Empowering the Community: Jennings County Library's Strategic Triumph
Kids visiting the Jennings County Public Library WOW Bus
In the heart of Jennings County, Indiana, nestled amidst the rural landscape, lies a beacon of community and education: the Jennings County Library. But like many institutions, it faced its own set of challenges, especially in the tumultuous aftermath of the pandemic. Under the leadership of Library Director Mary Abplanalp, the library has embarked on a transformative journey, fueled by a strategic plan that has not only revitalized its role but also amplified its impact within the community.
Addressing Challenges Head-On
Post-pandemic, Jennings County Public Library found itself at a crossroads. Like many libraries, attendance numbers had dwindled, and there was a palpable uncertainty about the library's relevance in the community. How could they reignite interest and engagement? This question fueled their strategic planning process, which began in 2022 under the guidance of ReThinking Libraries (RTL).
Engaging in an inclusive planning process was pivotal. Abplanalp and the RTL team conducted ten focus groups, inviting key stakeholders and community members to participate actively. The objective was clear: to understand the community's needs and aspirations, especially in the wake of the pandemic. The challenges were daunting – from devising effective programming to grappling with unreliable internet connectivity in rural areas. But within these challenges lay opportunities for innovation and growth.
Initiatives Spurred by Strategic Planning
WOW Bus
Armed with insights gleaned from the planning process, Jennings County Public Library set out to implement a series of initiatives aimed at reconnecting with the community and expanding its reach. One such initiative was the launch of the WOW (Words on Wheels) Bus bookmobile – a testament to resourcefulness and creativity.
Browsing the WOW Bus Offerings
The library started off simply, spending $2,500 on a 16-foot truck from 1990 to replace the personal staff vehicle they had been using. Staff converted it into a makeshift mobile library, painting it themselves and putting in $15,000 for repairs.
What began as a modest endeavor quickly gained momentum. The WOW Bus became a symbol of access, bringing the joy of reading to 89 stops across the County. Its impact has been profound, visiting outreach events, preschools, fairs, low-income communities, and every daycare in the community within the first two months. With over 4,000 checkouts and 14,000 attendees within the first nine months, WOW Bus has far surpassed initial expectations. The success of the WOW Bus not only reaffirmed the library's relevance but also forged stronger ties with the community, granting the library a seat at the table in community discussions and initiatives.
Furthermore, strategic planning paved the way for partnerships and grants that catalyzed growth. The Jennings County Community Foundation (JCCF) became aware of the library’s efforts and requested a copy of the library’s strategic plan for their database, so that when grants became available, they would be able to match the grantors with the library.
Enter the Lilly Endowment’s Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow, which offers community foundations funding opportunities. The goals are to 1) grow financial resources to promote long-term viability and sustainability; 2) further strengthen leadership capabilities; and 3) develop and implement strategic programs, projects and initiatives that enhance communities’ quality of life. This seemed like a perfect opportunity for JCCF, which is now considering a grant application for $300,000 for a new bookmobile for the library.
Satellite Branch
Jennings County Community Foundation was not the only organization to take notice of the library’s strategic plan. The library is situated in the town of North Vernon, but the smaller town of Vernon does not have a physical library location. The mayor of Vernon was very impressed with the library’s strategic plan and asked the library to partner with the town to have a satellite branch in Vernon. The Town of Vernon would provide 800 square feet in an old schoolhouse. The location is walkable with basketball courts and soccer fields nearby. The Library would furnish and staff the branch.
Abplanalp convinced the Library Board that the partnership was a good fit and a natural outgrowth of the strategic plan. Abplanalp then went to the Vernon Town Council and got their approval. The satellite branch will open in December, initially offering 12 hours a week with the possibility for growth. There will be a program room as well as a kitchen for the library’s Kids in the Kitchen program.
As further evidence of community support, JCCF is also considering asking the Lilly Endowment for $125,000 to furnish the Vernon satellite branch. The acquisition of a satellite space in an old schoolhouse, coupled with innovative programs like Kids in the Kitchen, underscored the library's commitment to holistic community development. Abplanalp credits ReThinking Libraries with their assistance in developing a plan for the branch to submit for the grant application.
eSports
Teen Playing eSports at the Jennings County Library
Another example of the library’s ability to adapt to community needs is their new eSports program. Teens in the community requested eSports as part of the community feedback. The library has purchased computers and set up afterschool programs for kids from 6th-12th grades. Working together with the high school librarian, teens will be bussed to the library after school to participate in an eSports team, competing against other teams regionally.
“There wasn’t a model for eSports in the public library,” said Abplanalp. “We’re basically creating the program from scratch, partnering with the high school and the teens themselves to get feedback and tweak as we go. This is just another example of a great program that we couldn’t have accomplished without the fresh ideas we got from the planning process.”
The Power of Collaboration and Vision
Central to the success of the Jennings County Library's strategic plan was the collaboration between leadership, staff, and the community. Abplanalp acknowledges the unwavering support of her team and board, whose dedication and adaptability propelled the library forward. Together, they navigated challenges, embraced new ideas, and celebrated milestones, all while staying true to their mission of empowering and enriching lives through literacy and learning.
The strategic plan not only served as a roadmap for action but also instilled confidence and resilience within the organization. As Abplanalp reflects on their journey, she recognizes the transformative power of strategic planning and the invaluable role of consultants like RTL. Their ability to inspire fresh ideas, engage diverse perspectives, and streamline the planning process was instrumental in the library's success.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
As Jennings County Public Library continues to evolve and expand its services, its journey serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for libraries nationwide. By embracing change, fostering partnerships, and prioritizing community engagement, they have redefined what it means to be a modern library in the 21st century.
The story of Jennings County Public Library is a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and strategic planning. It exemplifies how, even in the face of adversity, libraries can thrive and remain vital pillars of their communities. As they forge ahead into the future, one thing remains certain: Jennings County Public Library will continue to empower, inspire, and uplift their community.
