facts and stats. Data drives what we do.

In 2022, to attain up-to-date patron input to inform a new strategic plan, we conducted a Community Needs Assessment (CNA). You may remember from previous columns that a CNA is a multi-faceted, community-wide survey that gathers opinions, assumptions, needs, key issues, and assets. The purpose of the CNA is to inform the library about how to increase our value to you, the taxpayers of the Estes Valley.

Between August and October of 2022, we collected data via electronic and paper surveys, focus groups, and phone interviews. We learned quite a bit, including “anecdata, ” qualitative data collected from open-ended questions.

All collection points occurred in both English and Spanish. Over 600 folks shared their thoughts with us – a statistically relevant response rate and well above the goal. Our CNA consultant, Aaron Schonhoff of Schonhoff Evaluation & Analytics, used descriptive statistics and a series of analyses to examine the responses.

And now, the results are in! Five main recommendations emerged: 1) Explore options for overcoming the challenges related to library access, including parking, seasonal crowds, and downtown traffic. 2) Find ways to educate the community on all the library offers. 3) Streamline website navigation and event registration. 4) Offer programs targeting adults. 5) Offer programs at times more conducive to participation by target audiences. These five suggestions are now concrete goals in our 2023 Operating Plan, and will be critical to understand as part of our long-term strategic planning process.

So how does this translate to action?

We are working to improve your experience when accessing the library. Many folks are unaware of programs and services we host, so we are finding additional ways to inform you. As I write, our website is getting a facelift so that it’s easier to browse and find what you’re looking for (including program registration). We’re evaluating hours of operation and programs outside weekday and daytime hours, when patrons might find us more accessible.

Importantly, you also shared that overall, we are doing a great job: “This library does more than could be expected of any library anywhere, ” said one respondent. While we’re always striving to improve and better meet your needs, we appreciate your positive feedback.

Because of your participation, the library has tangible direction to not only inform our upcoming Strategic Plan, but to create immediate responses or shifts in how we offer services to you. You’ll see these reflected in the months to come.

In the meantime, take a look at the full executive summary available on our website: estesvalleylibrary.org/cna.

Let us know if you have questions or additional insights about the CNA results and recommendations. I’d love to hear from you; please email your thoughts to me at cperrault@estesvalleylibrary.org.

Every dog has work to do. Every dog has a purpose. When Bailey meets eightyear-old Ethan, he quickly figures out his purpose: to play with the boy, to explore the farm during summers, and to clean the boy’s dishes by licking them when Mom isn’t watching. But Bailey soon learns that life isn’t always so simple – sometimes bad things happen – and there can be no greater purpose than to protect and be with the boy he loves.

Bailey’s Story, written by W. Bruce Cameron, and A Dog’s Purpose, the film adaptation, are the features of this month’s “Book vs. Movie Club” at the Estes Valley Library. Kids and teens are invited to discuss the book, then watch the 2017 film version on the big screen. Attendees are encouraged to compare and contrast the two, and share insights with each other.

The program takes place in the Hondius Room at the library on Saturday, February 25 starting at 12:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend, even if you haven’t read the book. Complimentary pizza and drinks will be provided. The movie A Dog’s Purpose is rated PG. “Book vs. Movie Club” is a monthly young adult program exploring popular books and movies of the same name, and is hosted on the last Saturday of each month. Sign up and learn more about library programs at estesvalleylibrary.org.

Happy 90th Birthday Roger Essman

Estes Park resident and perennial volunteer, Roger Essman is celebrating his 90th birthday in March. You may have met him building sets for community theater, or in the library, the museum, in RMNP, or the Visitor Center, or he may have sold you insurance.

If you’d like to send a card to Roger acknowledging this milestone birthday, his address is 559 Grand Estates Drive, Estes Park, CO, 80517.

Estes Park Senior Citizens Center Menu

Feb 27 – Mar 3

Monday, Feb 27 Hot Turkey Sandwich w/ Mashed Potatoes, gravy & vegetable

Tuesday, Feb 28 BBQ Platter – Pulled Pork & Beef Brisket w/ corn bread & coleslaw

Wed., Mar 1 Bacon, Egg (1 over-medium) Cheddar Burger w/ 3-Bean Salad

Thursday, Mar 2 Baked Mac ‘n Cheese w/ Chicken & Mixed Vegetables, garlic bread & side salad

Friday, Mar 3 Trout (4 oz) w/ Baked Potato & soup of the day

Mar 6 – 10

Monday, Mar 6 Hot Roast Beef Sandwich w/ Mashed Potatoes, gravy & vegetables

Tuesday, Mar 7 Chicken Piccata w/ Pasta, garlic bread & side salad

Wed., Mar 8 Ham (topped w/ pineapple) w/ Sweet Potato & vegetables

Thursday, Mar 9 Grilled Chicken Sandwich (topped w/ mushrooms, swiss cheese & bacon) w/ Pasta Salad

Friday, Mar 10 Tilapia (4 oz) w/ Homemade Chips & soup of the day

Meals are $7 for current 2023 EP Senior Citizens Center members and are by reservation only. (Or 3 meals for $20; use pre-paid meal tickets.) Exact cash or check payment required. Reservations must be made by 1:00 PM at least one business day in advance. Note, if you want to reserve a meal for Monday, Feb 27th, you need to call before 1:00 PM on Friday, Feb 24th. For reservations call 970-581-2195 and leave a detailed message. Pre-paid meal tickets and membership forms are available at the Estes Park Senior Citizens Center located at 1760 Olympian Lane.

The Center is OPEN (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 10-1; Tuesday 10-2) TriFit (MWF 10:30-11:15); Yoga (TT 10:15-11:15); Mahjong (Tuesdays 10 – 2)

Live Music TBA (1st, 2nd & 4th Tuesdays @ noon); Presentation (3rd Tuesday @ noon)

Two Bridge Groups: 1st, 3rd, & 5th Wed. of the month & Every Thursday 12:30 - 4 PM

Reserved Meals-to-Go delivered to your vehicle or EAT at the Senior Citizens Center Check out our website: estesparkseniors.org or call for the latest information

Mateo Eggen Huerta 11th Grade

Congratulations to Mateo Eggen Huerta, the Estes Park High School Student of the Week for February 24, 2023.

Mateo is the son of Sandra Huerta and Thad Eggen.

At EPHS, Mateo participates in soccer, track and marching band. He’s been able to start in varsity soccer all three years and is now the team captain, as a junior.

Outside of school he loves to fly fish, ski, snowboard, mountain bike and hike and be outdoors in general. He is an only child and works for his parents at the Twin Owls Steak House and Taharaa Mountain Lodge. At work, he does anything they need, which could range from snow removal, to fixing doors, or planting flowers, spreading seed, to bussing or food running, even dishwashing.”

When asked a place he’d love to