Books, magazines, movies, meeting rooms, and more. What could be missing? That’s exactly the question The Effie and Wilton Hebert Library in Port Neches wants to answer.

The library is conducting a community wide survey, lasting through mid-September, to discover whether their patrons are happy with the services the library offers. Coleen Molden of the library says the survey, designed in collaboration with the library board, is needed to improve library services and is part of the long range plan for the library which will be submitted to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission in 2007.

Molden says she believes people who frequent the library are using the resources for personal information, recreational and educational use, and even some business use. The library’s main focus is to ensure that their patrons have all the means necessary to complete any tasks they are pursing. Donna LeBlanc, a patron of the library, says, “I’m happy with the selection of services at the library. I’m here almost every other day.”

Along with questions about what services patrons are using at the library and the quality of service, the survey also asks what programs patrons would like the library to look into, such as public speakers, author signings, and genealogy workshops.

The library receives an annual budget from the city of Port Neches, but they also receive money from grants, such as from Humanities Texas, a $1500 grant used to replace materials that were damaged or not returned due to Hurricane Rita. The Friends of the Port Neches Library also raise money for the library through book sales. The organization is dedicated to encouraging donations, gifts, endowments, bequests, and the extension and improvement of library services and resources. The proceeds from the Friends fund raising is used to support summer reading programs, the Mother Goose Storytime program, and other library needs, such as landscaping. Their next meeting is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 12 at the library.

The surveys are available at the library’s Circulation Desk, the Senior Citizen’s Center, Water department, and random mailings were sent to the community. Molden hopes to receive at least 10% of the surveys back in order to review and implement any changes that will be made.

For information about the survey or about the Friends of the Library, call the Hebert Library at 722-4554.