Timberland Regional Library Asks Rochester Community for Feedback

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Timberland Regional Library is asking Rochester area residents to take part in shaping future services by giving feedback in person and online.

With the Rochester Timberland Kiosk agreement set to expire at the end of 2021, Timberland Regional Library (TRL) staff are hoping to learn more about the needs and wants of community members in the area. TRL also will be working with the Rochester Organization of Families (ROOF) Community Services and the Rochester School District to transition into continued library services in the community.

“We understand the importance of ongoing library services for the community,” said Timberland Regional Library Community Engagement Manager Carisa Sullivan in a news release. “We would love to hear from area residents their ideas for equitable and sustainable library services now and in the future.”

Over the next several weeks, TRL will gather input from the community about opening hours, locations and services desired in the future.

People can offer input by visiting the ROOF Rochester Community Services Center at 10140 U.S. Highway 12 in Rochester, the same location as the library kiosk, on Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 



There is also an online survey available at www.trl.org/locations/rochester which will be open through Jan. 31, 2022.

Paper copies of the survey will be available at the ROOF Rochester Community Service Center Dec. 14, through Jan. 31, 2022. Completed copies can be left at the center or dropped off at the Centralia and Oakville Timberland libraries.

TRL is exploring options for a permanent location in Rochester for a Timberland Express Library, which would operate like a library stand. Short term, TRL is looking to work with a community partner to transition to temporary, mobile “pop-up” library services. 

Pop-up library services include access to a small browsing collection, “take and make” crafting kits, free Wi-Fi, Chromebooks for use by patrons, printing and boxes of materials.

“Rochester’s population has increased approximately 30% since the 2010 Census,” Sullivan said. “With that comes opportunities to hear multiple perspectives and ideas which can help as part of the overall decision-making process.”