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Strategic Plan: 2026-2030

The Niles-Maine District Library (NMDL) is a helpful and well-loved community organization. The library’s staff and services make it a welcoming and comfortable community space. To match the library’s services with the community’s needs, NMDL is working on a strategic planning process that uses input from the community. By working with a new strategic plan, NMDL will:

  • Connect with new and current partners and raise awareness of the library’s services, programs, and collections;
  • Respond to the community’s needs by providing comfortable spaces, needed technologies, and a variety of services; and
  • Support library staff, helping them learn, grow, and communicate well with each other and the community.

Vision

Connect. Inform. Inspire.

Mission

We support our community with resources and experiences that connect, inform, and inspire.

Strategic Directions

1. Connect with the community

We connect with our community in many ways and ensure the library is a strong partner with local organizations. We communicate often, so the community knows about all the library’s services.

Goals:

1.1 Increase community engagement and partnerships to meet the community where they are.

1.2 Increase opportunities for the community to connect with library services and stories through marketing and communications.

1.3 Refine library programs and collections to meet relevant community needs.

2. Respond to community needs

We have comfortable library spaces that are easy to use. We listen to our community’s needs and provide various services and technologies that help people feel included and build confidence.

Goals:

2.1 Improve library spaces to make them more welcoming and accessible.

2.2 Expand access to innovative tools and technologies to enrich the lives of community members.

2.3 Diversify library services based on evolving community needs.

3. Support staff communication and collaboration

Library staff are the heart of our organization. We help them learn and grow so that they can continue to provide excellent customer service.

Goals:

3.1 Develop staff to best utilize their skills and build strengths.

3.2 Prioritize internal communication and collaboration to foster a unified work culture.

Implementation and Evaluation

The NMDL Board has approved the mission, vision, strategic directions, and goals outlined in this plan. Library staff will now develop an activity plan to guide the library’s work. Staff will regularly review and adjust the activity plan, paying attention to the funding and timing needed for specific activities.

Library staff will also evaluate their work on the approved goals. Progress toward the goals will be regularly reported to the Trustees, staff, and community.