MESSAGEFROM
1,467
Community members responded to our survey
1,194
Patrons answered our Question of the Day
871
People interacted with strategic report polls and posts on our social media
Annie welcomes feedback from the community and is available to address questions, concerns or listen to ideas.
Email her at: administration@andersonlibrary.org
Have questions or feedback for the Library Board of Trustees?
Email them at: libraryboard@andersonlibrary.org
ANDERSONCOUNTYLIBRARYSYSTEM
DIRECTOR
First, I’d like to thank our community for helping us to create this new strategic plan We received a ton of great feedback from our surveys, questions of the day, and social media posts that helped us to understand what you like about the library and what can be improved The overwhelming positive response from our patrons and community residents was uplifting to me, our staff, and board We are so glad that you love our library!
From your feedback, we were able to merge the information together, find the recurring themes, and create a plan of action for the library system as a whole It’s important to remember how large our community is and that we have nine locations to consider when making goals What emerged were the following needs: easier access to libraries and programs, better communication, more outreach and partnerships, and improving spaces that created a sense of belonging It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day running of a library, but our strategic plan is our promise to you that we will look at the bigger picture and work to improve in these areas So, keep an eye out for positive change at your local branch or your digital library platform As always, I’m here to answer any questions you have, and I hope to see you at the library!
Annie ANNIESUTTON
Dear Anderson County Library Patrons and Supporters,
As we look forward to our 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, we wanted to take a moment to reflect In our 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, we set goals for Outreach and Advocacy, Patron Experience, Engaging Our Team, and Innovation We believe that we have seen growth in each of these areas and are proud of the way our library system has shown up for our community Our library staff has worked hard to expand access to materials, offer exciting and relevant programming, and to create a space that is welcoming to all Our library branches continue to open their doors to provide spaces for our community to thrive; from opening to provide power and respite during Hurricane Helene to weekly family storytimes and everywhere in between LEAP Stations and digital access continues to grow and provide for our patrons in an ever changing world, meeting you where you are and bringing the library to you
The continuing efforts to be good stewards of the Anderson County taxpayers' money will allow us to reach more people with new and creative programming You can be assured that each expenditure is initiated with a sense of responsibility Utilizing your tax dollars is and will be done ethically As we continue forward we are eager to maintain high quality services for our growing community Knowing that a library is so much more than just books in a building, we want to see the library continue to expand access through programming, outreach, and collection growth We are excited to take the community feedback gathered in recent surveys and see how our library system continues to adapt and thrive
See you at the library!
Anderson County Library Board of Trustees
For 117 years, the Anderson County Library System has been an essential and dynamic institution whose dedicated staff provides outstanding service, meaningful collections, and impactful programs in welcoming and inspiring spaces for the residents of Anderson County.
The library is community-driven and innovative, providing essential resources, services, and spaces
The Anderson County Library System is dedicated to providing access to information of all types and facilities for education, recreation, and personal development to the County’s residents, without regard to race, gender, creed, age or location We are committed to freedom of access for all, offering a forum for ideas.
Kelly Moon
District 1
Pinkey Rinnix
District 2
Frances Saville
District 3
Nicole Davenport
District 4
Angela Dixon
District 5
Wendy Tucker (Vice-Chair)
District 6
Andrew Cacossa (Sec/Treasurer)
District 7
Albert "Howie"
Howard At-Large
Jimmy Johnson (Chair) At-Large
Annie Sutton Library Director
For a library, a strategic plan focuses on how to best serve the community by identifying important needs, setting clear priorities, and directing resources toward the services and materials that matter most. The Anderson County Library System develops a new strategic plan every four years to ensure our priorities continue to reflect the evolving needs of our community
Strategic planning helps ensure the library is thoughtful, responsive, and accountable in how it serves the community By evaluating current services, listening to community feedback, and planning for future needs, the library can make informed decisions about collections, programs, outreach, and spaces. A strategic plan also helps staff, community leaders, and partners stay aligned around shared goals, ensuring the library continues to grow, adapt, and remain a valuable resource for everyone in the community
We used several tactics to gather community input for our strategic planning process
Online Polls
In-library ‘Question of the Day’ Online Surveys
Staff survey and SWOT analysis
Library leadership SWOT analysis
Community Input Sessions
Patrons consistently described the Anderson County Library System as welcoming, helpful, and community-focused Staff service and the quality of the library’s collections emerged as the system’s strongest assets Respondents also emphasized the importance of programs for families and children, as well as the library’s role as a welcoming space for learning, reading, and community connection
LIBRARYUSE FREQUENCY
82% of respondents use the library at least monthly.
94% rate the collection Excellent or Good COLLECTION OFBOOKS& MATERIALS
COLLECTIONSARE HIGHLYVALUED
STAFFARETHE LIBRARY’SGREATEST STRENGTH
PROGRAMSBUILD COMMUNITY
DIGITALRESOURCE DEMANDISGROWING
THELIBRARYISA WELCOMING COMMUNITYSPACE
OVERALL SATISFACTION
96% positive satisfaction (4 or 5).
92% positive rating among users DIGITAL RESOURCES
PROGRAMS& EVENTS
91% positive rating among respondents.
Input gathered from staff and patrons was systematically reviewed and analyzed to identify common themes and priorities. Library leadership carefully evaluated the findings to guide the development of goals and objectives that respond to community needs.
Access means making library services more available, convenient, and responsive to community needs. As Anderson County grows and changes, the library must evolve to remain relevant and essential.
“ILOVETHATOUR LIBRARY PROVIDESTHE LOCKERS OUTSIDESOI CANSTOPBY ANDPICKUP BOOKSANYTIME OFDAY.”
The Anderson County Library continues to work on best practices in communicating to both the public and staff. Effective communication ensures patrons are informed, engaged, and connected to library services, programs, and events. Consistent branding and messaging strengthen visibility and trust. For library staff transparent and timely updates to staff about services, policies, programming, and organizational initiatives promote alignment, collaboration, and excellent customer service. When staff are wellinformed, they are better equipped to support patrons and advance the library’s mission.
“WHATA WONDERFUL ASSETTOOUR COMMUNITY.THE DIVERSE EXPERIENCESTHAT AREPROVIDED THROUGHTHE SONICLUNCH PROGRAMISJUST WONDERFUL.”
Community outreach is essential to the mission of the Anderson County Library. By meeting patrons where they are, the library reduces barriers to access and reaches individuals who may not otherwise visit a branch. Outreach helps ensure equitable access to information, resources, and programs for all residents. Building strong partnerships is key to successful programs and visibility in the community. Collaborating with local businesses and agencies greatly strengthens and expands the library’s impact.
Public libraries are more than places to borrow books, they are welcoming spaces where the community can gather, connect, and belong. A community center model positions the library as a hub for lifelong learning and shared experiences. Comfortable, inviting spaces and engaging programming make the library a destination where patrons want to spend time. When people feel welcomed and valued, they are more likely to utilize a public space.
“THELIBRARY OFFERSA WELCOMING, CONVENIENT PLACETOMEET ANDREADAND LEARNWITH FRIENDSAND FAMILY.”
ExpandedHours atLocations
MorePhysicaland DigitalItems
MoreLEAP StationItems
RemoteCard Renewal
Programsat AccessibleTimes
Library Visits
Collection Growth
Digital Usage
Item Checkouts
Card Renewals
Program Attendance
Patron Feedback
Expanded Marketing
BetterInternal Communication
Improved Onboarding& Training
Event Guides Distributed
Event Guides Viewed Online
Social Media Reach & Engagement
Staff Program Awareness & Promotion
Staff Training Participation
Bookmobile Stops
Outreach Attendance
Community Partnership Programs
Sponsorship Number
Outreach Service Requests
Expanded Bookmobile& Outreach
Community Partnership Programs
Sponsorship Opportunities
Enhancethe MainLibrary Environment
InnovativeAdult &Senior Programming
ExpandedYouth& TeenProgramming
StandardizedLook& CustomerService
Building Improvements
HOWWE’LLMEASURESUCCESS
Program Attendance by Age
Space Usage
Patron Satisfaction
Library Visits
The Anderson County Library System continues to evolve alongside the community it serves. As Anderson County grows, the library is committed to exploring innovative ideas, expanding services, and finding new ways to connect people with information, learning, and each other. By adapting to changing needs and embracing new opportunities, the library will remain a relevant and trusted resource for generations to come
The library’s future is shaped not only by planning and innovation, but by the voices of the community We invite residents to stay involved, share ideas, and continue helping us build a library system that reflects the needs, interests, and aspirations of Anderson County
Anderson Main Library
300 N McDuffie St • Anderson • (864) 260-4500
Mon-Thu: 9a-8p | Fri-Sat: 9a-6p | Sun: 2p-6p
Belton Library
91 Breazeale St • Belton • (864) 338-8330
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10am – 6pm Tuesday and Thursday 10am – 8pm Saturday 10am – 2pm
Bookmobile
bookmobile@andersonlibraryorg (864) 260-4500 ext 176
Iva Library
622 E Front St • Iva • (864) 348-6150 Mon-Fri: 10a-6p | Sat: 10a-2p
Jennie Erwin Library
318 N Shirley Ave Honea Path (864) 369-7751 Mon-Fri: 10a-6p | Sat: 10a-2p
Lander Memorial Library
925 Greenville Dr Williamston (864) 847-5238
Mon, Wed, Fri: 10a-6p | Tue, Thu: 10a-8p | Sat: 10a-2p
Pendleton Library
650 S Mechanic St • Pendleton • (864) 646-3045 Mon, Wed, Fri: 10a-6p | Tue, Thu: 10a-8p | Sat: 10a-2p
Piedmont Library
1407 SC Hwy 86 • Piedmont • (864) 845-6534 Mon-Fri: 10a-6p | Sat: 10a-2p
Powdersville Library
4 Civic Court • Powdersville • (864) 295-1190 Mon, Wed, Fri: 10a-6p | Tue, Thu: 10a-8p | Sat: 10a-2p
Westside Community Center Library
1100 W Franklin St Anderson (864) 260-4660 Mon-Fri: 10a-3p