Navigating Change and Building Connections: Insights from Mount Prospect Public Library

It’s no secret that libraries, like so many institutions, have experienced a seismic shift over the past few years. For Mount Prospect Public Library (MPPL) in the Chicago suburbs, these changes provided an opportunity to reimagine services and spaces to better serve a growing and diversifying community. Su Reynders, the Executive Director of MPPL, shared insights on her library’s transformative journey.

A Diverse Community with Evolving Needs

Mount Prospect, a suburb with 55,000 residents, possesses a middle- and upper-middle-class demographic. According to Reynders, the library has observed a trend of demographic shifts, including  new immigrants from Eastern Europe. “We’re really seeing our community change,” Reynders notes, “and our services have to reflect these changes. We can’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions anymore.”  The library’s planning process involved deep community engagement, particularly as it looked to balance traditional library services with new, more targeted offerings.

Planning During a Pandemic

Though Reynders initially aimed to begin a strategic planning process shortly after she assumed her role in 2019, the pandemic delayed those efforts. Instead, she found herself addressing the unexpected challenge of navigating a library’s role in a post-pandemic environment. This meant managing polarized opinions on public health measures like masks and vaccines and ensuring that the library maintained its commitment to safety while balancing community expectations.

“The pandemic brought a lot of challenges. Libraries were being pulled into the middle of these intense debates about public health, which was difficult because our mission is rooted in serving all parts of the community. But at MPPL we felt a responsibility to keep people safe and healthy, and that became part of our guiding principle,” Reynders reflects.

With these challenges in mind, the library’s strategic planning became not just about expanding services but about addressing broader community concerns and preparing for a new phase of library service.

Physical and Digital Revitalization: A Plan in Phases

After much planning, the Mount Prospect Public Library set out to create a multi-year, phased approach to revitalizing both physical and digital spaces. They began with a master facility plan in collaboration with an architect, an effort aimed at modernizing the nearly 20-year-old building. The renovation project is being rolled out in three stages:

• Phase One included an expanded lobby space designed to highlight the library’s growing Library of Things and Lucky Day collections. It also addressed staff and internal circulation spaces, streamlining back-end processes to accommodate Automated Materials Handling (AMH) as the library became part of a catalog consortium.

• Phase Two is reimagining the adult and teen areas on the second floor, introducing flexible spaces that can adapt to future needs.

• Phase Three will revitalize the first floor, improving the youth space, creating a dedicated café, and potentially adding a makerspace.

Expanding Access with a New Consortium and Digital Offerings

One of the most transformative initiatives at MPPL has been its decision to join the CCS catalog consortium. “Our first day live with the consortium was an eye-opener,” Reynders recounts. “Over 600 items arrived for our patrons from other libraries, materials that would have taken weeks to get through interlibrary loan in the past.” Not only has the consortium improved access for patrons, but it has also pushed the library to rethink and refine its own internal processes to manage the increased volume of materials.

In addition to joining the consortium, MPPL has invested heavily in electronic resources to meet the increasing demand for digital materials. The library has expanded its budget for services like Overdrive Advantage, Hoopla, and Kanopy, enabling patrons to access a broader range of digital content. Additionally, the library has introduced a “library of things,” collection that allows patrons to borrow various non-traditional items, from board games and puzzles to cake pans and digital cameras. Reynders notes, “Our electronic circulation has gone through the roof. People are using these resources at unprecedented levels, and we’re thrilled to be able to support that demand.”

Innovations and Community-Centric Services

Looking ahead, Reynders and her team are excited about the introduction of citizen services, such as the ability to renew license plate stickers and access notary services. This community-centric approach aligns with the library’s evolving role as a central resource hub for Mount Prospect. “For some residents, these services might be small conveniences, but for others, it makes a huge difference,” Reynders points out.

A significant focus is also being placed on enhancing services at the South Branch, specifically tailored to the large Spanish-speaking population in that area. The branch is in a strip mall and shares space with the Human Services Department of the Village of Mount Prospect.  MPPL and the Village are in discussions about expanding the space.  With plans for physical expansion in the pipeline, Reynders is hopeful about the potential for this part of the library’s service footprint. “We want everyone in our community to feel that this library belongs to them, and we believe a South Branch expansion would help accomplish that,” she says.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

Reflecting on the progress so far, Reynders credits much of the library’s success to the deliberate and thoughtful planning process that allowed the library to take the pulse of the community and staff. “It’s incredible to see how much our staff satisfaction has grown alongside our increased circulation and program attendance,” she shares. “It really shows how critical the strategic planning process was to help us align our services and spaces with the needs of our patrons.”

As the library continues implementing its vision, Reynders remains enthusiastic about future possibilities. From expanding the South Branch to investigating a makerspace and improving digital access, MPPL is set to offer a blend of traditional and innovative services that meet a diverse community’s needs.

In the words of Reynders herself, “Our mission is not just about books. It’s about connections, about meeting people where they are, and ensuring that everyone finds a place here.” This approach is what will undoubtedly keep MPPL at the heart of its community for years to come.

Through these initiatives, the 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. For many staff working in libraries, MPPL’s experience serves as a powerful reminder that strategic planning and community connection are essential tools in building libraries that truly resonate with those we serve.