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Community Engagement Survey

What is the Cairns Libraries strategy?

The Libraries Strategy will guide how Cairns Libraries continue to be useful, enjoyable and future‑focused community assets. It will explore future access models, digital services, programming priorities, technology support, workforce development and infrastructure planning across the Cairns LGA.

What’s the reason for creating a new Cairns Libraries strategy?

Council is reviewing how libraries continue to be useful, enjoyable and future‑focused community assets. We want to understand how people across the Cairns region access, use and value library services, and what changes or improvements would help meet emerging needs.

Key Objectives

  • Understanding community needs, ensuring library services reflect community expectations and demographic trends.
  • Testing future service directions, including digital services, access models, programming priorities and infrastructure needs.
  • Strengthening inclusion, engaging both current users and non‑users across the Cairns LGA.
  • Identifying barriers, understanding what prevents people from accessing library services.
  • Building community trust, providing clear, staged communication and “What We Heard” summaries.

Why is Council asking the community for feedback?

Your insights help Council understand:

  • How people currently use library services
  • What services and programs matter most
  • Barriers that prevent people from participating
  • What future improvements would be most valuable

What types of questions are included in the survey?

The survey includes questions about:

  • How often you use library services
  • Your satisfaction with current services
  • Why you use (or don’t use) the library
  • What outcomes you get from library use (e.g., learning new skills, digital confidence)
  • Barriers that make participation difficult
  • What future services or improvements you would value

Who can participate in the Community Engagement Survey?

Everyone is welcome to participate in the survey, including but not limited to:

  • Current library users
  • Home Library Service users
  • Non‑users and infrequent users
  • Families, young people and seniors
  • First Nations and CALD communities
  • People with disability
  • Community organisations and partners

What if I don't use the library?

We want to hear from you. Non‑users help us understand:

  • Barriers to participation
  • Awareness gaps
  • What would make libraries more relevant or accessible

How long will the survey be open?

The Community Engagement Survey will be open from 07 August – 04 September, and will include a mix of community‑facing and staff‑focused activities:

  • Online community survey
  • ‘Listen at the Library’ sessions across all branches
  • Staff workshops and stakeholder interviews
  • Targeted home library user surveys

Insights will be analysed and included in a Feedback & Evaluation Report, informing the draft Strategy before it is released for public consultation.

How long does the survey take?

The survey will take approximately 10–12 minutes to complete if every question is answered. You can choose to answer some or all of the questions.

Is the survey anonymous?

Yes. All responses are completely anonymous and combined with other participants’ answers.

How is my privacy protected?

The Community Engagement Survey does not collect any identifying information.

Will the Strategy change opening hours, collections or branches?

No. The Strategy is about exploring ideas, testing possibilities, and understanding community interest, not implementing immediate changes.

Any future options discussed through this consultation are concepts for consideration only, and community feedback will help Council understand what matters most before anything is formally proposed.

The Strategy will not automatically result in changes to opening hours, collections or branches. Instead, it will provide a long‑term direction that helps Council plan responsibly, transparently and in partnership with the community.

How will feedback from the survey be used:

Responses to the survey will:

  • Shape future service levels, digital offerings and access models
  • Inform programming priorities and community‑focused initiatives
  • Guide planning for infrastructure and technology investment, including the southern corridor
  • Support development of a contemporary, community‑aligned Libraries Strategy

How will Council ensure the Community Engagement Survey is inclusive?

Council will:

  • Provide paper-based surveys in branches
  • Offer staff‑assisted survey completion
  • Deliver targeted home library surveys
  • Partner with trusted community organisations
  • Host in‑branch consultation sessions through ‘Listen at the Library’ events, where community members can speak directly with staff and consultation facilitators. Please visit our What’s On page for more information.

Do I have to complete the survey online?

No. You can complete a paper‑based survey at any of our eight library branches. Staff can provide you with one on request. Visit our website for library branch locations and contact details

How can I find out more information?

Updates and further details will be shared through:

Who should I contact for more information or if I have additional questions?

If you have further questions about the Community Engagement Survey, please contact any of our other Cairns Libraries branches.

Check our website for library branch locations and contact details.

Last updated: 07 Aug 2026