STRATEGICPLAN 2024-2026
DIRECTOR’SMESSAGE
AuroraPublicLibraryDistrict(APLD)isanessentialresourceforthe community.Thelibrary'sdedicatedstaff,engagedpatrons,andvital servicescreatewelcomingandenrichingcommunityspaces.Toalign ourresourceswiththeemergingprioritiesofthecommunity,the libraryhasundergoneacomprehensivestrategicplanningprocess withfeedbackfromcommunitymembersandstakeholders.By implementinganewstrategicplan,APLDwillrenewourcommitment toexpandedengagementandvisibilityinthecommunity,accessible andinclusivelibraryspaces,innovativeservicesandtechnologies, andaninternalcultureoflearningandgrowth.
APLDbeganthisstrategicplanningprocessstartinginlate2022.We engagedFastForwardLibrariesLLCinMarch2023toguidethe planningprocessinthreephases:Learn,Dream,Do.
TheLearnphaseentailedgatheringcommunity,trustee,andstaff memberfeedbackthroughsurveys,interviews,andfocusgroups. IntheDreamphase,trusteesandstaffmembersexploredpossible futurepathwaysforthelibraryduringretreatsessions. DuringtheDophase,thePlanningTeamrefinedtheplanand presentedittotheBoardofLibraryTrusteesforapproval.
Next,weimplementtheplan.Thismeansdevelopingactivityplansto guideday-to-dayworkthatwillhelpthelibraryachieveourgoals, determinehowtomeasureprogress,andwhenandhowtoreport success.Byworkingtowardsthegoalsinthisstrategicplan,the librarywillincreaseourimpactinthecommunityandbeavital resourceforyearstocome.
Sincerely,
MichaelaHaberkern ExecutiveDirector
TIMELINE
AprilthroughOctober,2023
April-June
Kick-off meetings
Surveys
Focus groups
Interviews
July-August
Learning Report
Staff retreat sessions
Board retreat
September-October
Plan development and review
Presentation to the Board
Transition to implementation
VISION/MISSION
OURVISION
Connectingpeopletocommunity, celebratingeverystory
OURMISSION
Wesupportandinspireourdiverse communitythroughaccesstofun andinformativeresources andexperiences.
STRATEGICDIRECTION
ReachOutandWelcomeAll
We engage our community through partnership and listening to ensure we are providing relevant and valuable resources, as well as thoughtful, responsive experiences. Our library facilities are vibrant community destinations where we welcome all community members and provide comfortable and accessible spaces that meet the diverse needs of our customers.
Goals
ElevateCommunitythroughEngagement, Partnership,andCommunication
CultivateWelcomingSpaces
PotentialOutcomes
Peopleknowwhatthelibraryoffers
Peoplefeelwelcomedandsafeat thelibrary
Increasedoverallusage
Peoplevaluethelibrary
Positivecustomerfeedback
STRATEGICDIRECTION
Empower,Include,andInnovate
Public libraries must evolve with the needs of the communities they serve. We seek to provide access to innovative and inclusive services, programs, and collections that empowers individuals and connects people to needed resources and to one another.
Goals
ConnecttheCommunitytoEvolvingServices andTechnologies
BuildBelongingthroughDiverseCollectionsand Programs
PotentialOutcomes
Peoplefeelthelibraryrepresentsand valuestheirculturesandinterests
Peoplehaveincreasedtechnology skills
Peoplehaveincreasedconfidence usingtechnology
Increasedcirculationandprogram attendance
Customerssharestoriesof transformationafterengagingwith libraryprogramsandservices
Peoplehaveeasieraccesstosocial servicesandresources
STRATEGICDIRECTION
NurtureaThrivingOrganization
Library staff members share their time and talents to develop and sustain a thriving and diverse organization. The library supports a culture of learning and growth and offers staffing and team-building opportunities that ultimately benefit customer experience and the library as a whole.
Goals
FosteraMeaningfulandSatisfyingWork Environment
InspireaGrowthMindset
PotentialOutcomes
Highstaffretentionandenthusiasm forthework
Increaseinstafflanguageskills
Customerscontinuetoreporthigh satisfactionwithcustomerservice
Staffreportfeelingsafe,well,and valued
