Blueprint for Success: Sterling Heights Public Library’s Strategic Journey
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.
Understanding Sterling Heights: A Community in Motion
Located in a northern suburb of Detroit, Sterling Heights is a diverse and steadily growing community of over 130,000 residents. It’s the fourth largest city in Michigan, with a significant manufacturing presence (including two Ford plants and two Stellantis plants) that boosts the local economy. Turgeon describes it as a place rich with younger families, good schools, and recreational opportunities, but also home to a steadily increasing senior population.
“This is a good place to raise a family,” she said. “But lately, traffic has been an issue, and there’s also a bit of a divide in service accessibility. We’re aiming to bridge that gap, especially in the southern part of the city, by adding a 24/7 library kiosk in a new park there.”
The main library is a hub of activity within Sterling Heights, situated within a city complex that includes city hall, a skate park, a community center, an ice rink, and more. This prime location places the library at the heart of community life, with an increasing emphasis on accessibility and amenities. From splash pads to farmers' markets, the complex reflects a city striving to create engaging public spaces, a focus also echoed in the library’s approach to services.
Building a Plan with Vision: Aligning with Sterling Heights’ Goals
In 2022, Turgeon and her team embarked on a strategic planning process, the first the library had undertaken in over 15 years. Collaborating with consultants ReThinking Libraries, they set out to design a strategy that aligned with Sterling Heights’ Vision 2030 plan—a city-wide commitment to safety, inclusivity, and community vitality.
Turgeon noted that one of the biggest challenges was that the library had been "reactionary," often forced to cut staff or services due to funding constraints. “We are a city department, and we don’t have our own millage, so we compete for resources with police, fire, and public works,” she explained. “Our community loves the library, but it can be challenging to meet all of our residents’ needs while staying fiscally responsible.”
Knowing that the city had struggled in the past to get resident input, the SHPL staff looked for ways to engage the community in the planning process. One creative solution they implemented was sending a flyer in water bills, which helped draw attention to the library’s planning efforts and encouraged participation in focus groups. This outreach, while unconventional, led to valuable insights and perspectives from non-users.
A Strategic Focus: Five Key Areas of Impact
Turgeon and her team structured their new strategic plan around five focus areas: Elevated Resources, Supported Staff, Outreach & Partnerships, Aware Community, and Adequate Funding. They are already making progress in each of these areas.
Elevated Resources
One of the first outcomes was the development of a "library of things" and a video game collection, offering unconventional resources that appeal to diverse demographics.
The library also expanded its makerspace, swapping spaces with the teen area to provide more room for creative activities. Increased investment in digital resources, like Hoopla, is another way they’ve responded to changing user needs.
An annual library survey now gathers insights from residents, ensuring that new services align with community expectations.
Supported Staff
“Our staff were tired and stressed out,” Turgeon admitted, “and we needed to support them better.” In response, they introduced an annual staff survey and began tailoring workloads based on individual interests and strengths, whether it’s collection development, reference desk duty, or programming.
Staff members are now more involved in policy discussions, leading to the creation of a youth and teen safety policy, which Turgeon says has resolved several ongoing issues.
Outreach & Partnerships
The library has been working to connect with local schools through classroom visits.
An internal outreach committee was formed to organize outreach efforts, and partnerships with senior facilities have increased.
Perhaps the most unique new addition is a mobile library—a John Deere tractor used by the city in winter will be repurposed to carry a large box of library materials during the summer, bringing library services to parks, trails, and city events.
Aware Community
Getting the word out has become a top priority. By attending farmers' markets and other community events, and through the upcoming mobile library, the library is making its presence felt citywide.
Collaborations with the Friends of the Library organization have also intensified, with fundraising efforts aimed at increasing program offerings.
SHPL has added new face-out displays and increased signage within the library.
Adequate Funding
Adequate funding is an ongoing struggle, but Turgeon has found ways to advocate for the library's needs. Recently, she met with other local libraries to explore the possibility of forming a district library.
A promising redevelopment of a local shopping mall could bring a new branch to the city in the long-term, adding a much-needed satellite location.
Looking ahead, Turgeon is excited about a new millage initiative called Vision 2040, which was passed in the November 5 election. This city initiative will fund a 24/7 library kiosk in a new southern park, alongside other city improvements.
Moving Forward with a Strong Foundation
For Turgeon, the strategic plan is more than just a document—it’s an active blueprint guiding the library’s day-to-day operations. “Our mission, vision, and values are posted right by the front door, and I monitor the plan every week to keep things moving forward,” she said. This hands-on approach ensures that the library is steadily working toward its goals, even as challenges arise.
The planning process also strengthened relationships across city departments, as Turgeon shared that “our city manager gave a big compliment after one of ReThinking Libraries’ planning sessions with the department heads, saying it was great working with them as facilitators.” This positive feedback has given the library credibility with city staff, creating momentum for future initiatives.
Embracing the Journey
As many of us know, libraries often operate in survival mode, constantly adapting to shifting budgets and patron demands. Sterling Heights Public Library’s story serves as a powerful reminder that with a clear strategy, libraries can evolve from being reactive to proactive, ensuring that they continue to meet the unique needs of their communities.
