on the future of the libraryFocus

Who you areWhat you like – and don’t like

Research to zoom in on our patrons . . .

What you want from your library

going forward

Focus groupsPublic forumsCommunity leadersCommunity survey

Broad-based community planning process

Set goals for the library,and take concrete stepsto reach those goals.

How do the people of Monroe County use the library?

66% use the library at least once per month

Check out a book

Attend a meeting

Check out a book

Check out a movie

Pick up material on holdAsk a librarian

Find information

Check out music

Use a computer

Read a magazine or newspaper

Check out audiobook

Spend time in a quiet place

Use a copier

Get tax forms

Attend a children’s program

Meet a friend

Work on school assignment

Check out a magazine

Do online research

Attend an adult program

Found info for work

Use wireless access

VolunteerAttend a teen program

Receive help with reading

Target Audiences

Target Audiences

children, families and caregiversfrequent usersleading edge technology users

Target Audiences

underserved audiencestaxpayers staff

Strategieslisten and respondto community input

Strategiesstrengthen community partnerships

Strategiesprovide enrichingand engaging experiences

Strategiesmaintain functionaland attractive public spaces

attract and develop top quality staff

Strategiesattract and developtop quality staff

Strategiesimprove processes

Strategiesbroaden thefunding mix

5 interrelated goals

Childrenpre-literacy skillsreading and language skillsvolunteer homework help

Strengthen support for literacy and lifelong learning

Adultsmore learning opportunitiesvolunteer tutoringteach technology skills21st century literacy skillspartner with the community

Strengthen support for literacy and lifelong learning

access for people with disabilitiesgrow Web and CATS servicesopen second branchreplace bookmobileconsider changes to hours

Expand access to information

foster staff developmentmaintain and improve facility and technologycreatively improve processes

Deliver exemplary service

facilitate transportation and parking optionsEllettsville Branch children’s additioncreate engaging library experiences

Deliver exemplary service

new titlesnew formatsincreased satisfactionchildren’s collection endowment

Maintain high quality collections

be an inclusive and attractive employermake better use of volunteers, interns and work-study

Optimize stewardship of the library’s resources

efficient use of tax supportembrace green, reduce energydevelop maintenance and replacement schedulesfundraising

Optimize stewardship of the library’s resources

The Valuation Study confirmed that Monroe County residents received

in value for each $1 invested in the Library.

ROI

$1.68

Return On Investment

items circulated2,496,313

visits to a Library facility1,148,201

visits to the Library website1,568,906

uses of Library public computers289,000

Library card holders82,066

participants in Library programs43,551

92-95% are satisfied with staff knowledge, courteousness and reference services

96% rated the Library importantto the future of our community

Our library is regularly acknowledged to be one of the finest public libraries in the country.

We are ranked number two nationally for libraries of our size.

Our vision for the future of the Library

We have looked at the actions and opinions of the people that our Library serves.

We have sought to understand the role of the Library in the community.

In order to forma clear vision . . .

. . . of what this Librarycan become . . .

. . . in the years ahead.

Our Vision:

We aspire to be a dynamic library,essential to thoughtful, productive community life,and always meeting our community’s evolving needs.