Planning Process
The Library conducted a significant public engagement effort in the first half of 2019 to better understand the community’s priorities for library service. People were invited to share their input into the new strategic plan via one of three ways: completion of an online survey, contributions to interactive displays, and attendance at in-person community forums. Opportunities were widely promoted via Library and City email lists, Library and City websites, in-person at library locations, and in-person through outreach tables at community locations.
- Community Survey: Nearly 1,300 community members completed an online survey that was open between February 19–March 11. The survey was also made available on paper to patrons as needed.
- Community Forums: Ten facilitated conversations about attendees’ hopes for the Library and their thoughts on library service were held at all Library locations between February 27–March 9. Targeted conversations were hosted for parents/caregivers, for teenagers, and for members of Library Boards (Trustees, Foundation, and Friends).
- Community Idea Walls: Interactive posters at library and community locations invited the public to respond to the prompts “A great library is…” and ‘What are your dreams for the library?” Displays were available at the Main Library, branch libraries, and community locations ranging from City Hall to the Community Learning Center to youth centers. The Library received over 450 comments across all idea walls.
- Public Meetings: Updates on the strategic planning process were shared at the monthly Library Board of Trustee meetings from January–June 2019.
Planning Timeline
November 2018–January 2019
- Steering Committee established
- Research and review of Library and City data and regional and national trends in public library service
- Community and staff process designed
- Staff survey, idea walls, and planning meetings
- Board of Trustees visioning session
February–March 2019
- Nearly 1,300 people complete community survey
- Ten community forums hosted across all Library locations
- Over 450 comments received through idea walls at library branches and community locations
April–May 2019
- Steering Committee met for 13 hours over two sessions to synthesize data
- Community insights identified from data
- Feedback collected from Library staff members and stakeholders
- New Library strategic framework—including mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities—created
June–August 2019
- Action plans developed
- Measures of success identified
September–October 2019
- Present to Library Board of Trustees
- File with Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
- Thank the community and launch plan