Strategic Plan 2025-2027
Greater Victoria Public Library’s service area is located on the unceded traditional territories of the Songhees and Xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt) Nations, the W̱ SÁNEĆ Nations of SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) and W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), and the SC’IȺNEW (Beecher Bay) Nation.
Colonization and systemic racism still impact the lives of Indigenous Peoples today. Their historical and cultural relationship with the land and sea continues as they steward these sacred lands as they have since time immemorial.
Photo: Christina Victoria Craft
GREATER VICTORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY
A Message from Board Chair
At the Greater Victoria Public Library, our work has always been inspired by the communities we serve. We are proud to offer free and equitable access to services, and to create spaces where everyone feels safe, included, and welcome. The library is more than a building — it’s a vibrant hub where curiosity thrives and meaningful connections blossom. We are your place to connect, discover, and imagine.
This Strategic Plan is guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and sets the direction for the library’s next chapter. It reinforces our commitment to grow alongside our community, respond with empathy and innovation, and deliver services that reflect the diverse needs of those we serve. We are guided by our Vision and grounded in our Purpose to build community and support literacy and lifelong learning by providing free access to information, space, tools, and expertise. Our journey towards Truth and Reconciliation continues to be a deeply held priority, and we are committed to continue working towards meaningful and lasting reconciliation.
Public libraries are a vital part of strong and vibrant communities, delivering services people rely on every day. In the coming years, GVPL will invest in our people and culture, as we ground our work in trust and respect, collaborating for shared success, growing digital literacy and access, and demonstrating our impact.
At a time when communities are facing complex challenges, GVPL stands committed to listening, learning, and lifting one another up. We embrace the opportunity to meet today’s most urgent needs — and we do so with gratitude and optimism for what lies ahead.
At the library, the future shines brightly with possibility and opportunity — we are honoured to embark on this next chapter together.
GVPL Board Chair Shahira Khair
Vision, Purpose, Values
Our vision, purpose and values reflect our role as a community connector, committed to free access, lifelong learning, and inclusive, innovative and accountable service for all.
Vision
Your place to connect, discover, and imagine.
Purpose
We build community and support literacy and lifelong learning by providing free access to information, space, tools, and expertise.
Values
Our work is guided by the following values:
Collaboration:
We engage and work in partnership to meet community needs.
Inclusiveness:
We respect diversity and provide open access for all in welcoming physical and virtual spaces.
Service Excellence:
We provide a high-quality library service that is responsive to the community.
Innovation:
We commit to continuous improvement in library service delivery.
Intellectual Freedom:
We uphold the Canadian Federation of Library Association’s position on intellectual freedom and the equitable access to and exchange of information, ideas, and creativity.
Public Accountability:
We make transparent decisions that are fiscally sound and measurable.
Sustainability:
We deliver reliable and relevant services and remain resilient in times of change.
Invest
in People and Culture
Recognizing that people are GVPL’s greatest asset, we will invest in workforce planning, staff knowledge, supports, systems, and organizational culture.
• Increase organizational resilience and capacity
• Strengthen our organizational culture
• Grow our expertise and adaptability
GVPL staff will have the knowledge, tools, skills and support to do their best work. Strategic workforce planning and employee engagement will boost employee retention and satisfaction. Changes to how we communicate, implement change and manage projects will ensure that our resources are used effectively and that we meet our strategic goals. Sustainable Development Goals: 8, 9 & 16
The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer a shared global framework for ensuring a more sustainable and equitable future, advancing social progress, and measuring impact. They guide the priorities of governments, non-profit organizations, and public institutions, including libraries, in creating meaningful change. In line with this vision, this Strategic Plan focuses on eight SDGs that are most relevant to our work, using them as the foundation for setting objectives and evaluating success.
Learn more: https://sdgs.un.org/goals
Ground
our Work in Trust and Respect
Sustainable Development Goals: 8, 10 & 16
Acting on community input and expert advice, we will increase inclusion and safety in our spaces, services and relationships
• Strengthen and act on our Reconciliation commitments, guided by recent Indigenous engagement
• Move forward within our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Framework
• Enhance safety and security in GVPL spaces for community members and staff
GVPL will embrace the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) and our services, spaces and governance will be informed by the principles of Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility and a commitment to safety.
The Emerging Local Authors Collection celebrates the creativity of writers in our region and reflects GVPL’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility by amplifying underrepresented voices and supporting access to local stories for all.
Collaborate for Shared Success
We will be part of long-term plans to build sustainable communities.
• Collaborate on local and regional priorities
• Strengthen partnerships to deliver on our purpose and vision
Staff from the Community Social Planning Council at GVPL’s free monthly ID Clinic, held at the Central Branch to support individuals facing barriers to obtaining identification.
Sustainable Development Goals: 11 and 17
Members of the Diverters’ Foundation shared their Community Story Map with visitors at the Central Branch. Created with the University of Victoria, the map shows where Victoria’s waste pickers collect bottles and cans and highlights their role in local recycling.
Working with municipalities, planners and regional partners will situate library services as a key element of sustainable cities and communities. Through our community-inspired library service, we will build partnerships with local organizations that amplify our efforts and support community goals.
Build Digital Literacy and Access
Sustainable Development Goals: 1, 4 & 10
We will increase access to information, space, tools, and expertise and support community digital needs with responsive services and access to technology.
• Enhance our virtual presence and services
• Support community digital learning
• Provide resilient and responsive technology that enables excellent library service
GVPL’s digital presence, virtual branch, and online collections provide access to information, knowledge and lifelong learning. A renewed focus on digital learning will increase digital literacy across Greater Victoria communities and provide access to digital tools. These actions will reduce digital inequities caused by poverty and increase opportunity for residents to build digital skills, seek employment, and access services. Residents can be confident that their information and privacy is protected.
Grow
and Demonstrate our Impact
Moving forward with our Regional Service Delivery Plan, we will maximize our impact through enhanced spaces and services. We will measure and communicate our success, ensuring sustained funding from our partners.
• Support Greater Victoria’s growing population with responsive library services and spaces
• Refine our measurement framework
Expanding the reach of GVPL services through new and expanded facilities and finding new ways to offer library services beyond our walls will increase access to information and knowledge. Increased capacity from our distribution hub, sustainable staffing and internal processes will deepen our impact within our existing resources.
GREATER VICTORIA