A library is much more than books. But what exactly it is depends on what the community wants. Wrangell has had a public library since 1921, and its programs, along with its book collection, have changed a lot over the years.

The Irene Ingle Public Library, named after the retired librarian in 1981, is conducting a survey this month to help staff “better understand what our community wants to see” for library programs.

The short survey — available online or on paper at the library — asks age, what kind of programs most interest the person and what days they would prefer for programs.

The survey is at https://tinyurl.com/ireneinglesurvey

It also asks what makes it hard for them to attend library programs, such as lack of child care, work or transportation.

The survey will run through Sunday, May 31.

Library programs — and participants — have increased significantly the past couple of years, particularly since the library hired a program coordinator early this year.

The 30 different programs offered by the library in January-April 2024 attracted 654 participants (many residents attended more than one program over the three months). In the first three months of this year, that count was 1,806 participants, reported Library Director Sarah Scambler.

Aside from keeping track of participation in the reading, crafts, social hours, games and other programs for children, teens, adults and senior citizens, the library counts walk-in patrons three weeks a year. It does some averaging and estimates that people will make more than 22,000 visits through the front door of the library in the fiscal year that ends June 30, Scambler said.