Community Survey Shows Strong Support for Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library

The Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library has completed a community survey that will help guide the Library's next five-year strategic plan, with residents identifying the Library as a trusted, welcoming, and valuable community resource while also offering ideas for future programs, services, outreach, and facilities.

The survey was conducted from February 19 through March 20, 2026, and drew 437 responses from residents. The results show a strong and positive relationship between the Library and the community. Respondents said they value the Library as a welcoming public space, a source of programs and learning, a place for children and families, and a provider of materials, services, and community connection.

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"The survey gives us valuable guidance as we plan for the future," said Lonna Castro, Director of the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library. "We are grateful to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts. The results show that residents deeply value the Library, and they also gave us thoughtful feedback about how we can continue to improve and better serve the community."

Among the strongest findings, some 80% of respondents selected expanding programs and services as a top future priority. Respondents also placed a high value on the Library's role as a safe and welcoming space for all community members, with nearly 90% rating that role as "very important."

The survey also showed that residents see the Library as more than a place to borrow books. Respondents were just as likely to say they visit the Library to attend programs or events as they are to borrow books or other materials. Community needs with strong support included education and tutoring, early literacy and youth development, mental wellness and social connection, workforce readiness, and digital literacy.

Customer service was another clear strength. More than two-thirds of respondents rated their most recent customer service experience as excellent, and nearly nine in ten rated it either excellent or good.

At the same time, residents offered practical suggestions for the future. Many asked for more evening and weekend programs, additional sessions or larger capacity for popular programs, clearer communication about programs and registration, expanded collections and digital resources, and continued attention to parking, seating, study space, comfort, accessibility, and safety.

"Listening to residents is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a Board," said Joseph Maiorana, President of the Board of Trustees of the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library. "These results give us a clear sense of what people value most about their Library and where they believe we can do better. That kind of community feedback is essential as we set priorities and make decisions on behalf of the residents we serve."

The mailed print newsletter remains the strongest way residents learn about Library programs and services, while the survey also showed the importance of the Library's website, email communication, and social media. Written comments praised Library staff, children's programs, family activities, English and literacy classes, clean facilities, community engagement, museum passes, and the Library of Things.

The survey, including an executive summary of the results, is posted on the Library's website at communitylibrary.org -> About Us -> Plans & Documents.

"Our goal is to use this information in a practical way," Castro said. "The survey results will help us build on what is working, respond to community needs, and make sure the Library continues to be a place where people feel welcome, supported, and connected."

About Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library
Founded in 1974, the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library has served the residents of Mastic, Mastic Beach, Shirley, and Moriches for more than five decades, evolving to meet the changing needs of one of Suffolk County's largest and most diverse communities. Through its Main Library in Shirley and branch locations in Mastic Beach and Moriches, the library provides access to books, digital resources, technology, educational programs, cultural events, and community services for residents of all ages. The library continues to serve as a welcoming center for learning, creativity, connection, and civic life throughout the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley area.