Library Survey Results Indicate Low Utilization of South Norwood Branch-September 9, 1975

Results from a town-wide questionnaire released by the Morrill Memorial Library reveal that a majority of South Norwood residents surveyed seldom or never utilize the local branch facility.

Survey Findings and Branch Future Under Review

Commissioned by library officials in April following trustee discussions regarding low circulation figures, the survey mailed questionnaires to 2,003 residents, yielding 272 responses:

• 43.6 percent of respondents reported that their use of the South Norwood branch is “seldom or never.”
• 25 percent claimed regular use of the facility.
• 16.5 percent reported occasional use, while six questionnaires were returned blank.

Library Director Carl J. Himmelsback reported an overall 30 percent increase in branch circulation compared to the previous year, though he attributed the rise to the national recession, noting that patrons find borrowing books more economical than purchasing them retail. However, Himmelsback previously informed the library board that branch activity had plummeted from 15.5 percent of total library circulation down to 7.2 percent, while consuming 10 percent of the operating budget (approximately $25,000 annually).

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger