Overview

Step one was completed through a collaborative process whereby community input was obtained via a community survey distributed widely in paper and  electronically, in which over 315 individual responses were received that provided valuable feedback.

The survey results were then reviewed and discussed by management staff and then with all staff. Responses to the various suggestions were discussed and presented. Additionally, staff input was gained through meetings with management and a half day session with a third party consultant who provided synthesized results of the staff input.

Finally, these results were presented to the Board of Trustees for consideration and additional input was received.

During the process the library website was used to provide information to the community about the process as well as responses to some suggestions, and/or suggestions in place or implemented along the way.

Contained herein is the finished product to be considered a fluid and dynamic document to be revisited annually and adjusted as needed based on ever changing community needs and emerging library and technological trends.

Thanks to the many who participated in the process!

The plan identifies five primary areas on which the library services and resources should focus which are: Spaces, School Readiness, Lifelong Learning, Outreach/Community Connections, and Collections/Resources.

Strategic Plan Document

Spaces

Work toward insuring our space feels welcoming to all.

Analyze our spaces and look for potential grant opportunities to ensure ADA compliance throughout the building, including visual assistance such as digital magnifiers.

Gradually address various building needs, including but not limited to: paint, HVAC, furniture, sound barriers, staff spaces and tech upgrades.

Explore additional and creative ways to display collections and shelving configurations that are user friendly and aesthetically pleasing.

Consider various options for updating the physical walls, including possibly updating the art displayed.

Develop a plan to incorporate additional plants, and their care, within the building, as well as continue working toward improving the outside spaces in conjunction with partner entities.

School Readiness

Create a regular plan to work with preschools both via outreach and in-house activities, and create ways to make these interactions easier on all parties using various means, such as “contact us” forms.

Develop various options, activities and resources to offer spectrum and similar kinds of support.

Develop close working relationships with school representatives and school administration partners and develop resources and tools for their uses.

In keeping up with technology find ways to implement the use of Educational apps.

Continue to develop additional Kindergarten “Boot Camp” activities and offerings, similar to “Love Your Letters” and “1000 Books before Kindergarten”.

Collect, promote and develop program specific activities for reluctant readers and implement the use of various tools available to ensure success including, but not limited to: math/reading buddies programs and the use of service animals as available.

Reach out to local funders, companies, and non-profit partners to assist with resources.

Continue to attend school events and develop partnerships and increase offerings, including but not limited to: Homeschool Group, Back to School, Open House, Family Reading Night, etc.

Lifelong Learning

Continue and expand adult literacy initiatives, offerings and partnerships including those with local community college adult literacy departments.

Develop plans and the necessary partnerships to host a College/Career Fair.

Offer entertaining and educational events and programs for adults of all ages that include offerings that appeal to various age groups, such as “Games of Yesteryear”, “Spelling Bees”, “Canning”, “Couponing”, etc., keeping in mind the needs and interests vary within each generation and adults covers from age 20 and up.

Consider partnering with several entities to develop education and entertaining events such as a Local author fair, craft/hobby fair.

Develop an online high school support program in conjunction with partners who work in this area, including GED support.

Outreach & Community Connections

Develop class offerings considering community needs for bilingual and/or sign language offerings.

Create “Introduction to the Library” events and activities.

Continue to work with marketing staff to develop creative and new ideas and plans through meetings and various communications.

Work with SWAN to fully implement Mobile Circulation and enable off-site patron registration as software allows.

Continue and increase the library presence at the Farmer’s Market as allowable.

Develop Welcome Packets for new patrons.

Work toward obtaining and developing a plan for using a Library Book Bike.

Attend Community Partner Meetings and encourage increased and varied staff involvement in community events.

Reach out to local Social Service Agencies to develop and offer related programming.

Increase and improve the library’s virtual presence by using YouTube and other available resources to record and share events, activities online as well as in person, such as “Art to Go”.

Expand our offerings for the Underserved, such as providing a Micro pantry, and increasing our social service partnerships.

Collections & Resources

Continue to collect and develop all online resources available 24/7, while monitoring use and gauging interest so as to obtain the resources most valued by our community.

Incorporate DEI values and assessment into resource development.

Explore electronic capabilities beyond website.

Assess collection security options.

Promote civic advocacy, such as partnering with voting registrars, and related groups offering citizenship workshops.

Review collection selection process and inventory collection and collection use and assess processes and develop best practices.

Continuously assess database use and needs.

Develop and offer interesting and relevant programs/services, including but not limited to: Genealogy, Mahjong, Crafting/Knitting/Sewing/Fiber Arts, Off Site Book Clubs, Arts, Games, Regional History, Tech. Tutoring, Database/e-resource classes.

Address the needs of all adult groups including the young 20s/adults/seniors. Develop workshops of interest, including but not limited to the following topics: financial responsibility, investing, home buying, planning for retirement, health, technology and resume/career building.

Continue to develop Makery resources and promote use of the space as well as one off programs and publicity, showcasing specific resources.

Provide recreational, arts, and entertainment related programs and activities.

Continue to offer staff trainings in a variety of areas including but not limited to: sensitivity, mental health, communication, evaluation, use of technology, safety and security, customer service.

Continue to incorporate various methods for patron material suggestions/reviews for all age groups.