We like our libraries!

Nearly all of the Butte County residents who use the county library—93 percent—are happy with it. Unfortunately, only 52 percent of residents do use it. And yet 75 percent of registered voters say they would support a one-eighth-cent sales-tax increase to support library services and facilities.

Those are among the findings of a community survey commissioned by the library and presented to the county Board of Supervisors on Jan. 6. The survey, taken by San Mateo-based Godbe Research, found that the main reason people didn’t use the library had to do with personal preferences, not any perceived problems with the libraries.

Among the report’s improvement priorities: selection of materials; number of tables and chairs; size of the library buildings; and hours the library is open. The report also urges that sufficient staff be present, and that free wireless Internet access be added.

Library Director Derek Wolfgram said the survey results would be used to establish budget priorities for the 2009-10 fiscal year.