At the Rockport Public Library, we believe the best library is one shaped by the people who use it. Our Question of the Month initiative is a simple way for community members to share their thoughts, needs, and ideas with us—one question at a time.
Each month, we’ll ask a single, thoughtful question designed to help us better understand how our library can serve you. Questions may focus on programs, collections, spaces, services, or new ideas you’d love to see at the library.
Your responses help guide decisions large and small—from shaping future programming to improving everyday services—so we can continue to grow in ways that truly reflect our community.
Participation is always optional, quick, and open to everyone. We’re listening, and we’re grateful for your input.
One question. One month. Many voices shaping your library.
Responses:
- Through the cold winter it would be nice to have matinees shown of newly released movies. I think it would be very well-attended, especially if it were on Saturdays. Also I would love to watch award winning documentaries shown with possible discussion before or after. Also the Gloucester Daily Times may supply enough complimentary newspapers for an educational program for adults to be held at the library lead by voluntary and/or library staff. (The Gloucester Daily Times once provided papers for a non-profit Social Club of emotionally challenged adults that I used to lead, a non-profit funded by the Department of Mental Health.)
- Thank you for this. To have more author talks and lectures on great writers and their works. The value of poetry and more readings. Readings of Shakespeare with instruction/discussion of his work and the value of great literature.
- The Rockport Public Library’s New Year’s resolution for 2026 should be to keep being exactly what it already is: a place I go as an adult when I need a friendly face, a warm and kind space, a book recommendation, a bathroom, or someone to talk to. A place where my kids / tweens can play and borrow board games, feel welcome, and be safely happy in the children’s room—while I take a quiet breather downstairs, wander the shelves, and find a book that feels like it was waiting just for me. If anything, its resolution should be this: to keep making room for people as they are, on the days they need a little more than books—and to keep being a small, steady refuge in the middle of ordinary life.
- Create an intentional communal quiet workspace for retirees, teleworkers, students looking for a change in work environment that doesn’t require a drive to a cyber cafe. Could be as simple as placing charging ports on tables and publicizing dedicated hours, eg. 10 til noon and 3 til 5, in the room with the newspapers and/or the trustees room to start.
- Update, brighten, lower the stacks, designate an open play space for children’s library. ? Move it to the Brenner room and the Brenner room to children’s room?
- Get the town to fix the storage area to facilitate the resumption of book sales.
- I was thrilled to learn about the new Rainbow Readers Group. I was particularly enjoying the first book. Having been in groups with Cindy, the Library Director, before, I knew she was an amazing person and a great facilitator. When she called me concerned that the group was offensive and might have hurt me, I was taken aback. She genuinely cared about me and the other members of the group. From what I understand, another LGBTQ member of the community found the group offensive and (I suspect) made hurtful remarks to the Director. The group was going to be fantastic, and Cindy was incredibly passionate and excited when I expressed my interest in joining. It’s truly disheartening that one person could be so hurtful and selfish, yet also take this group away from the rest of the Rockport LGBTQ community. I understand Cindy made her decision based on her concerns, but I hope she stands up to this individual and brings the group back.
- More in-person author presentations.