Mason County District Library Harnesses Strategic Planning to Strengthen Community Bonds

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. 

The Library's journey began with a recognition of the lingering discord stemming from its consolidation in the mid-1990s, which merged a county library and a city library into a district. Library Director Eric Smith candidly acknowledged the persistence of "hard feelings" and the need to navigate past disagreements to forge a unified vision moving forward. With the assistance of consultants from ReThinking Libraries (RTL), the library embarked on a comprehensive strategic planning endeavor, moving beyond the constraints of outdated perceptions and charting a new course grounded in collaboration and forward-thinking.

Reflecting on the process, Smith emphasized the significance of revisiting foundational documents such as the mission, vision, and values, acknowledging the need for realignment with contemporary realities and aspirations. Moreover, the strategic planning process facilitated the refinement of internal mechanisms, including job descriptions, policies, and procedures, fostering a culture of professionalism and efficiency within the organization.

Reaching the Entire County

MCDL has initiated many efforts to create community cohesion. The Library embarked on a pioneering initiative, the Unbound program, aimed at bridging geographical divides and extending its services to underserved communities in the eastern end of the county. Both library buildings are on western end of the county, close to the lakeshore.  To visit the public library, school kids have to be bussed in.  So they launched the Unbound Program to send books to classrooms, so students don’t have to come to the public library. 

To get schools to participate, they promoted access to the library catalog.  Teachers and school librarians build time into their day to help kids make requests.  The Library delivers materials to the schools, which then go to the classrooms.  Students can take materials home, then return them to school.  This is a huge step for students, who wouldn’t otherwise be able to bring books back after visiting on a bus trip.  Director Smith notes, “It takes some effort to develop the relationship with the schools, especially when there is turnover each year and you have to start all over.  Programs like this succeed because individuals champion it.  By locating those individual teachers and school librarians who will promote the Unbound program, we’ve now been able to expand it to all four school districts in the county.”   

By establishing partnerships with local schools and deploying innovative delivery mechanisms, the Library transcended physical barriers and ensured equitable access to educational resources.

Promoting Civic Discourse

Central to the Library's ethos is the commitment to fostering informed discourse and civic engagement. As such, they’ve begun actively working on programs that provide a neutral platform for dialogue on contentious issues, inviting speakers of diverse perspectives to stimulate critical thinking and promote understanding. 

Two years ago, the Library did a program called “Shifting Landscapes,” where they invited speakers with impeccable credentials to speak on controversial topics.  For one program, they hosted a British professor to give his perspective on the U.S. Civil War.  He spoke about the use of the confederate flag in modern times.  As an outsider, he provided a fascinating perspective.  

For another program, they invited a psychology professor to talk about depression among men.  The professor talked about understanding toxic masculinity, which attendees found very eye-opening.  

This year, the Library launched a winter program called “Cairns and Beacons : Finding Our Way in a Post-Pandemic Society” to further encourage discussion and debate.  Cairns and Beacons hosts a professional speaker the first week, then a follow-up discussion the next week.  It lines up with a community need that libraries can fulfill: a place for information, critical thinking, and civic discourse.  People expect that opinions may differ, but this is a neutral environment to discuss those differing opinions. Topics included: The Supreme Court: Past and Present, What’s Ahead for the Republican Party?, What’s Ahead for the Democratic Party?, and Testing “Guaranteed Income” Ideas Right Here in Michigan. The topics have really struck home with residents.  Programs were recorded and are currently available online to watch.

These programs came about because a few staff members who were doing hugely successful book clubs wanted to capitalize on their success.  They secured the funding and collaborated with other libraries in the state to become satellite locations for these discussions.  The Michigan Humanities Council (MI Humanities), one of the program’s funders, was so impressed with the results that they sent two MCDL staffers to Washington, D.C. to attend national training on conducting community conversations.  MI Humanities is excited about starting a national dialogue, training others in how to host these discussions.  It shows that libraries can lead in civil discussions of controversial topics.  Smith said, “As director, I really can’t take credit for these programs. My job is to provide resources to staff and then get out of their way.”   

Initiatives like the "Shifting Landscapes" and "Cairns and Beacons" programs, accessible both in-person and online, serve as catalysts for community dialogue and collective introspection, reinforcing the Library's role as a bastion of intellectual exchange and social cohesion.

The success of these initiatives underscores the transformative potential of strategic planning coupled with visionary leadership. As Smith humbly acknowledges, the achievements are a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of the library staff, who have embraced their role as catalysts for positive change within the community. Moreover, the recognition garnered from organizations like the Michigan Humanities Council underscores the Library's stature as a trailblazer in promoting civil discourse and civic education on a national scale.

In essence, the Mason County District Library's journey shows the transformative power of a steadfast commitment to community engagement and innovation. As it continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing needs of its residents, the Library stands as a shining example of how collective vision and collaborative action can transcend boundaries and forge a more inclusive and vibrant community fabric.