The community survey, as you read in the paper recently, thinks the concept of doubling the size of the library building, at a cost of about $55 million, is swell. It does raise a few questions, though, that may provide fodder for the Post-Bulletin Dialogue meeting at 6:30 p.m. tonight at the library.

Here's what the summary says, and I'll attach a copy to this column online. It was conducted by Paul J. Strawhecker Inc.,which is involved in "resource development and counsel for nonprofits," and for the record, it was done for the Rochester Public Library Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising organization that supports the city-owned library.

Sixty-three people were interviewed for the survey, plus an online survey yielded 263 responses. It was done in part to assess how fundraising for the project would go; the document refers to a $3 million fundraising campaign for the project.

The interviewees identified these strengths of the library: It responds well to change, it has the ability to bring together and engage diverse groups; it provides comprehensive services in one location; its leadership and staff are well-regarded; and it stays current with national trends and technology.

Areas for improvement: The library could offer more public programs; it needs to better explain the rationale for a single location, rather than adding branches; accessibility issues need to be addressed; and the library should "explore a relationship with Destination Medical Center" for this project.

As you may know, DMC is one of the angles mentioned as a need for the library expansion, and the library is likely to go after some financial support from DMC, though Rochester stateSen. Dave Senjem has raised some questions about that.

The PowerPoint has some additional, enticing information. Apparently the people surveyed were asked about their appetite for donating to the cause. The "potential giving identified" from the people who were interviewed "was in the range of $578,920 to $1,010,450." The interviews (in addition to conversations with library foundation board members) identified eight potential fundraising campaign leaders and 31 volunteers.

The part of the project that respondents were most favorable toward was plans for a larger auditorium. The current Judith Taylor Auditorium is more like a big meeting room than a genuine auditorium. The survey also found "enthusiasm" for the children and young adult floor, a new "street level entry configuration," and an improved skyway connection that would fix the complicated current arrangement.

The PowerPoint also says, "There is confusion regarding the role of the library within the DMC plans," though I think many individuals and entities in the Rochester area could say the same thing.

The most interesting slide, while concluding there's support for a fundraising campaign, includes these observations:

"The community needs more facts on the rationale for keeping the library in its downtown location.

"Rochester is perceived as having 'new money' and its residents are reserved in explaining their philanthropic intent.

"Downtown parking is an issue for the larger business community.

"The environment for philanthropy is competitive, as there are many other ongoing and potential campaigns in the Rochester area."