Mount Prospect Public Library showcases how libraries can adapt to meet their communities’ evolving needs, stay relevant in an increasingly digital world, and continue to offer valuable services to all residents.

Sometimes in library management, strategic planning can get pushed to the side. When you’re on the front lines, addressing daily needs with limited resources, it’s difficult to find time to think three, five, or ten years into the future. But for the Sterling Heights Public Library (SHPL) in Michigan, a comprehensive strategic plan has become the linchpin of a fresh approach to serving their community. Tammy Turgeon, Library Director at SHPL, talked with ReThinking Libraries about the evolution of her library and how strategic planning has reshaped their services, partnerships, and overall vision. 

The Handley Regional Library System (HRLS) is a busy library system with three branches, covering one city and two counties. The Handley Branch, a historic building from the early 1900s, is not just a library but a landmark. The building's storied past, combined with its evolving role in the community, presents a unique challenge: How does a library steeped in history adapt to modern needs without losing its essence?

Change can be challenging for any library, especially when it involves leadership transitions, a shifting community demographic, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. For Cromaine District Library in Hartland, Michigan, the past few years have been a period of transition.  The Library’s new strategic plan has energized both staff and community members alike.

Librarians know that libraries are more than just repositories of books; they’re essential hubs for connection, learning, and community support. Downers Grove Public Library has worked to steer the community through challenging times and emerge even stronger. DGPL navigated recent controversies to strengthen ties with the community and implement innovative programs to foster inclusion, learning, and civic engagement.

Libraries understand the delicate balance between honoring the past and embracing the future—a balance that the Carnegie-Stout Public Library (C-SPL) in Dubuque, Iowa, is striking beautifully. The library, which has served its community since 1902, is in the midst of an exciting and thoughtful renovation designed to expand its services, modernize its facilities, and continue its legacy as a cornerstone of the Dubuque community.

Libraries are dynamic, evolving spaces that reflect the needs and aspirations of the communities they serve. The recent renovation at the Redford Township District Library (RTDL) in Redford, Michigan, is a testament to this, offering a fresh, vibrant space that is both functional and innovative.

Manatee County Public Library System (MCPLS) has taken the traditional concept of a branch library and re-envisioned it as something truly innovative: the Little Discovery Center, a unique space designed to ignite a joy in learning in the youngest members of the community.

Sun Prairie Public Library (SPPL) stands as a testament to the transformative power of community-centered planning and innovative programming. Under the adept leadership of Library Director Svetha Hetzler, SPPL has not only embraced change but has also become a vibrant hub for lifelong learning and community engagement.

Following a major renovation, Mary Riley Styles Public Library embarked on a strategic planning process to maximize its new space and address challenges that had previously hindered its ability to serve the public effectively.

Novi Public Library and its staff are well-loved by the community for their wide range of services and programs. But continually responding to community needs without additional funding was creating issues for staff morale and sustainability.

In a testament to the transformative power of strategic planning, the Mason County District Library (MCDL) has emerged as a leader in creating community cohesion, leveraging its strategic planning process to address historical divisions and pioneer initiatives that resonate with their community. 

Great Falls (MT) Public Library (GFPL) was struggling with a fundamental challenge common to many libraries: lack of funding. Since enduring budget cuts in 2014, the library grappled with the strain of providing essential services while operating well below the Montana state average. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, GFPL partnered with ReThinking Libraries and MMW Architects to conduct a thorough analysis of its operations, staffing, and capital needs.

With a clear vision in mind – "Connect, Explore, Grow" – Catawba County Library set out to revitalize its offerings and become a true destination for patrons of all ages.

By embracing change, fostering partnerships, and prioritizing community engagement, Jennings County Library has redefined what it means to be a modern library in the 21st century.

We were excited to participate in the Indiana Library Federation conference in person this week. It marked the first time since the onset of the pandemic we have been able to attend a library conference in-person and the first time Rob and I have been able to present together in-person. We had a full room and fantastic audience participation.

Hiring an experienced library consultant can be perceived as an added expense, but often it can be the best investment that you make when pursuing any type of library project. As libraries are often being challenged to do more with less, it’s more important than ever to focus on community needs and consider new alternatives. Sometimes it’s hard to do that when you aren’t sure what else is out there or where to start. Here are just a few reason you should consider looking to a consultant for assistance.

Libraries have the opportunity to learn from others. Especially in these uncertain times organizations are showing their creativity in how they continue to best serve their communities. Over time, Monona Bank realized that their customers had changed their habits and were no longer needing as many onsite banking services as they once did. Instead of letting the space in the lobby at their Schenk’s Corners location go unused, they chose to rethink how they offered services to their community. The solution, in addition to continuing to offer banking services, was to create a venue that also offered a café and co-working space.

When was the last time you heard, “I didn’t know the library did that”? I’m guessing it’s a routine occurrence and maddening at that. We have been listening to librarians and library staff for over 20 years and more recently have been seeking the voice of community members as well. In the past six years alone, we have worked with nearly 100 public library clients, facilitated over 600 community discussion sessions with over 8,500 attendees, and conducted 75 online surveys with over 20,000 total responses. We can honestly say that this sentiment is one of the most universal responses we hear time and time again in our community discussion sessions, regardless of the library size, budget, or level of usage.

Over the past 10-15 years libraries and the communities they serve have undergone constant change due to rapidly evolving technology, changing patron preferences, social issues, and constant budget pressures. The events of the past several months have done much to intensify change and have also provided the opportunity to re-examine even the most basic operations and try new approaches. Most libraries understand that change brings opportunity and adapting to these changes can make institutions stronger, more relevant, and more responsive to the needs of their communities.