Bringing the Community In and Taking the Library Out

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.

I recently had the opportunity to talk with Cromaine’s Library Director, Sarah Neidert, to discuss how the library has navigated these challenges, the exciting initiatives underway, and the positive impact of working with a consultant.

Addressing Post-COVID Challenges and Staff Turnover

Like many libraries across the country, Cromaine faced both staff and board member turnover in the aftermath of COVID-19. This turnover included leadership positions, making the transition even more complex. "We had a variety of reasons for the staff changes, and it all happened at a time when everything was already disrupted," Neidert explained. Neidert herself joined the Library as Director in November 2022.  With leadership changes at the management and board level, "We really needed to take a step back and figure out what to do next."

To help navigate these turbulent times, Cromaine brought in ReThinking Libraries (RTL) to guide them through the process of reestablishing direction. RTL’s expertise was invaluable. "RTL walked us through the whole process," Neidert shared. "They helped us develop a plan that responded to the unique needs of our community at this time, which probably would have been different if we'd made it before COVID." She emphasized how having a consultant made decision-making easier: "I can now ask if a decision aligns with our plan, which brings clarity and consistency to what we do."

Shifting from Rural to Suburban

One of the most significant changes Cromaine is addressing is the community’s shift from a rural to a suburban environment. One thing the community as a whole has been struggling with is a sense of place, as the village is no longer on the main thoroughfare.  “Our historic building is located in the Village of Hartland.  A busy state highway bisects the district from north to south, and the heavily trafficked M-59 corridor cuts through from east to west." Neidert noted.  As the area grows and changes, so too must the library's approach to serving its patrons. Cromaine’s strategic plan, developed with community input, is helping to guide these efforts.

People were most enthusiastic about space planning inside and outside the 100-year-old building.  This community feedback is central to the plan and provides a strong foundation for current and future decisions.

Initiatives Lighting Up the Community

One of the most exciting aspects of Cromaine’s strategic plan is the development of their outdoor space in the village. The community showed a strong interest in utilizing outdoor areas for programming. "We’ve been doing outdoor programs since 2020 under a tent, and people are really excited about continuing to use that space," Neidert explained. Cromaine owns a corner lot that was previously occupied by a school, and while two previous bond proposals to build a new facility there were unsuccessful, the outdoor space will now be transformed into a vibrant, park-like area for programming and community events.

"We just completed an RFP for the outdoor space, and the community is really excited about it," Neidert shared with a smile. The project is still in its early stages, but there’s a clear sense of excitement about what this space will bring to Hartland.

Looking forward, Cromaine also plans to conduct an interior assessment of the library to ensure that the indoor space is just as functional and inviting. "After the outdoor space is completed, we’ll start looking at the interior," Neidert said, hinting at more improvements to come.

Defining Outreach and Benchmarking

A key part of Cromaine’s strategic plan involves extending outreach and awareness to better serve the evolving needs of their community. During the first year of the plan, the library has been benchmarking and assessing current services to ensure alignment with community needs. One area they’ve focused on is defining what “outreach” means for the library. "We didn’t all think the same thing about what our goal is and how to measure it," Neidert admitted. Now, the staff is working together to create a clear and unified vision for outreach.

One initiative that has come from this process is the development of a homebound service, which will better serve patrons who cannot physically visit the library. Additionally, the library has been conducting a salary benchmarking survey to compare compensation with other libraries in Southeast Michigan. This effort will help ensure that Cromaine’s staff is supported and fairly compensated, especially as state laws surrounding paid time off (PTO) change.

Supporting Staff and Investing in Resources

Another significant focus for Cromaine is improving the work environment for their staff. "We’ve already worked with a designer to upgrade the youth staff area with new office furniture," Neidert shared, and plans are underway to improve other staff areas for better functionality and comfort. This includes assessing seating and task areas to foster collaboration among staff.

The library is also investing in staff training and resources. Cromaine recently launched a new website at the end of August, which was a collaborative effort across the entire staff, despite not having dedicated tech personnel. "All staff pitched in and contributed," Neidert said proudly.

Additionally, Cromaine is committed to making the library more accessible. The library invited a disability support services group to assess the building’s accessibility, and the feedback has been divided into three categories: immediate fixes by maintenance staff, larger projects requiring contractor quotes, and long-term renovations.

Teen Engagement and Community Involvement

One of the bright spots for Cromaine has been its engagement with teens in the community. Over the summer, the library’s teen volunteer group was incredibly active, with nearly 60 teens participating. "They’re eager to have input in the process, and we’re working to give them more opportunities to share their ideas," Neidert said. Cromaine also has a Teen Advisory Board (TAB), and one of the TAB members will begin reporting monthly to the library board, ensuring that teen voices are heard at the highest level.

Pride in the Past, Excitement for the Future

As Cromaine looks to the future, Neidert is proud of what the library has accomplished in these challenging times. "We now feel an ownership for the direction we’re going," she said. "I’m proud of our staff’s ability to persevere and move forward, and of the community’s involvement in shaping our plan."

Cromaine is also celebrating its past, with the library’s 100th anniversary coming up in 2027. Neidert is particularly excited about the fun programming planned around this milestone, which will highlight the history of Hartland as a planned community. "It’s going to be a great opportunity to highlight the rich history of this area," she said.

Overall, the strategic planning process has reinvigorated Cromaine Library and helped it navigate the challenges of a changing world. From outdoor programming to staff investment and community engagement, the library is well-positioned to continue serving its community with creativity and purpose. And with its centennial just around the corner, Cromaine’s next chapter promises to be as dynamic as its storied past.