MARS — In an effort to better understand the needs of the community and provide better service, Mars Public Library is conducting a survey of residents.

According to Caitlyn Boland, library director, the survey is the first in a series of steps aimed at re-evaluating the library’s role.

“Creating the survey is step one for the library being able to take a step back and understand what our overall communities would like to see service-wise,” she said.

The 15-question survey asks about programming, collections and resources provided by the library, and what residents would like to see change. It also asks questions about the facility and spaces within the building.

“We just really want feedback from our community because we serve our community,” Boland said. “We want to know how we can get more people through the doors.”

The survey is intended to be taken by residents of Mars and Valencia boroughs and Adams and Middlesex townships. It is available online at the library’s website, www.marsarealibrary.org, and in hard copy form at the library, 107 Grand Avenue, Mars. Boland said some local businesses also have copies available.

In the week since the survey went live, 220 people have completed it online, with about 50 submitted in hard copy, Boland said.

The survey will be available throughout the summer, and will coincide with community conversations at the library.

Eventually, library officials want to go into the community to talk to schools and organizations about what the library has to offer.

“We want to go out to individuals that aren’t coming to us yet,” she said. “We’re willing to go to them. ... Ideally, we want to reach out to everybody in the community.”