Rebuilding and Reinventing: How West Haven Library is Transforming to Serve Its Community
At ReThinking Libraries (RTL), we love seeing libraries evolve to meet the changing needs of their communities. West Haven Library (WHL) in Connecticut is a perfect example of resilience, innovation, and strategic planning in action. When faced with a branch closure, significant budget cuts, and political challenges, the library didn’t just weather the storm—it took a proactive approach to shaping its future.
Executive Director Colleen Bailie has been with WHL for 17 years, and under her leadership, the library embarked on a strategic planning journey with RTL to ensure that the institution remained a vital resource for the 55,000 residents of this diverse, blue-collar city just outside New Haven.
Facing Challenges Head-On
Libraries are no strangers to funding battles and shifting political landscapes, and WHL found itself at a crossroads in 2020: $300,000 in city funding had been cut. To make matters worse, the Allingtown branch—a critical resource for one of the city’s lower-income neighborhoods—closed due to the sale of the city building the library occupied. The city council agreed to work with WHL on a feasibility study.
Despite these challenges, the library had strong support from its Board, which operates under the Village Improvement Association, a unique governance structure for a public library. This nonprofit status provided some flexibility in navigating financial and strategic decisions, but it was clear that the library needed a long-term plan. That’s where RTL came in.
Strategic Planning with RTL
West Haven Library partnered with RTL in the fall of 2020 to conduct a thorough strategic planning process. This wasn’t just a report written behind closed doors—it was an inclusive effort involving conversations with the library board, surveys and focus groups with the public, and meetings with the city council and Friends groups. The final document, spanning over 100 pages, provided not only a strategic vision but also a roadmap for action.
“One thing that became clear from the planning process was that we absolutely need to bring back the branch that closed,” Bailie explains. “Our main library and other branch just aren’t enough to serve that area.”
With that goal in mind, the library started looking for funding and property options to reestablish a presence in Allingtown. At the same time, they focused on making immediate improvements to their existing locations.
Creating a More Welcoming Space
Strategic plans only have value if they lead to real, tangible change—and WHL wasted no time in getting to work.
One of the library’s first priorities was improving its physical spaces. While a full renovation wasn’t in the budget, they found ways to brighten up the environment. They repainted the main library, replaced worn stair treads, improved traffic flow, and installed new signage to enhance wayfinding.
“We did as much as we could without a complete remodel,” says Bailie. “Sometimes small cosmetic changes can make a big difference in making the space more inviting.”
Expanding Outreach and Services
Recognizing that not everyone can make it into the library, WHL has significantly expanded its outreach efforts. Their bookmobile has become a critical tool for reaching residents at schools, senior centers, food pantries, farmers’ markets, and even the local Veterans’ Hospital. They’ve also diversified their marketing efforts to make sure more people know about the library’s services.
The library has also built strong partnerships with local organizations. They work closely with the West Haven Community House to provide storytimes for Head Start children, collaborate with the local adult education program to promote literacy, and have teamed up with nearby libraries to offer a digital navigator program that helps residents improve their tech skills.
West Haven Community House
On top of that, they’ve introduced innovative in-library services, such as:
Financial literacy workshops with a local bank
Drop-in DMV services for license renewals
Social work assistance twice a week to help unhoused individuals find stable housing
This level of community engagement has not gone unnoticed. “More people are realizing the library is a resource,” Bailie says. “Groups that never thought to collaborate with us before are now reaching out.”
Looking Toward the Future
While the library has made incredible progress, the biggest project still lies ahead: reopening a branch in Allingtown.
In 2021, the library secured land along with a state library construction grant, but the cost of new construction remains high. As a result, they’re exploring the option of purchasing and renovating an existing building instead. No matter what, Bailie is determined to restore a library presence in the neighborhood.
“One way or another, we hope to open a branch by the end of next year,” she says.
A Library That Listens and Leads
The West Haven Library story is a testament to the power of strategic planning, persistence, and community collaboration. Faced with significant challenges, the library didn’t just react—it set a course for the future and took action.
From physical improvements to expanded outreach and ambitious plans for a new branch, this library is proving that when you listen to your community and build strong partnerships, you can make a lasting impact.
At RTL, we’re proud to have been part of this journey and can’t wait to see what West Haven Library accomplishes next.
