Report on the Library Survey

​By Faye Herold, originally published in the August 2026 issue of the 1666 Coffman Newsletter

The Library Committee was pleased to get thirty-eight responses to the survey, of which twenty-four residents suggested changes. Thank you! Here are our responses to your requests. 

• More Large Print books: We will increase our Large Print purchases.​
• ​More paperback books: Unless otherwise unavailable, we do not buy mass market paperbacks (those 7x4-inch paperbacks tend to have smaller print). When possible, we do select trade paperbacks (about 5x8-inches). However, we do want the newest edition of a book, usually available only in hardcover. Trade paperback donations are welcomed.

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• More: Classics (a list of our classics is forthcoming), travel (see Travel Writing category on third floor of the Library), nonfiction, biographies, current events, personal growth, brain science. (We buy nonfiction at least every other month. Our budget prohibits buying multiple books on a topic, but many donations are added to our collection every year.) Adventure (try “travel” as SUBJECT in the Advance Search option on our catalog; also look in the “Travel Writing” section on third floor.
• Fewer: Mysteries (we try to buy mystery and regular fiction proportionate to their readership here) and political books.
• In discussing whether to move the Mysteries to the second (lower) floor, we agreed that mystery lovers will find them wherever they are. We wish readers to see the range of books on both floors.
• A committee member will offer one-on-one instructions for using the Library Catalog (nicknamed Tiny Cat), which is on the 1666 Coffman website.
• Other changes: Can we have a wait list? (Not practical until we can sign out books online), display Recent and Relevant books longer (we made room for one additional shelf and voted to keep new books on those shelves for three months).
• There will be no significant temperature changes in the rooms. Heat rises, so the upper level will usually be warmer than the lower level. If the thermostat reading is awry, please tell Gail Fraser or another committee member.
• Lighting: Improvements are being considered for table lamps and floor lamps. 
• Windows were washed. Some with double panes have interior spotting.
• Balcony seating in the Library is not practical for security and other reasons.
• Price of $1 will remain for third floor sales table. There is always a mix of fiction and nonfiction on that table.

We do request your help—what specific new book titles or classics would you like to have us purchase for you and other residents? Email [email protected]