Gateshead Libraries receive fantastic response to customer survey

Our Gateshead Libraries team recently ran their annual customer survey. It's something they do every year to hear feedback from those who use our libraries on what they love about our spaces, and importantly, what could make them even better. It's open to everyone no matter how regularly they come through our library doors and for whatever purpose.

This year, the team were delighted to get responses from 1,092 residents - 166 more than last year.

We are proud to share that 97% of customers said they are happy with the range of library services we offer, and 98% said our library staff are helpful and welcoming. Our team are passionate about supporting residents and work hard year-round to deliver everything from Warm Welcome Spaces to book clubs to coding courses, so we're pleased to see their dedication is making a difference to peoples' experiences.

Commenting on the survey, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Councillor Angela Douglas, said: "Our libraries are a fantastic community resource, and it is always a pleasure to see feedback like this that underscores the value they bring to residents. We're grateful to everyone who completed the survey, as well as the staff behind our libraries who contribute to these spaces being so well-loved.".

Other results from the survey have shown:

• 69% of people visit our libraries to read a book, 16% to use computers, 16% to socialise and 14% for children's activities (plus loads more reasons!)
• 95% of people think the look and feel our libraries is very good or good
• 85% of people think we have a very good or good range of books
• 34% of people visit one of our libraries weekly, 30% visit every couple of weeks, and a further 5% visit daily

After analysing the headline results, our Libraries team are now in the process of reading through the more detailed feedback from those who took part to understand what tweaks could make our libraries even better.

A big thank you to everyone who shared your thoughts with us.